2

I bought a used fixed gear bike today and it's in great condition, lightweight and fast. I'm trying to figure out what model it is. It was sold to me as a Bianchi Pista Classica, but it's painted over in matte black so the decals are obscured. I scraped away some of the paint and it says VOLPE in large capital aqua letters on the side, however Bianchi Volpes do not come in fixed gear, and the frame is clearly a track frame.

one two three four five six seven

Here are some photos. If you can help ID this bike, that would be great. The serial number is H2B23331. I emailed Bianchi to see if they can help ID it too.

Photos also here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1l1KPmllv1MLXT3ojZYiV5zdA_1uWIZ8V?usp=sharing

Improve this question

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
2

Not definitive, but it all points to being one of the lugged Japanese Volpe years and has had a dropout conversion done to it.

The track ends aka dropouts look like they're for a bigger frame. That's why the seatstays are hitting at a weird angle. You wouldn't normally see that because frame manufacturers usually have different angle versions of their dropouts, or fixture things to hide it if not. It's not really a problem, it's probably fine. So the premise here is they're the track ends someone had available to use

enter image description here

The geometry doesn't look very track-ish. You could measure to get more clues but the tire clearance probably says enough. It's all a lot of inference, but why a bike with track ends would have everything else going on makes less sense.

Improve this answer
1
  • Great spotting on the dropout angles. OP might compare the welds/brazing there with other brazing elsewhere on the bike - they should be of similar quality and style. Given the lugs on the headset, I'd expect brazing. If the dropouts are welded in, its definitely a "combo"
    – Criggie ♦
    Jul 30, 2021 at 10:13
1

Nathan's answer is almost certainly correct and i'd like to expand it by pointing out that the Pista Classica has cheaper looking track ends than those brazed into your frame.

enter image description here

Your frame probably has some of the road features such as cable stops etc removed/filed off, part of the reason for the flat black paint.

At least it's still a Bianchi.

Further:

The Volpe should have cantilever brakes but yours must have had the bosses cut off and the not-quite ideal long reach calipers fitted.

enter image description here

Improve this answer
0

Looking at the frame, its not a track silhouette. The rear wheel is further back, the BB is high for a track bike, and the short headtube is less-able to transmit power from the arms.

I suspect the bike started life as a 630mm wheel, or maybe even a 635mm. At this time it looks like common 622mm wheels, which is okay because tyre selection is larger. There's a lot of space between the fork's crown and the rubber, which implies the frame is approximately 90s at the newest and could be older (though the short headtube looks more modern)

All in all, if the conversions and changes were done in a workmanlike fashion, then the bike should be safe to ride. I'd suggest you get someone knowledgeable to have a close look at the bike, and give it a close once-over to make sure all is well. Once that's done, have fun on your new bike.

Improve this answer
3
  • 1
    These bikes were always 622 to match the tubular size.
    – Noise
    Jul 30, 2021 at 20:13
  • @JoeK Excellent point there about tubulars - just noticed how much space there is under the fork... enough clearance to fit a 40-50mm tyre in there if one was so inclined.
    – Criggie ♦
    Jul 31, 2021 at 0:00
  • 1
    turns out the Volpe is a CX bike and should have cantilever bosses. Hence the very long reach nutted caliper brakes. What a butcher's job!
    – Noise
    Jul 31, 2021 at 18:31

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.