BIANCHI Folgore Campagnolo Cambio Corsa 57cm (1948) – SOLD

Bianchi is the world’s oldest bicycle-making company still in existence, founded in 1885 by Eduardo Bianchi in Milan, Italy. No doubt, Bianchi is the pioneer of bicycle development since the beginning:

-In 1885 Bianchi  pioneered the use of equal-sized wheels with pneumatic rubber tires;

-Edoardo Bianchi designed first lady bike in 1895 and it was made for Queen Margaret;

-The Bianchi reputation began when the company sponsored Giovanni Tommasello, the winner of the Grand Prix de Paris in 1899, which evolves into Tour de France;

-Bianchi presented the first bicycle ever featuring a cardan joint transmission in 1901;

-They invented the front brake system in 1913;

-In 1914 Bianchi was a famous and reputed manufacturer: in just one year, production settled on extraordinary figures: 45.000 bicycles, 1.500 motorbikes and 1000 cars;

-In 1915, Bianchi produced a bike for the Army, equipped with wide-section tyres, folding frame and suspensions on both wheels.

Back in early 1940s, Tulio Campagnolo stood on a cold mountain top, and couldn’t unscrew the wing nuts on the rear wheel of his bike because his fingers were frozen. He enhanced his products while constantly seeking cutting-edge solutions. He invented the quick release hub and revolutionary gearing system called Campagnolo Cambio Corsa called also Campagnolo ”due leve” (two lewers) gearing system. To change gear the rider would:

-Reach back to the seat-stay and turn the higher mounted lever to release the rear wheel (The lever was in effect a extended quick release).

-Back pedal.

-The lower  lever with a cage mounted over the chain is enabling the rider to select the sprocket he wanted by turning the lever.

-Once the chain was engaged on the correct sprocket the rider would stop backpedaling and turn the higher lever back to it’s locked position. This action would lock the wheel and release the changing fork.

-The rider could then pedal forward again and go on his merry way.

Proudly presenting another extremelly rare milestone to the bike collectors worldwide – Bianchi Folgore Cambio Corsa which dates back to 1948, thanks to special Bianchi vintage bike register. The ”Folgore” was Bianchi’s top of the line racing bike from late 1930s till 1949. Extraordinary details of the steel frame makes you understand that Edoardo Bianchi was a medical tool engineer, before he started with bike manufacturing. The details like integrated headset, bottom bracket oil braze-on and top tube mounted seat post clamp with serial number underneath  illustrate the painstaking work done in his factory. Equiped with very first Campagnolo gearing system – Campagnolo Camb io Corsa ”due leve”, original Bianchi cranks, Bianchi hubs, Bianchi pedals, NiSi rims, Universal 36166 brakes and levers, original Ambrosio Champiom stem, special seat tube can for lubrication of the chain… A work of art.

Fausto Coppi

With this milestone you can get an incredible experience how cycling heroes rode back in the golden era of cycling history or just to get a lot of attention at any historic cycling events. Very similar bike was ridden by Fausto Coppi back in late 1940s.

Extraordinay piece for any vintage bike collector. A real jewel. Eroica ready.

Frame & Fork: Bianchi Folgore, steel (No. B218884)

Size:

– seat tube (c-t): 57 cm

– top tube (c-c): 57,5 cm

– headset tube: 12,4 cm

– standover: 79,3 cm

Gearing system: Campagnolo Cambio Corsa ”Due leve”

Crankset: Bianchi, original

Brake levers: Universal 36166

Brakes: Universal 36166

Headset: Bianchi integrated

Hubs: Bianchi

Rims: NiSi Moncalieri

Cassette: Regina Fulgur

Stem: Ambrosio, steel (85mm)

Saddle: Bianchi, leather

Pedals: Bianchi

Tubulars: Vittoria Rally

Cabel holder: REG

Water bottle cage and bottle: Metal (new)

Handlebar Tape: cloth (new)

Air pump: Silca

Condition: The frame has been completely restored, rechromed, refubrished. All parts are in amazing condition. It looks like it just came out of the factory.

Year: 1948

Price: SOLD (June 2019)

* Worldwide shipping available. Due to copyright reasons the photos are in lower resolution and marked with watermark. If you are interested in buying, have any questions or would like to request a full HD photo album of the bike please feel free to contact us.