BIANCHI Mercatone Uno ”Pantani 1998” – SOLD

Marco Pantani (13 January 1970 – 14 February 2004) widely considered as one of the best climbers of his era in professional road bicycle racing. He won both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France and in 1998, is the last cyclist, and one of only seven, to win the Giro and the Tour in the same year. Pantani’s attacking style and aggressive riding turned him into a fan favorite in the late 1990s. He was known as “Il Pirata” (“The pirate”) because of his shaved head and the bandana and earrings he always wore.  At 1.72 m and 57 kg, he had the classic build for a mountain climber.

Bianchi’s Reparto Corse (Bianchi’s Race Department) facility hand built frames for their top riders and of course Marco Pantani was one of them riding for Mercatone Uno sponsored by Bianchi. Their top model Mega Pro was made of lightweight double-butted alloy shaped  tubeset. Aluminum was the material of choice back then, even his biggets rivals rode full carbon bikes.

Proudly presenting this iconic machine, similar as used by Marco Pantani on his way to winning Giro d’Italia and Tour de France back in 1998. The frame is shinning in beautiful mix of Bianchi and Mercatone Uno paintjob, build with Campagnolo Record 9s Titanium groupset, Campagnolo Shamal 12 hpw Titanium wheels, Titanium parts like seatpost and bottle cage, Pantani’s personalized Selle Italia Flite titanium saddle, Time Equipe Mag pedals, so all exact components as used by Pantani  back in 1998. The cherries on the top of the cake are left down-tube shifter (same as used by Pantani) and number plate 21, ( same number was used by Pantani at the  Tour de France 1998).

Unique chance for all Pantani fans to get this amazing replica.

Frame / Fork: Bianchi Mega Pro Mercatone Uno

Size:

-seat tube (c-t): 57,5 cm

-top tube (c-c):  56 cm

-headset tube:  13,4 cm

-standover:  80 cm

Crankset: Campagnolo Record 9s (170mm 53/39)

Rear Derailleur: Campagnolo Record Titanium 9s

Front Derailleur: Campagnolo Record 9s

Brake Levers / Shifters: Campagnolo Record 9s

Brakes: Campagnolo Record

Wheelset: Campagnolo Shamal 12HPW Titanium

Pedals: Time Equipe Mag

Stem: ITM 120mm

Seatpost: Titanium (27,2mm)

Seat: Selle Italia Flite ”Il Pirata”

Tires: Vittoria Open Corsa CX

Bottle cage: titanium

Watter bottle: Mercatone Uno

Handlebar tape: Bianchi cork (original)

Computer: Cateye

Year: 1998

Condition: Used, but good condition. The frame has no cracks, no dents and is not bent. Some signs of normal use. All parts are working fine.

Price: SOLD (October 2017)