Searching for My Perfect Bike

I responded to a Craig's List ad this past week to get more information on a "Women's Bianchi" for 15.00. As with some of these ads, they do not include a thorough description. The image was enticing, displaying a red Mixte bike with thumbshifters and cantilever brakes, but it was also an unclear photo taken from a distance. The seller lived 30 miles away, so instead of immediately going to look at it I requested more information. A 15.00 bike could be a rust bucket, or old and of little value to the seller, or even stolen (thus the cheap price). I am usually leery of this type of situation, but the seller was forthcoming and provided the year it was purchased-1990-and even the serial number, along with directions to his house.

I researched the model: a 1990 Bianchi Avalanche. There is not much information on this style. The bike is a quasi Mixte - it does not have twin lateral top tubes that meet at the rear axle - but is one top tube that connects with lugs to the seat tube. From there two separate seat stays go to the rear axle. It was not what I had expected, yet the lug work was still attractive. Here is a black version of the bike:

Photo credit: socialbicycles.com

I decided to go look at the Bianchi over the Halloween weekend. The frame appeared small for me but I would have to see it to confirm it either way. On Friday I noticed the listing was removed from Craig's List and I checked with the seller that it was gone.

I was mildly disappointed. It would have been nice to check out this style of bike. Because of the Bianchi's chromoly frame I know the weight would be lighter than my Ross. As much as I love the Mixte style what really matters to me is that it's a step through frame, without toe overlap, lightweight, low gearing, can accommodate racks and fenders, will have multiple positioned handlebars - I prefer mustache type. I do not mind working on this bike, or swapping out the Ross's parts. My perfect bike will be one that I can use on a multi-day bike tour. It's also one that I can ride in my later years when these bones can't move as quickly. One thing is for sure: my perception of the ultimate bike is ever-evolving.