Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Bianchi Rekord 920

Bianchi Rekord

There was no such thing as workplace laws in Italy during the 1870s. Edoardo Bianchi was 8 years old when he started work, becoming an ironworker and eventually opening his own ‘Officina Meccanica’ (Machine Shop) near the center of old Milan at 20. From those humble beginnings, he developed what would become an international bicycle cult with the slogan: Passione Celeste.

Edoardo sold everything from stoves to surgical implements and weapons, but he was enamored with velocipedes and penny farthings. The first Bianchi bicycle was introduced in 1886, a seed of success sown in the fertile market of modern Italy’s early days. From steel frames to aluminum and carbon, from fixed drive trains to freewheels and derailleurs, Bianchi bicycles have been stylish innovators.

Bianchi’s Rekord occupies an essential era of cycling: Campagnolo were equal forerunners of style and engineering, when frames and riders were made of steel. The Rekord 746 heralded the 80s, the 848 was released during the middle of the decade and the 920 brought its close. This one, equipped with Campagnolo Victory, is proudly owned and ridden daily by Sorin Lupu, an artist from Bucharest.

Bianchi Rekord
Bianchi Rekord
Bianchi Rekord
Bianchi Rekord
Bianchi Rekord
Bianchi Rekord