Suggestions for Circa 1980 Italian frame

[oliver1850]

A local guy is looking for something nice, Italian, built between 1977 and 1981 or so. He wants something a little bit unusual, so not a Bianchi or Colnago, and wants to use all clamp on components. Any suggestions for brands/models? I would think Cinelli and Ciocc, maybe Bottecchia, but don't know much about the era or specific models to search for. thanks.

[monkeybanana86]

Maybe you can find some ideas here:

http://classicrendezvous.com/Italy/Italy.html

[Wilkinson4]

My first race bike was a Ciocc so I would say that would be cool. Olmo would be a good option too.

mIKE

[bigflax925]

Don't forget Masi, although to go all clamps will probably have to be pre '77.

I have a '76 Gran Criterium that has clamps for the top tube brake cabl;e guides. The rest of the bikes has braze-ons.

I had an early 70's/late 60's Bottecchia that was pretty sharp. Full clamps and full chrome under an awfully thin base coat of paint.

[DY123]

1980, my first year of real cycling. I had a Bottecchia.

Though not as collectible as Masi's or Colnago's they are still pretty cool.

[Bob Loblaw]

Ping guygadois. He has an exquisite Biemmezetta he has been waffling over selling. Very uncommon and in outstanding shape. It's too small for him and he has been agonizing over it because it is such a neat bike.

BL

[ultraman6970]

Oliver, how big is the guy??

Depending on the size I could suggest maybe one of the original serotta's built by serotta, a couple of NOS colnagos and EM from that era... A masi made in italy... and other stuff I can't even remember but pretty much NOS.

[christian]

An early 1980s Grandis or Tomassini with Super Record has always been a bit of a dream for me. Don't know why specifically.

[JonB]

How about a Cinelli Supercorsa?

[oliver1850]

I questioned him on Merckx and other countries of origin, but he's stuck on Italian. I also think that full clamp on frames were getting scarce by the late 1970s, but he wants that as well. 59 x 57 is about right for him.

I wasn't sure when the Italian Masi era ended. Thanks for Biemmezetta and Grandis, two I've never even heard of. Olmo is good too. Any model names come to mind to narrow the search?

When did Basso start building? I know a little about the 1990s frames, but nothing about what they (or if they) built previous to circa 1988.

thanks for the suggestions

[Fixed]

De rosa or colnago
Cheers

[false_Aest]

ciocc

cuz most people don't know how to pronounce it and they'll end up thinking it has something to do with CCCP

[Wilkinson4]

ciocc

cuz most people don't know how to pronounce it and they'll end up thinking it has something to do with CCCP

There used to be a great site with an mp3 that had all the pronounciations

http://www.mappel.de/sound/bike_brands.mp3

Dead now:(

mIKE

[benitosan1972]

I vote for Olmo, Cinelli, De Rosa, Bottechia, Pinarello... actually they're all good.

What about Pogliaghi?

[oliver1850]

I always thought it was Choach....like roach

[benitosan1972]

Choach is how I say it

[oliver1850]

I vote for Olmo, Cinelli, De Rosa, Bottechia, Pinarello... actually they're all good.

What about Pogliaghi?

Good suggestion. I remember it as a Basso brand of the early 1990s, but the company started in 1947 and continued independently into the 1980s.

[Fixed]

I vote for Olmo, Cinelli, De Rosa, Bottechia, Pinarello... actually they're all good.

What about Pogliaghi?

actually they're all good.
+1
Cheers :)

[benitosan1972]

I don't think he can go wrong with anything Italian from this era.
His choice will be dictated by: budget, what's on the market, and finding his size... other than that, he will likely get a sweet bike... IMO, I'd go with something with ornate lugs, a cool headbadge, and a cool paintjob... hopefully he can find a survivor or trailer queen... don't get a repainted one, patina or beausage is great... he might have to cough up some cash to get one though, I wish you/him luck & the best... keep us posted!

P-O-G-L-I-A-G-H-I with fancy lugs!

[DrSpoke]

Take a look at Guerciotti as well. One memorable bike for me was a bike I built for a friend in a beautiful metallic orange color will Nuovo Record of course. It was while working in a shop around 1977. Another memorable bike was a customer's Colnago in a metallic irish green color. Beautiful bike.

[Daimyo]

Olmo or Casati would be early thoughts on my list.

[AgilisMerlin]

partial to Gios

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1kf83ifFNRo/Sb4zozqJeMI/AAAAAAAAA8o/t5DjXbQLx8g/s400/07+-+Gios+Super+Record+Pista.jpg

[witcombusa]

An early 1980s Grandis or Tomassini with Super Record has always been a bit of a dream for me. Don't know why specifically.

Grandis is a great lesser known maker. Here's a couple pix from a friends collection. A mid 70's frame and a late 70's Grandis "Super Leggero".

[gomango]

I also recommend a Grandis! Those above are beauties.

Another brand that I really dig is Zullo.

I've rolled through 4 of these over the years and a 1991 TVM is on my list.

Here are a few pics of my Sprint to help you a bit.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6032/5912164531_9b236b4ee7_o.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5032/5912165585_26e87a7ced_o.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6048/5912723878_02521a84b4_o.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5074/5912724120_5553ec19d3_o.jpg

[Fixed]

This is a treat for the eyes modern bikes are great but
There is something so sensual and beautiful in the bikes I fell in love with .
Thanks for posting

[bart998]

Don't forget Viner, Rossin, or of course Guerciotti!

Paolo Guerciotti outfitted the US road team that was racing in Italy and had all their bikes stolen.. When he heard about it, he provided all new bikes. Think it was about 1978.... been liking Guericiotti's ever since.

[oldpotatoe]

A local guy is looking for something nice, Italian, built between 1977 and 1981 or so. He wants something a little bit unusual, so not a Bianchi or Colnago, and wants to use all clamp on components. Any suggestions for brands/models? I would think Cinelli and Ciocc, maybe Bottecchia, but don't know much about the era or specific models to search for. thanks.

Have him look at ebay, 'vintage campagnolo'..just went there and there are LOT of vintage Italian frames right now.

[oliver1850]

thanks for all the suggestions and pics

How old's the Zullo?

Can anyone put a date on this Cinelli?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Cinelli-Unica-Frame-Fork-59cm-Campagnolo-MINT-/150839083163?pt=Road_Bikes&hash=item231eb5c09b

[texbike]

Can anyone put a date on this Cinelli?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Cinelli-Unica-Frame-Fork-59cm-Campagnolo-MINT-/150839083163?pt=Road_Bikes&hash=item231eb5c09b

I'm not sure that it is actually a Cinelli. Nice decal job though....

Regardless it is late 80s/early 90s (Cinelli "spoiler" bottom bracket shell and 130 rear spacing).

Texbike

[texbike]

Most clamp-ons had gone away by 1977. By then most bikes were using braze-ons for down tube shifters, bottle cages, and cable routing. Your friend may need to look for something from the early to mid 70s to find a bike that requires clamp-ons.

Two other names - Frejus and Legnano.

Texbike

[oliver1850]

Thanks. I overlooked the rear spacing. Serotta was using that BB shell in 1983 I think. I seem to be looking for myself now.....

How about this Losa?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOSA-Italian-vintage-Frameset-steel-Columbus-Cinelli-Campagnolo-Record-/251080966923?pt=Road_Bikes&hash=item3a7597830b

[texbike]

Serotta was using that BB shell in 1983 I think.

How about this Losa?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOSA-Italian-vintage-Frameset-steel-Columbus-Cinelli-Campagnolo-Record-/251080966923?pt=Road_Bikes&hash=item3a7597830b

Hmmm, I could be wrong, but I believe that the shell was introduced on the Cinelli Laser in 1983 and brought into mainstream production around 1987.

Cool Losa!

Texbike

[gomango]

thanks for all the suggestions and pics

How old's the Zullo?

Can anyone put a date on this Cinelli?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Cinelli-Unica-Frame-Fork-59cm-Campagnolo-MINT-/150839083163?pt=Road_Bikes&hash=item231eb5c09b

I chatted with Tiziano Zullo about this at NAHBS in Austin.

Maybe 81 ish or so.

Maybe a little later.

Heck, my Italian is so bad though, he may have said 1931. :)

[oliver1850]

Tex, I think you are right about the BB shell. It's not the one I was thinking of.

Grady, thanks for the year info.

After 2 hours of ebay searching, I didn't find anything that fit the requirements (but I did bid on a couple for myself). Everything was either too small, not in good condition, or had full braze ons. I really think most builders had switched to braze ons in this era. Maybe I should be looking for 1960s frames.

[oliver1850]

gomango got me interested enough to look up Zullo. They have a beautiful SL frame called "Vintage". Thought some of you might like to take a look. Their other frames might be worth a look as well.

http://picasaweb.google.com/zullo.maso/VintageZULLO#

[RonW87]

You might look at Pelizolli (the guy who used to build Ciocc):

http://www.pelizzoliworld.com/

He builds custom frames and presumably you can order one without braze-ons.

Ron

[gomango]

gomango got me interested enough to look up Zullo. They have a beautiful SL frame called "Vintage". Thought some of you might like to take a look. Their other frames might be worth a look as well.

http://picasaweb.google.com/zullo.maso/VintageZULLO#

....and while we are at it, check out this little number.

A 1978 Zullo Special.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KUASo35VIFo/S_ReRUP9p_I/AAAAAAAAKBg/Oe_63XScKpI/s1024/DSC_9354.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6HL28KEcxec/S_ReW4uz56I/AAAAAAAAKBo/tLXEUgj13_g/s1024/DSC_9350.JPG

More pics of the restoration process.

https://picasaweb.google.com/zullo.maso/1STMODELZULLOSPECIAL1978#5471250579155253586

I really am a big fan of his work.

Not mine, but I'll find one eventually.

[mtechnica]

Most clamp-ons had gone away by 1977. By then most bikes were using braze-ons for down tube shifters, bottle cages, and cable routing. Your friend may need to look for something from the early to mid 70s to find a bike that requires clamp-ons.

Two other names - Frejus and Legnano.

Texbike

+1

Not likely to find anything good from that time period that has no braze ons.

[christian]

Ok, Zullo's headbadge is GREAT! Suddenly, I want a Zullo.

[redir]

I always thought it was Choach....like roach

I'm pretty sure it is.

I've got an '82 Guerciotti. Not the most collectable but a really great looking and riding bike.

Like others have mentioned, you will need to go early to mid 70's since braze on cable guides were popular after that.

The Zullo's are beautiful but personally I'd go for a De Rosa or a Gios.

[gomango]

I'm pretty sure it is.

I've got an '82 Guerciotti. Not the most collectable but a really great looking and riding bike.

Like others have mentioned, you will need to go early to mid 70's since braze on cable guides were popular after that.

The Zullo's are beautiful but personally I'd go for a De Rosa or a Gios.

I have two De Rosas atm and my wife has one as well.

A Professional SLX and a Giro 'd Italia ELOS.

My wife has a Primato.

My Zullo Sprint is just as sweet in the handling department, but it was a fraction of the price of the SLX.

Nice to have a little Italian variety in own's life.

Frame details on the Zullo are nice as well, quite understated.

[christian]

gomango - those Zullos are fantastic. Just the right little details on the frame, but still all-business Italian race bike. Really like them!

[gomango]

gomango - those Zullos are fantastic. Just the right little details on the frame, but still all-business Italian race bike. Really like them!

Thank you.

Can't take credit for the orange Special though.

However, I did a full restoration on a Special three years ago for a friend.

Orange like that one, but the frame was a tad rougher.

Turned out pretty well and it is still one of his favorite steel rides.

My red Sprint Is the one I compared to my De Rosa SLX.

They certainly don't compare to an ELOS frameset, but not much does.

[neaux]

Timely tread to pull me out of lurking. Can I get some opinions on this please?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400306224694?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

[witcombusa]

[QUOTE=neaux;1164571]Timely tread to pull me out of lurking. Can I get some opinions on this please?
QUOTE]

THAT is a small frame!

[choke]

Timely tread to pull me out of lurking. Can I get some opinions on this please? Given the non-Campy dropouts and the seatpost size (I can't help but wonder if the 26.6 isn't a typo - 26.8 makes much more sense) I'd guess that's Cromor or Aelle rather than SL tubing. That's not necessarily bad but frames made with that tubing typically sell for less than a SL frame. The Olmo fork obviously lessens the price as well, even though it's no doubt a decent fork it doesn't match. I'd also guess that's a late 80s model rather than early 80s.

[neaux]

Given the non-Campy dropouts and the seatpost size (I can't help but wonder if the 26.6 isn't a typo - 26.8 makes much more sense) I'd guess that's Cromor or Aelle rather than SL tubing. That's not necessarily bad but frames made with that tubing typically sell for less than a SL frame. The Olmo fork obviously lessens the price as well, even though it's no doubt a decent fork it doesn't match. I'd also guess that's a late 80s model rather than early 80s.

Thanks, that was just the stuff I wanting details on.

[cnighbor1]

woodrups are a good idea built just a few miles west of rome (england)

[slowgoing]

Not Italian, but I do remember some Austro Daimler Reynolds 531 framesets that required clamp-on downtube shifters.

Here is an example:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Austro-Daimler-Puch-SLE-12-speed-road-bicycle-/110908343265?pt=Road_Bikes&hash=item19d2a703e1

Good luck with your search.

[oliver1850]

Given the non-Campy dropouts and the seatpost size (I can't help but wonder if the 26.6 isn't a typo - 26.8 makes much more sense) I'd guess that's Cromor or Aelle rather than SL tubing. That's not necessarily bad but frames made with that tubing typically sell for less than a SL frame. The Olmo fork obviously lessens the price as well, even though it's no doubt a decent fork it doesn't match. I'd also guess that's a late 80s model rather than early 80s.

I agree with this, except Cromor is 27.2 also. The only difference between it and SL is that its walls are .1mm thicker in the middle of the tubes. The Ciocc may not even be Columbus. I think there were some Reynolds tubesets that used 26.6 seatpost, but agree 26.8 is more common.

[bluesea]

My first italian frame was a '76 Super Corsa, which all this time I thought was the last year before Cino sold the brand.