Personally, I disagree with the statement "Also probably why they weren't highly regarded or sought after." I consider them extremely sought after and collectable, even if they were faulty. I have a few, and, unfortunately, the one thing I do observe is how easily the steel tube dents. All of mine have some sort of dent/crease in them. However, damage is most often attributable to crashes or improper usage. My take on the collectability of many Campy components is: It sometimes does not matter if the component was a "success" in the marketplace when it was a current product. Once a certain amount of time goes by (?), the collectability issue of said component, is measured by many other factors. Sometimes, the fact that the component wasn't successful (monetarily or mechanically), adds to the collectability. In a company so renown for their quality and innovation, a rare "mistake" might actually propel such a component into a most sought after collectable later down the road It happens in so many areas of collecting. The company ceases production, leading to much smaller quantities remaining in existence. Off the top of my head, some Campy items that were not considered "successful", but are now very collectable are: The steel sp, 1st ED. Delta calipers, chain hanger assemblies, Electa steel & Ti saddles. I'm sure there are other examples you guys can think of. I will even go out on a limb and say the SGR pedals will be collectable soon. Just my opinion.
Marc Boral
Chuck Schmidt wrote:
> Earliest referrence I have seen to the steel Campagnolo seat post was
> the 1956 TdF. There was kind of a "real world" recall of the steel
> post because they had a propensity to crack at the tube to head joint.
> Probably why they are rare. Also probably why they weren't highly
> regarded or sought after.
>
> Chuck Schmidt
> South Pasadena, California
> http://www.velo-retro.com (Campagnolo Timeline)
>
> Mark A. Perkins wrote:
> >
> > Hillary, and fellow bike lovers:
> >
> > I have been aware of the parts that you speak of since the late 70's.
> > However, a few years back I came across a genuine Campagnolo, steel, seat
> > post, with a well broken in and cared for Brooks saddle mounted on it .
> > It (the seat post) is very much like the Record aluminum posts which we
> > are all very familiar with. It has the same type of micro-adjusting
> > mechanism as the Record post, but all of the parts are made from steel
> > and chrome plated. The major difference is that the upper portion of the
> > post (which the rail supports and top clamps attach to), is much narrower
> > than the Record aluminum post, and if my memory serves me correctly the
> > slot down the middle where the bolts go through is open to the rear. I
> > have never seen any literature on this post, but I have seen others
> > exactly like it. I have no idea what years it was available, or what
> > it's part number or group designation is, but it is definitely a
> > chrome-plated, steel, micro-adjusting, Campy seat post, made specifically
> > for the earlier, narrow-railed, leather saddles.
> >
> > The saddle is very interesting too. It has, from front to back, narrow
> > to wide, stepped spacing between the chrome rails. It is by far the
> > softest leather saddle I have ever owned, and I have actually ridden on
> > it on one of my Bianchi's. The shop owner who had actually originally
> > sold both of my '59 Bianchi "Competizione"('s) told me that the saddle
> > and post were not correct for the bikes, but was of the same approximate
> > vintage (give or take a few years). He also noticed that the post was
> > .2mm too small for the frame. I then told him that I had taken the
> > original Brooks "Swallow" off temporarily so that I could try the other
> > saddle and post out.
> >
> > At the present time, this saddle and post combo is in storage (along with
> > 75% of my bike collection), so I can't take a photo to send to the group.
> > However, the very next time I am able to do so, I will retrieve it and
> > take a photo to send along for all to see. It shouldn't be all that
> > uncommon though. But I have only been involved with cycling since the
> > mid-60's, so what do I know.
> >
> > If anyone else out there has one of these posts please speak up. I can't
> > believe that this post is such a rare item. Although I have only seen 2
> > or 3 of them myself.
> >
> > That's all that I have learned about these narrow-railed saddles and
> > posts, and I would like to know more.
> >
> > Happy Cycling All! - "Bicycle Mark" Perkins