I know that I said that collecting was dead and no more rare bikes would I buy. But hoarding it seems is fixed in my genes So call me a Benotto guy.
Recent acquisition; a Columbus Tubi Renforzati Benotto without a model designation. The frame is the classic Benotto champagne with decals similar to the late 70's model 3000 on the CR site. I'm a little confused as to it's age, though. Seller said early 80's. Braze ons are "more modern" than 1976, based on a comparison to the CR site bike and Sanson Team bikes seen in "A Sunday in Hell". By that I mean that this bike has brake cable braze ons and under bottom bracket cable guides which were lacking on the Sanson machines.
However, the Columbus sticker is the late 60's- early 70's gold foil sticker, and rear spacing is 120mm, indicating an older-than-1976 frame. Drop outs are short Campys.
Some questions for the list:
Did Benotto at one time prior to '76 indulge in more braze ons than they did in 1976?
Is there any way to distinguish the Benotto high end models?
Was the "old" foil Columbus sticker used after 1973?
When did Benotto production in Mexico start?
My latest collecting dementia is to acquire bikes from the film "A Sunday in Hell". I now have my PX-10 and my Benotto. My Raleigh Pro will have to do for a Team bike. Should I go for the Gios Torino next, or the Orange Merckx? And where will I get a Flandria? How many can we bring to the Cirque next year?
Tom Adams, delerious in Kansas City, but happy in my disease.