The old italian race bike with Campagnolo Paris-Roubaix drivetrain I mentioned before just arrived! It is in far better condition then expected and seems to be complete. While the frame itself is pretty rusty and needs a repaint, most components are in surprisingly good shape with only minimal rust. I'll provide pics later in the evening but here are some details:
- "D.Piemontesi" labeled frame and head badge. Size 55~56cm. White with chromed lugs and drop outs. No other labels. - Campagnolo Paris-Roubaix drivetrain with the shifting cage at the upper row of the chain. (older version? shifting = pedaling backwards?) 100% complete. - Campagnolo three piece hubs with steel body, four speed Regina freewheel - Campagnolo "toothed" drop outs with eyelets - "Piemontesi" engraved 3 arm cottered steel cranks, single chainwheel - Universal Extra brakes with quick release and drilled levers. - "Aquila" leather saddle - Nisi aluminium rims and unknown sew ups (in quite good condition but labels faded) - incorrect klunker pedals from the 70s - stem and handlebar (steel) unlabeled and too new looking, maybe also replaced in the 70s.
Did anybody ever heard of this brand? I know Piemontesi was a racer in the 30s, but that's all. I also need some help with setting up and adjusting the Paris-Roubaix gear. Is there a description somewhere? As mentioned it's different to the version of the 1951 Bianchi that is described at the Camponly website.
Next "problem" is, what should I do with it? It's far too small for me. I've some suggestions with increasing weirdness: 1. Offer it to the list? (=wailing 10 years later) 2. Sell it via eBay and give the money to "Dirk's Alex Singer Bill Fund"? 3. Try to restore it myself? (with questionable results) 4. Let it be restored by a specialist? (costly and where's the fun?) 5. Collect the parts and search a 1950 Bianchi frame of my size? (at least 62cm, hopeless) 6. Take the lugs and let the frame rebuilt in my size? :-)
Dirk
Dirk Feeken
Heidelberg
Germany