Wow, this is cool to see a whole list of people like me who are into "vintage" bikes. Except that for me I don't consider them as vintage, it's just my stuff that I've had for a long time (makes me feel very old).
Anyway, some of this old stuff has been in storage far too long. Can anyone recommend a shop in the Houston (or Austin), Texas area that can bring my old Coppi back to running condition? It needs a tear down and relube and readjust everything, but everything should be there. Originally it had tubular rims, then I put together a pair of 700C clincher wheels so I wouldn't spend a fortune on tubies (still have the tubular wheels).
I bought the Coppi from Al Stiller's Sauganash Cyclery in Chicago, around 1973. All Campagnolo except for Universal brakes; I later added Campagnolo brakes when they came out. My cycling buddy at the time thought it might have been built by Cinelli (though the frame wasn't as nice as his Cinelli), later I thought it might have been built by Bianchi.
I would like to get it cosmetically cleaned up too, maybe repainted. But then what about stickers? The original "Coppi" lettering has pretty well disintegrated by now. Still has the Columbus tubing and Al's sticker on it.
I haven't ridden for years. I just can't get excited about a lot of this new stuff that I see. But I might see my way to getting new mid-range Bianchi.
Thanks for any directions to shops (I have no: time, interest, energy, or ability any more to do this myself).
cheers!
tom@codeware.com