Steven Maasland wrote:
>
> Mark Bulgier asked:
>
> "My questions are, what other Bianchi models used this Campy headset
> like
> my Specialissima? Did the classic Folgore have a Campy, or a V-groove,
> or something else entirely? How about the Campione del Mondo,
> Paris-Roubaix, others? "
>
> I know that it is my present auction for one of these headsets that has
> brought Mark's question to fore:
> http://ebay.com/
>
> I have taken apart three headsets to check: one from a 1930's Bianchi
> roadster and it is like the V groove that you describe. I then checked a
> 1940 Folgore, it too has the V groove version. I then checked a 1952
> Paris Roubaix and it too had the v groove version. This is, in fact, the
> same headset that I have seen fitted to all the Bianchi bikes that I
> have ever worked on. This also corresponds to the headset that you can
> find in the early 50's Bozzi catalog that Chuck sells copies of (See
> pages 234 and 235). In the Bozzi catalog, all headset with integrated
> frame cups are euphemistically labeled 'B' type headsets and there are 6
> models shown: a Way Asauto brand version with V groove for children's
> bikes, an eco brand version with V groove (apparently this was the one
> that was used for Bianchi), an eco brand version with V groove for
> Gloria bikes, an Eco brand version with cone and cup and 10-sided wrench
> cut outside (hence not at all similar to Bianchi), a Way Asauto branded
> V groove version for Maino bikes and lastly, a Maiocchi brand V groove
> version for Gloria bikes. It should be noted that the two insert frame
> races are of differing thicknesses, and should you interchange them,
> your headset will not run smooth.
>
> I have always been under the impression that Bianchi only used one model
> headset, but after reading Mark's description, I now know this not to be
> the case. I do not have a Specialissima or a Campione del Mondo to
> verify. I suppose this means that I must make an addition to the auction
> description.
>
> Steven Maasland
> Moorestown, NJ
Campagnolo's first headset, the Gran Sport, shows up for the first time in the 1960 Catalog #14. The three pre-1960 Bianchi I have, a '39, '50 Folgorissima and a '54 Campione del Mondo all have the V groove version. I'd guess that the Bianchi cup and cone headset made by Campagnolo is for Bianchi's best bikes after 1960. My Bianchi Competition (third model[?] from the top) from the mid-60s also uses the V groove version.
Someone recently posted that the Bianchi's integral headset (races fitted into recesses in the headlugs) was last used in 1973? Can someone confirm?
Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California
.