I agree that the Legnano Gran Premio is a fine bike, or was up to some point later in the 60s when it was cheapened up a bit. The earlier ones have a heavier frame than the Roma but keep the proper Campagnolo dropouts and the same paint and chrome finish. The equipment is also pretty much the same except for the steel Legnano/Magistroni cranks (which were one of the things cheapened on later models) in place of Campagnolo Record -- pre-Record Romas actually seem to have the same steel cranks. My Gran Premio has slightly different equipment, but is original as far as I know - Campagnolo Record L/F hubs, Universal Extra brakes and Cinelli steel bars and stem (once badged, now with 2 redundant holes). This was a bona fide racing bike and a good one too, just not the lightest.
Hugh Thornton Cheshire, England
In a message dated 17/10/2006 04:51:38 GMT Standard Time, dmart84815@yahoo.com writes:
Hello Jack,
Was that Legnano that you were looking at a Gran Premio?
If so, its an excellent machine. I've owned an original 1960 Gran Premio for about 6 years now and I find it rides excellent. Its a combination of the relaxed frame geo. and the lightweight sew-up wheelset. Yeah.... it may not have the Campag crankset, pedals and post of the Mod Roma Olympico. What it does have harks back to the 40s and 50s... Magistroni, Sheffield, Italia--- charming and serviceable stuff, its what Bartali rode. In addition, you get Legnano branded Campag hubs and Ambrosio stem and bars. These bikes can represent a good value.
Regards, Dave Martinez Fremont Ca US of A
Carb7008@cs.com wrote: Seems there has lately been a spate of low-end bikes masquerading as better than they are. I found a Legnano that appears 60's (EExxxx) with chrome socks and headlugs, mix of Campy, Universal, Legnano/Magistroni cranks, etc., with the cool seat-lug clamp and warrior headbadge. Maybe I didn't eat my Wheaties that day but it felt doggone heavy and Sheldon's site said some of these were pretty to look at but made of drainpipe!
Hmmm, chroooommme, can anyone approximate year for me?
Jack Romans
Sacramento, CA