Thanks to Pat Moffat in Tempe, I'm now the owner of an Italian road bike frame, a Taurus. It has a serial number on the top of the seat post, a star and then 1740B, and beneath the bottom bracket, 58879. It has chrome cut out lugs. The seat tube is 58cm. It has no braze-ons, chrome campy dropouts, drilled for a rear derailleur. Fender eyelets front and back. Since the bike has been repainted, we know it's a Taurus from the owner, but our best age estimate is mid 50's. Although it has been reparted when Pat picked it up, he got a Magistroni crank and headset with it. I am not sure what would have been appropriate parts-wise. Here are some questions.
Would the wheels have been 27" or 700? I stuck some cheap 27's on them and it looks appropriate. What options for wheels do I have if I want to stay age appropriate? Brakes...what options do I have? It came with a Cinelli steel stem and bars...any options there, as I need a stem and bars? I got a Campy grand sport and Campy front derailleur. Any gearing options? Except for the Taurus on the CR site, I have no idea what paint may have looked like. Would Bluemels be correct? What about water bottles and cages.
Would this have most likely been a dropped bar, ten speed with the option for fenders? If we are correct in dating this as a mid fifties bike, then as a pre-bike boom cycle what other comparable Italian bikes were making it over here during that time period.
Any help would be appreciated. I am looking to purchase appropriate parts for this bike if anyone has anything for sale. Since I no longer have a parts stash, I don't even have correct cable mounts. Thanks.
Art Smith
Phoenix