Hello, my name is Peter and I am a vintage-cyc-aholic. ;) I have been a cycaholic for many years, since I started riding about age 4. This interest in bikes started as a kid with my first "ten speed", a Sears bike. Many others have followed since then, but none have had as many miles put on them as my early 70's Fiorelli. Though I could only afford Valentino Extra gear back then I rode several hundred miles per week, pretty much year round (snow and all).
These days I try to specialize on, or limit myself to, Italian road bikes; but alas, I stray (there is a British undercurrent at times). Tops in my collection are a 1972 Atala Record Professional touring bike and a restored (Cycle Art) 1970's Coppi with first generation Super Record rear derailleur. Also in the "top" bikes list is a full chrome Falcon Track bike, from the 70's I believe. This is equipped with an inch-pitch Campy 151 drive train - the extra wide chain and rings, 5/32'nds ?? It also has a badged steel Cinelli stem, but am regretably missing steel bars (either road or track) to really complete it. Wide flange C-Record hubs and tubular wheels are a bit out of date, but they look so gorgeous I leave them on. These three are on my personal protected list and will never be up for sale.
The oldest bike I have is a 1940-50's Bottechia Cambio Corsa, with wood rims and many period correct parts - including Campy three piece hubs and Open-C quick releases. I have not really decided what I want to do with this yet, finish it off, restore or pass it on.
My current top rider is a Casati Gold Line Monza, probably from the late 80's, which is simply a great looker and rider. I knew this bike had a sweet ride from the very first time on it. It was just the perfect size and had those undefinable qualities that can only really be experienced while riding. This bike is a bit unusal in that it has complete internal cable and routing - including the read derailleur cable exiting the frame through the rear of the lower stay - right at the dropout. The front deraileur cable exits the seat tube just above the back side of the bottom bracket - from the inside. When combined with the rear brake cable routing through the top tube and internal routing on the Cinelli Giro bars there is hardly any cable housing exposed. People make fun of my "pink bike" - but I like the "Maglia Rosa" color and the matching Benotto tape.
Previously I have owned a 70's Colnago, 80's Cinelli, an 80's Bottecchia, a Specialized Epic carbon, a Corima Puma and some other nice bikes. But for one reason or another I passed them on to others.
There are a couple bikes that are "in progress" now - a 60's Frejus in that unique green color. I plan on outfitting it with Campy Record era items. Also in the works is a full chrome (yes, I also have a weakness for full chrome bikes) Coppi, probably from the late 70's. This will get a full Nuovo Record group.
Rounding out the inventory are: - A Swiss Allegro frame-fork from the 50's. Unfortunately this is low on my priority list and may have to go. - A Riggio Americano full track bike. It has very vertical angles and a very harsh ride on the road. - A Bob Jackson full touring frame from the late 70's or early 80's. This represents part of the British undercurrent to my Italian road bike focus.
It is a great bike, with three water bottle mounts, full fenders, a rear rack, panniers and cantileaver brakes. - Finally a couple odd bikes: A Baron recumbent and a no-name Ti-frame rider with a bunch of mixed parts on it.
Thanks fo reading this, I know it's a bit long, but I have trouble keeping the word count down when it comes to bikes. I enjoy reading the list and find it a very useful source of important information.
Peter Haynes
Bayport, NY USA