Here's the ad copy for that splendidly original seeming old racing bike translated as best I can into English (the original Italian isn't great):
Fantastic find! An ultra-light vintage racing bicycle, totally complete with wood-rimmed wheels, functions perfectly. The photos speak for themselves. From a clearance of old warehouses this splendid bicycle has emerged intact. I repeat, complete, functional and well-preserved. It has its original spokes, wood rims, vintage Pirelli tires, perfect saddle, pedals with slightly rusty toeclips needing only a good cleaning, working brakes with period shoes. It also has what i believe to be an optional waterbottle or magazine holder on the handlebars, also period in metal. The tires, incredibly, seem sound, I inflated them needing only an air pump. I have only wiped away the old dust and cobwebs, done a bit of oiling and nothing else. I leave to the true connoisseurs the pleasure of restoring her to a new life. Shipment possible as an oversized package at a cost of 35 euro. Frame is painted blue, I cannot find any labels. As far as the brand, a bicycle seller told me it is probably an Atala. Don't wait until the last minute to make an offer or for sale by other means.
Kurt Sperry Bellingham WA USA
On 7/30/07, Art Link <artlink@columnssanantonio.com> wrote:
>
> Looks like a collapsible bottle holder. Art Link,San Antonio,TX,USA
>
> Michael Skolones <michael.skolones@gmail.com> wrote: Date: Mon, 30 Jul
> 2007 12:14:58 -0500
> From: "Michael Skolones" <michael.skolones@gmail.com>
> To: artlink@columnssanantonio.com
> Subject: Re: [CR]Outing 1930's Atala(?)
>
> I can't read Italian effectively, so I don't know if the posting answered
> my question. What is that thing on top of the stem? I've never seen one
> before.
>
> Mike Skolones
> St Louis, MO, USA