Unfortunately, I do not yet have either my "main" computer nor any of its peripherals such as my flat bed scanner up and running following our recent household move. Otherwise I would take this opportunity to post to Velo-Pages a copy of the Saaverdra flyer, price sheet, and cover letter residing in my vintage cycling archive. In anticipation of that eventuality, I can at least offer at this time the following information culled from that same reference dated June 11, 1976:
Cosme Saaverdra Argentina - Makers of Fine Racing Bicycle Components Since 1938
"We are the only firm on the American continent manufacturing a whole line of high quality, light alloy, racing bicycle parts. Established in 1938 and located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, our factory consists of two modern plants with over 100,000 square feet, employing more than 180 men and women, equipped with the finest machinery available.
It has taken many years of research and hard work to develop our own techniques in the making of our products. Today, 38 years later, 20% of Argentina's 1 1/2 million yearly bicycle production is made in our plants. We have virtually taken over the fast growing South American market and for the last 11 years we have been exporting to most European countries, England, Spain, Russia, Belgium and France being among the most important. Many well known French companies are using components manufactured by our firm with their name on them.
On May 25th we opened our doors to the American bicyclists. We have a great deal to offer besides experience, service and craftsmanship. We would like you to consider some of the following facts:
1) Elimination of the middle man so that you can make the extra money. 2) Development of a factory - bike shop very profitable relationship. 3) Lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship or materials. 4) Your money back guarantee. 5) Warehouse facilities in Los Angeles to serve your anywhere in the U.S.
Starting in July we have scheduled a massive national advertising campaign, just before that we are launching a very special "get acquainted" offer of some of our products.
Enclosed you will find illustrated material that will answer all you questions."
As for the accompanying product flyer, it depicts two separate crankset / bottom bracket offerings - the Professional which looks very similar to the contemporary Campagnolo Record offering and which is paired with a traditional cup and cone BB assembly, and the Super Competition having similar crank arms to the Professional excepting the slots in the spyder which have been milled through, the Black anodized chain rings which have been given an extensive "drillium" treatment along the lines of the Zeus 2000 series, and the BB assembly which is a sealed bearing unit having dual adjustable cups. Both of these cranksets are touted as being "100% interchangeable with Campy's Nuovo Record". The flyer also shows a Saavedra forged aluminum seat post which is quite similar to, but definitely NOT an exact copy of, the venerable Campy two bolt, their aluminum bodied track pedals having chromed steel cages, forged alloy brake sets comprised of Campagnolo Record style long-reach levers and side pull calipers, a chrome plated steel headset, a frame pump, and various cable and pump clips.
One final note, the literature cited above also makes mention of the fact that both the Saavedra and Giorgia brand names are registered trademarks.
Robert "Begin The Beguine" Broderick
...the "Chronically Cloudy Clime" of Oregon
Portland, USA
> To: ABB3330002@aol.com; trackstand@verizon.net; Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Date: Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:50:57 -0400
> From: oroboyz@aol.com
> Subject: Re: [CR] Saavedra?
>
> So what do we know about the Saavedra firm?
>
>
>
> I have seen rims, chain rings, now you say cranks and track frames...
>
> IIRC, this was (still is?) an Argentinean maker. I know EuroAsia Imports had their stuff in-the-day, now it looks like Paris Sport (Mike Fraysse's brand) also distributed them...
>
>
>
>
> I see on cyclingnews.com, a reference to a person:
>
> "Señor Luciano - Mr. Saavedra is a Argentinean national who makes bicycle parts and tubular tires as far I know. His e-mail: cosmesaavedra@infovia.com.ar; phone/fax:54-11-4683-2152"
>
>
>
>
> It is part of this thread:
>
>
>
> <<Mystery crank #2
>
> I have a beautifully made (and extremely light) Turbo Aerodinamica model wheel which says "Da Vinci by Saavedra -- Made in Argentina" on it.
>
> This suggests Saavedra is (or at least was) used as a manufacturer's trade name, in addition to its link to this famous cyclist an his shop. Perhaps they made cranks as well?
>
> Richard Burkholder
> Stockton NJ USA
> Wednesday, May 21 2003
>
> Mystery crank #3
>
> Saavedra made many Campy Nuovo and Super record copy parts (cranks, brakes, hubs, headsets, but not derailleurs), as well as some really lightweight aero rims.
>
> Carl Sundquist
> Saturday, May 24 2003 >>
>
>
>
>
> And then Speedplay's wonderful pedal history web page has this:
>
> << Saavedra Giorgia Competicion 1980's
>
> Argentina
>
> A nicely made clone of the Campagnolo pista pedal from Saavedra, a South American bicycle component manufacturer better known for their rims and headsets. >>
>
>
>
>
> Dale
>
>
>
>
> Dale=2
> 0Brown
>
> Greensboro, North Carolina USA