Classic & Vintage - Chrome Benotto ID?

I've searched the forums and elsewhere, but either that's failing me or this is just hard to determine.

Big pictures and details here (http://velospace.org/node/1475)

The headbadge is marked "Biciclette Fabbrico Torino," though it has an ISO bottom bracket without the heart-shaped cutout.

It has a Dura-Ace sticker on the seat tube, though only the down tube friction shifters are by this point. It was a mix of Shimano/Campagnolo when it came to me.

It had a 1980s SR front DR, but the previous owner had overtightened and cracked the clamp. :mad: I replaced that with a Suntour Cyclone.

So basically who knows what was original on it...

With the above in mind, would anyone care to guess a model?

Very perplexing. Stamped rear dropouts with eyelets suggest an entry level model. THe head lugs also look like they have been formed as art of the head tube. Huge crimps in the chain stays too and a long wheelbase. Yet it has/had some very good components. The fork looks like a possible replacement - no eyelets and the pads sit so lower in the front caliper than the back and with little clearance to crown - like it's a 700c fork with a 27" wheel. Gut feel is it's entry level, from the Pertwee era. Seat post diameter should help to establish level.

Who needs to climb stairs when you can fly? Exterminate!

I would agree with T-Mar's summation that the frame is of an entry level quality. The parts mix is interesting. The overall visual of the bike is quite appealing. I was interested that some parts (rims) were labelled 'Benotto' while other parts were not branded. The front fork doesn't seem to match the frame yet you state that it is Benotto.

I find Benotto's to be most intriguing and I agree that information is almost impossible to find regarding models. decals. build dates and build location. I am interested in the Italian heritage and the relocation to Mexico. I believe the build quality and innovation didn't stop when the company moved to Mexico.

Is it just an optical illusion from the photogragh or does the top-tube slope down like a pursuit bike?

Benotto made some low-end "aero" bikes in the early 80's that could not quite decide if they were low-mid-or high level bikes. Some nice features but some cheap stuff, and heavy as an anchor. Yours looks to be from the same school of thought.

Hmm.

I had no reason to believe the fork wasn't original. But I suppose it might not be?

The top tube doesn't really slant. It's a trick of the angles and the slope of the driveway.

One thing is for sure, it's certainly not heavy. It's not a feather, but it's at least lighter than my Schwinn World Sport... which isn't hard to achieve, I know, but it's the closest comparison I have right here.

Very Sexy Ride!!