Classic & Vintage - Vintage Olmo?

Hello all, I would appreciate some help in figuring out any info on this bike. All i know is that it was my uncles bike and may have only been rode a few times if that. All i can remember is him talking about the gold pieces on the bike were 24k, but I dunno if he was just kidding me. But the bike has been sitting in storage the last 20 years and Im gonna need to get rid of it so i was trying to see if it would be worth anything. I think it was purchased in the mid to lates 70's. Any help would be much appreciated, Thanks!!
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w298/bezeeduzit/IMG_0684.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w298/bezeeduzit/IMG_0682.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w298/bezeeduzit/IMG_0701.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w298/bezeeduzit/IMG_0696.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w298/bezeeduzit/IMG_0695.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w298/bezeeduzit/IMG_0679.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w298/bezeeduzit/IMG_0689.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w298/bezeeduzit/IMG_0683.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w298/bezeeduzit/IMG_0681.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w298/bezeeduzit/IMG_0680.jpg

Oh yeah, it's definitely worth something...Looks like it could be a special build for a show, and those gold bits might be real gold plating since they are steel (at least the ones I can ID). The short Campy dropouts may place it around '76 at earliest...is there a "patent XX" date on the top of the Rear Derailleur? Old Phil Wood hubs? It's a sweet one, for sure...

That is an early Super Record rear derailleur and Cinelli aero stem without the flying C logo. The dropouts are short but do not have the Porta Catena screw holes so I would think it is 76/77. The parts ARE plated and I would agree with the unworthy1 that it was probably a show piece. VERY COOL!!

Ok really....well I dont know anything at all about bikes so bear with me, but I did see the name "Phil" in the middle of the hub. Where is the Rear Derailleur so i can see if there is a patent #? Also in your opinion would it be worth it to try and have it serviced before attempting to sell?

This one is the rear derailleur.
People who buy bikes like this tend to like to do the restoration themselves, definitely wipe off as much grime as you can for the photos.
Let us help you write the eBay ad, but I don't have any idea how much it would be worth - definitely collectable.


http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w298/bezeeduzit/IMG_0689.jpg

WOW! I cant believe i had this sitting around all these years thinking it may be worth nothing. I would definetly appreciate the help but i also wanna do more research to try and determine the value of it. I know it would be hard to determine but does anyone have an idea on how i could because again I know nothing about bicycles?

bezee,

Where are you located? The bike is definitely valuable. You should have it looked at by a competent shop that has experience with older bicycles. There may be a knowledgeable forum member near you.

Personally I would keep it if it were mine. The value will only continue to go up.

Whatever you do, don't sell it to the first person that offers you a few hundred for it, restored it could be worth a few thousand, I would guess.

Well I would definetly like to get a better idea of the value......Im actually located in New York on Long Island. Can any one maybe recommend a competent shop that has experience with older bicycles in my area or close?

I'll give you $200 for it.:D

I'll give you $200 for it.:D
I bet :rolleyes:

If you are intent on selling, I would fix it up and send it to eBay. A lot of us do buy bikes in 'rough' condition, but we don't pay top dollar for them either. It may cost a couple hundred to have it properly serviced by a shop, but you will recoup that easily if you do your auction well.

bezee,

Take the bike to Jamie Swann at Centerport Cycles in Northport.
http://centerportcycles.com/index.html

he specializes in classic bikes.

Marty

bezee,

Take the bike to Jamie Swann at Centerport Cycles in Northport.
http://centerportcycles.com/index.html

he specializes in classic bikes.

Marty

Thanks! I will check him out.

Bezee, if you are going to sell it for the best money then don't change out ANYTHING!!! Clean, lubricate and adjust ONLY. The money is in the Patina, and if you put on new bar tape and change the saddle you will lose some dough.

That being said, OLMO is NOT a marque that brings in the big money, although they are nice bikes and yours in particular is SWEET!

Take your time, do your research, Uncles history, old pictures, store it came from etc....

vjp

Right...Phil Wood Hubs, Bullseye Pulleys, Drilled brake levers, the gold bits....

I would just wipe it down, don't remove ANYTHING, put the chain on and that is it! It is a time capsule HOT ROD with all the cool stuff.

Right...Phil Wood Hubs, Bullseye Pulleys, Drilled brake levers, the gold bits....

I would just wipe it down, don't remove ANYTHING, put the chain on and that is it! It is a time capsule HOT ROD with all the cool stuff.

I agree completely with vjp and ebay is pretty much the best way to handle selling this bike. The rear derailleur would probably bring $300US alone. I would say you should feel confident in starting the bidding low and letting the bidders do the work. I would estimate this bike sells for over $2000.

Bezee, if you are going to sell it for the best money then don't change out ANYTHING!!! Clean, lubricate and adjust ONLY. The money is in the Patina, and if you put on new bar tape and change the saddle you will lose some dough.

That being said, OLMO is NOT a marque that brings in the big money, although they are nice bikes and yours in particular is SWEET!

Take your time, do your research, Uncles history, old pictures, store it came from etc....

vjp+1 on that

oh man, it's got scott mathauser pads and check the gold screwed on master link. This is a very very special bike. It's got the best of everything. I am curious if the seatpost is early SR two bolt... and the cables are original campagnolo too! I have a set of them but they are all way to short for my bike.

I meant to add a BIG warning about cleaning, some cleaners like Simple Green can remove that plating before you realize what is happening. WD40 on soft clean rags is good for a wipe down, but also be careful around the decals.

It still has the mold "flash" on the tires, it probably WAS only ridden a couple of times if they are original.

It still has the mold "flash" on the tires, it probably WAS only ridden a couple of times if they are original.
Yes it probably was only ridden a few times if at all. As far as i remember I only saw it displayed on my uncles wall in the living room as if it were a trophy. But with all this good info im gettin now i guess it was sumthing like one huh...

I meant to add a BIG warning about cleaning, some cleaners like Simple Green can remove that plating before you realize what is happening. WD40 on soft clean rags is good for a wipe down, but also be careful around the decals.
Damn you make me scared to touch the bike now lol.

Yes it probably was only ridden a few times if at all. As far as i remember I only saw it displayed on my uncles wall in the living room as if it were a trophy. But with all this good info im gettin now i guess it was sumthing like one huh...

definitely a trophy.

oh man, it's got scott mathauser pads and check the gold screwed on master link. This is a very very special bike. It's got the best of everything. I am curious if the seatpost is early SR two bolt... and the cables are original campagnolo too! I have a set of them but they are all way to short for my bike.
I wish i was knowledgeable about the things you say the bike has but it doesnt surprise me because my uncle, who was the owner of the bike, was the kind of guy that only bought the best of everything. So for him im betting it was a show piece because the thought of him on a bike wouldnt seem likely...

I am curious if the seatpost is early SR two bolt... .
Heres a pic I just took of the seat post....is it what you thought it was?
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w298/bezeeduzit/IMG_0705.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w298/bezeeduzit/IMG_0706.jpg

Are these some type of special pedals?
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w298/bezeeduzit/IMG_0707.jpg

Bezee,

Who is that on your photobucket site? Not your wife, is it? LOL

Bezee,

Who is that on your photobucket site? Not your wife, is it? LOL
lol If i was only so lucky....

The seatpost is a standard one bolt super record... the bike must be around 1978.

Dear Bezee, I love your beautiful Italian bike like everyone else. I too, have a very similar Olmo. Mine is an Olmo Competition and I date mine as a 1978 model. I would guess that your Olmo may pre-date mine by a year or two. I would say that your uncle would have purchased the bike new and complete. Some components may have changed over the years eg. if the wheels are built with 'Phil Wood' hubs. I would suggest that the rear derailleur is original though but not the pulley wheels. There will be a date stamp on the derailleur at the top next to where the cable is guided into the derailleur through the coiled stainless steel cable housing. The rear derailleur has 'Campagnolo - Super Record' cast into the ornate front plate. I would expect to see 76 or 77 at the top of the black part of the derailleur (an indication of the build date). This derailleur is most sort after and could get a $300 bid on ebay. If it was a 78 model I would expect to see a different front derailleur with holes in the front plate. The quick release would have a ball shape on top of the cone shape. I would say that the seat post is not part of the original group set as it was introduced after 1978. (Campagnolo Super Record/Record components were the most desirable components of the era - and still are.)

The groupset is only part of the manufacture year identification story. The group set could have been in a bicycle store for a few years before it was made up and sold or they could have been sitting on a shelf at the Olmo factory for a while.

I am interested in VIP's observation that the rear dropouts are pre 'porta cantena'. This feature accomodated a chain hanger that the chain could be derailled onto to in a race when a rider suffered a rear flat tyre. This feature was available to frame builders in 1978. My Olmo frame has this feature - your frame doesn't.

My frame is made out of Columbus SL, as the 'competition' frames were made from. My frame has a more modern Columbus decal. I would say that your frame is Columbus SL with an earlier Columbus frame decal.

It was possible to get 'Olmo' pantographed components such as the seat pillar, handlebar stem, cranks and chain rings, brake levers and gear levers. My bike has many of these features but I'm not sure if these items were available pre 1978. Your gear levers are nicely cut-out which would have been done by hand as were the brake levers with the extra drilled holes - very nice - very desirable.

Get rid of the saddle and replace it with a saddle of the era - like a Brooks B17. The toe clips could be 'Christophe' to be more period correct. The pedals are Campagnolo SL (super leggaro) - standard for that era and very nice also.

The competition frame was most probably a racing model but I know that a 'professionista' team replica model was available in 1984. Some other models from around that era were Competition HP, Super Gentleman, C Titanio and Competition C/Special.

Your bicycle is quite desirable and I would expect it to get $1000 t0 $1500 on ebay. I also believe that it would be a shame to see it go to someone that would replace parts that might look a little rusty with a brand new shimano part. I hope you keep it and get into beautiful steel bikes of a by-gone era. If you do sell it, please try to find an appreciative owner.

Good luck in your ID quest (you might be starting to get hooked).

Dear Bezee, I love your beautiful Italian bike like everyone else. I too, have a very similar Olmo. Mine is an Olmo Competition and I date mine as a 1978 model. I would guess that your Olmo may pre-date mine by a year or two. I would say that your uncle would have purchased the bike new and complete. Some components may have changed over the years eg. if the wheels are built with 'Phil Wood' hubs. I would suggest that the rear derailleur is original though but not the pulley wheels. There will be a date stamp on the derailleur at the top next to where the cable is guided into the derailleur through the coiled stainless steel cable housing. The rear derailleur has 'Campagnolo - Super Record' cast into the ornate front plate. I would expect to see 76 or 77 at the top of the black part of the derailleur (an indication of the build date). This derailleur is most sort after and could get a $300 bid on ebay. If it was a 78 model I would expect to see a different front derailleur with holes in the front plate. The quick release would have a ball shape on top of the cone shape. I would say that the seat post is not part of the original group set as it was introduced after 1978. (Campagnolo Super Record/Record components were the most desirable components of the era - and still are.)

The groupset is only part of the manufacture year identification story. The group set could have been in a bicycle store for a few years before it was made up and sold or they could have been sitting on a shelf at the Olmo factory for a while.

I am interested in VIP's observation that the rear dropouts are pre 'porta cantena'. This feature accomodated a chain hanger that the chain could be derailled onto to in a race when a rider suffered a rear flat tyre. This feature was available to frame builders in 1978. My Olmo frame has this feature - your frame doesn't.

My frame is made out of Columbus SL, as the 'competition' frames were made from. My frame has a more modern Columbus decal. I would say that your frame is Columbus SL with an earlier Columbus frame decal.

It was possible to get 'Olmo' pantographed components such as the seat pillar, handlebar stem, cranks and chain rings, brake levers and gear levers. My bike has many of these features but I'm not sure if these items were available pre 1978. Your gear levers are nicely cut-out which would have been done by hand as were the brake levers with the extra drilled holes - very nice - very desirable.

Get rid of the saddle and replace it with a saddle of the era - like a Brooks B17. The toe clips could be 'Christophe' to be more period correct. The pedals are Campagnolo SL (super leggaro) - standard for that era and very nice also.

The competition frame was most probably a racing model but I know that a 'professionista' team replica model was available in 1984. Some other models from around that era were Competition HP, Super Gentleman, C Titanio and Competition C/Special.

Your bicycle is quite desirable and I would expect it to get $1000 t0 $1500 on ebay. I also believe that it would be a shame to see it go to someone that would replace parts that might look a little rusty with a brand new shimano part. I hope you keep it and get into beautiful steel bikes of a by-gone era. If you do sell it, please try to find an appreciative owner.

Good luck in your ID quest (you might be starting to get hooked).

Thanks for all the good info! I wish i was more technically saavy when it comes to these bikes, but im going to take my time and do my research more so that i can get the most value for the bike.

Bezee - you have an interesting, collectable bike, and a rare find.
You don't have an instant retirement plan here.
Just in case all of our ooohing and ahhhing has given you the wrong impression.


http://tinyurl.com/2873l9

bezee,

Take it to Center Point Cycles, like someone suggested. Have then repack the bearings, lube the chain, adjust everything. Ask them for an opinion, they may know someone local that would be interested.

To my untrained eye, the frame looks decent, but not top of the line (no chrome on the fork or chain stays). The components are what make the bike.

As others have said, DO NOT retape the bars, put new tires/brake pads on, etc.

If you are intent on selling it, my suggestion is to leave all as it is, other than repack, lube, adjust.

If it were mine I would clean the metal bits and give the frame a good cleaning as well, but not so much as to damage the patina of the frame. I'd keep it, too.

I'm no expert, just appreciate fine bikes and ride them when I can.

Good Luck,

John, the OFG

Bezee - you have an interesting, collectable bike, and a rare find.
You don't have an instant retirement plan here.
Just in case all of our ooohing and ahhhing has given you the wrong impression.


LOL nah dont worry I didnt make any vacation plans yet. Being that i know nothing about bicycles i just wanna be certain I dont make a mistake when selling. But thanks for the heads up.

bezee,

Take it to Center Point Cycles, like someone suggested. Have then repack the bearings, lube the chain, adjust everything. Ask them for an opinion, they may know someone local that would be interested.

To my untrained eye, the frame looks decent, but not top of the line (no chrome on the fork or chain stays). The components are what make the bike.

As others have said, DO NOT retape the bars, put new tires/brake pads on, etc.

If you are intent on selling it, my suggestion is to leave all as it is, other than repack, lube, adjust.

If it were mine I would clean the metal bits and give the frame a good cleaning as well, but not so much as to damage the patina of the frame. I'd keep it, too.

I'm no expert, just appreciate fine bikes and ride them when I can.

Good Luck,

John, the OFG
Please bear with me cuz im a noobie, but what is the patina of the frame? And what would you guess a "tune up" like you said would cost?

Please bear with me cuz im a noobie, but what is the patina of the frame? And what would you guess a "tune up" like you said would cost?The patina is what's on the frame before you take rubbing compound to it. Think of an old Indian Head penny, you'd ruin the value if you scrubbed it shiny with cleanser.

I have no idea what a tune up at a Pro shop would cost, but I would think that $200~$250 would be reasonable for a job well done. It would be money well spent, IMHO.

Others with more experience in this may chime in. I try to buy cheap, fix it myself, and ride it like I stole it.

As is, you may get $500 -$700. Put a couple hundred into it and you may get two large when the dust settles, maybe more if a Japanese collector takes a fancy to the gold bits.

If you are not experienced with eBay and overseas shipping, get help.

Best of luck to you, and don't be in a hurry.

bezee,

That is a beautiful Olmo!

I've enjoyed reading this thread. Lots of good advice on selling this bike. I'd like to simply suggest an alternative... Ever thought about keeping it and riding it? Does the frame fit you? With some TLC and a little bit of mechanical common sense, you can learn to work on vintage steel bikes. Free advice is readily available. These bikes are quite a treat to ride - very responsive and fast - and even more fun when you've done the work yourself. Sure, you will almost certainly turn a quick profit if you sell this bike, but you will also be giving up an opportunity to own and appreciate not only a super nice Olmo, but a piece of your family history. (Anybody can say "I bought this on aBay." - No one else can say "This was my uncle's Olmo.")

I've owned a vintage '76 racing bike for about 25 years. It has been one of my best investments ever in terms of "bang for the buck" and the joy of owning a type of bike that becomes more rare and more appreciated by fellow cyclists every year. My advice... keep it, overhaul it, get new parts as required for safety (brake pads, tires & tubes), don't throw anything away (like the Matthauser pads) and start riding! That's why there are so many C&V forum members out there - it's fun!

Just throwing out a different view.
Best Wishes!

I agree, If the frame is your size why not take up bike riding? It was your Uncle's bike which he purchased new. I wish I had a bike I could say that about, and I have 30 bikes, but I'll never own a thoroughbred Italian racing bike like yours that had been in the family since new.

It is a proper racing bike and any European pro. from that era would have happily raced on that bike.

I agree, If the frame is your size why not take up bike riding? It was your Uncle's bike which he purchased new. I wish I had a bike I could say that about, and I have 30 bikes, but I'll never own a thoroughbred Italian racing bike like yours that had been in the family since new.

It is a proper racing bike and any European pro. from that era would have happily raced on that bike.
Thanks for all the info and advice.....I really wish it did fit me but im about 6'3" 255lbs so it would definetly be too small a frame for me, so im stuck with my 22.5 inch trek thats built like a truck. But i wish i really could keep the bike but unfortunately very soon i just wont have the space for it. I'm still in no hurry to get rid of it so I will keep learning as much about the bike as possible before I do.

I completely understand - sounds like you would need a 62 cm frame (from the centre of the crank axle to the centre of the top tube measured along the seat tube) at a rough guess. My son is your height and thats the size of frame that fits him.

It's really been fun reading all the replies to your thread. It's a great way to learn about things that interest you and I have learnt lots from your thread.

Best wishes.

Thanks for all the info and advice.....I really wish it did fit me but im about 6'3" 255lbs so it would definetly be too small a frame for me, so im stuck with my 22.5 inch trek thats built like a truck. But i wish i really could keep the bike but unfortunately very soon i just wont have the space for it. I'm still in no hurry to get rid of it so I will keep learning as much about the bike as possible before I do.

yeah sounds like your current rig is WAY to small unless it is compact geometry.

yeah sounds like your current rig is WAY to small unless it is compact geometry.
Well maybe im saying it wrong since im such a noobie with bicycles, all i know is theres a sticker on the frame that says 22.5 inches/57cm lol. But trust me the bike is like a truck.

I'm sure cyclotoine has been awaiting my arrival in this thread. =-)

I purchased my own 1985 Olmo Criterium 'C' in much, much rougher shape than yours, but the rounded-and-thinned long-point lugwork seems nearly identical. The level of detail on these bikes, to paraphrase Sheldon Brown, is simply stunning when one considers that they were production bikes that often came complete with intricately pantographed drillium, and now-excruciatingly-rare Ofmega and Galli bits at the lower end. Tubesets were often custom-mixed blends of Reynolds (on an Italian frame!) and Columbus.

The marque is exceedingly undervalued in terms of what's out there in the vintage world. They're rare-ish, pretty, sharp-handling bikes, and properly built, to boot: mine sees daily messengering duty, and the occasional foray into the skatepark with the fixed-gear crowd.

There are three old Olmo catalogues for your perusal at http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/

Wondering does anyone elso have a suggestion for a good vintage bike shop in the NYC/long island metro area since i think im finally ready to get the bike tuned up?

Hello Folks....Its been a few years since I have posted this and I was wondering if anyone had any new suggestions as far as how to sell this bike. I really dont have a place for it any more, but since i have to get rid of it I want to make sure I will not get shorted. Any suggestions would be appreciated since I really have no knowledge of bicycles.

Hello Folks....Its been a few years since I have posted this and I was wondering if anyone had any new suggestions as far as how to sell this bike. I really dont have a place for it any more, but since i have to get rid of it I want to make sure I will not get shorted. Any suggestions would be appreciated since I really have no knowledge of bicycles.

If you post your location (NYC aera?), I'm sure you will have many people comming forward from the forums making reasonable offers.

Hello Folks....Its been a few years since I have posted this and I was wondering if anyone had any new suggestions as far as how to sell this bike. I really dont have a place for it any more, but since i have to get rid of it I want to make sure I will not get shorted. Any suggestions would be appreciated since I really have no knowledge of bicycles.

A bike like that? ebay. Be sure to clean it thoroughly, take some great pictures. Do not use anything abrasive for cleaning!

Do you know your way around a camera and posting to Ebay? If you do, then take some nice (read: NO FLASH) pictures, lots of close-ups of the parts and details. If you don't know how to set up a good shot with the camera, background, lights all considered, see if a friend does - it will make a big difference in the sale price. With a bike like this, if you list it decently on Ebay, you shouldn't get roughed up in the sale. You can always set a reserve at the cost you would just as soon sell the bike locally. I would also see what a local shop will charge you to pack & ship the bike, and list that in your ad if you plan on shipping, because there is a real know-how to packing a bike well, and most people who are going to spend more than 1000 bucks on old steel are going to be sticklers about the packing.

If you don't fell like doing any of that, think of a number above $500 bucks that you'd feel okay with having in your hand in exchange for the bike, and post it for sale on Craigslist. Remember, if you're not riding it then it's worth nothing just sitting there! Good luck!

Wow nice one...