Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - OLMO la Biciclissima
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KtotheF
07-22-09, 04:49 PM
What do you guys think of this bike?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=220452798306
the poster estimates 70s to early 80s, which end do you think that leans towards? I'm aiming for an early 80s bike to put my dura ace AX parts on, and like to be at least plausibly period correct.
also, is it even a good frame? I'm totally in the dark on this one, any advice would be greatly appreciated!
unworthy1
07-22-09, 04:57 PM
might be a little later (early to mid '80s) given the early version of the Cinelli IC BB shell and the braze-on FD tab, etc. Columbus SL tubing, chrome fork, nice construction...it's a good frame. I'd pay $250 easy for it (and it *could* sell for more, but Olmos aren't generally in high demand)
Dyermaker
07-22-09, 04:58 PM
Well worth the effort of bidding, if you win it congrats.
KtotheF
07-22-09, 05:10 PM
hmm, those are promising reactions. the fork looks kinda rusty, could that be cleaned up, or would it just be bare steel that would get rusty again?
bibliobob
07-22-09, 06:11 PM
I have a 1980 Olmo Competition, which has painted forks. I'd guess that that one is at least a few years later. It seems to me that the chrome fork option kicked in around '83?
I love mine, fwiw.
Picchio Special
07-22-09, 06:13 PM
might be a little later (early to mid '80s) given the early version of the Cinelli IC BB shell and the braze-on FD tab, etc. Columbus SL tubing, chrome fork, nice construction...it's a good frame. I'd pay $250 easy for it (and it *could* sell for more, but Olmos aren't generally in high demand)
+1
I like the frame.
There were a few Olmos that were super nice from the late 70's/early 80's - excellent build quality and nifty "Mexico" cranks and other spiffy bits.
unworthy1
07-22-09, 07:00 PM
no it should have at least 2-stage (nickel + chrome) plating, maybe even 3 (copper) over the bare steel, but rust they will. If you're lucky, it will respond to a soaking in oxalic acid solution and look like new, but maybe not. Keep the clean chrome and paint protected with auto wax...if you search these archives you'll find a TON of info, it's a popular topic.
KtotheF
07-22-09, 08:02 PM
Dangit. If I hadn't just bought a wheel this morning, I could have taken a crack at this auction. My only consolation will be if it sells for a ton, if it goes for $130 I will have to bang my head on the keyboard
EDIT: wait! some financial wrangling might save the day here...