Classic & Vintage - 10 dollar Benotto Modelo 800

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tcbrit
10-02-09, 08:07 PM
I bought this Benotto Modelo 800 in a yard sale 10 years ago for 10 dollars and came 10th in my age in a Duathlon I raced on Sunday - after I tidied it up a good bit.

It was dirty and a bit rusty when I bought it. It felt lighter than the other bikes I owned years ago (Puch Alpina 6 speed and a Peugot 10 speed) so I bought it on a whim. When I went to put air in the tires I realised that the tires were dry rotted and burst when I pumped them up. I then found out the tires were expensive tubular tires that I couldn't afford to replace at the time so I put it in the shed. It stayed there for 10 years until I decided to try to tidy it up and put some tires on it so I could try out a Duathlon - I've been a runner for just over 2 years and have been wanting to cross train. I used to cycle commute when I live in London, UK and it was nice to get back in the saddle. I now live in Memphis, TN. I think it cleaned up very well. I averaged 17.3mph on a fairly hilly 15 mile course. I passed a lot of shiny new aerobar triathlon bikes too :) ... I really like the look of the bike but it may be a bit small for me. I think it is a 54cm. I'm 5'11" and probably need a 56cm bike. I'm really enjoying it for now :)

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff116/tcbrit/benotto.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff116/tcbrit/13.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff116/tcbrit/12.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff116/tcbrit/14.jpg

cyclotoine
10-02-09, 08:10 PM
well you did pretty darn well for having the seat too low!
abarth
10-02-09, 10:40 PM
Nice bike. Is the seat post all the way up? The handle bar is way too narrow for you.

rothenfield1
10-02-09, 11:18 PM
My hats off to you sir. That looks like a very nice Italian. I had always considered the Italian bike as over-priced exotic works of art until I rode a high-end steel Bianchi. I had the sensation of wanting to race past every bike I saw up ahead.

As much as you love that bike, getting one that fits you like a second skin will take your riding to a new level.
tcbrit
10-03-09, 04:51 PM
Yeh, like I said the bike really is too small for me. Unfortunately the seat is as high as it can go. It's not killing me to ride it but the size is not ideal at all! ... I am now on the look out for one that fits me, although it'll probably cost more than 10 dollars :)
Ronsonic
10-04-09, 02:41 PM
That's okay. When you find one that fits better you can sell this one for more than $10.