Road Cycling - Old Bottecchia

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RainmanP
03-11-02, 07:04 AM
I just bought an old used Bottecchia 10 speed to fix up for my wife to use. Is that a decent brand of old bike? In my eyes it is beautiful; my wife is not particularly impressed that is has old Campagnolo components or that it was the brand that won Italian and world championships back in the '60s. Any comments on the quality/reputation of Bottecchia?
Thanks,
Raymond

bjlaw
03-13-02, 11:32 AM
My wife has a Bottechia that she bought in the mid 70"s. Sounds similar to what you bought. It's now only a backup bike but after many hours of loving care last winter we have it looking and riding great again. It was a very high quality bike at the time. I tried to look up their web site recently and only see very high tech time trial bikes etc. Sorry I forgot how to get to their site.
RainmanP
03-13-02, 12:28 PM
Thanks, BJ! I believe this one is from the 70s also. I can't wait to get into it and really clean it up. Mechanically it seems great though it needs new cables. The wheels spin like butter even before servicing.
Regards,
Raymond

John E
03-13-02, 01:53 PM
Sounds good, Raymond! Sheldonbrown.com and classicrendezvous.com have some data on Bottechia. I'm always a sucker for any steel-framed Italian bike!
mike
03-13-02, 05:57 PM
Raymond: Bottechias are often great bikes. They eventually had a broad product line - some good, some so-so.

If your wife's bike has Campy components, you probably have an upper end model.

Nice catch!
RainmanP
03-14-02, 06:24 AM
Thanks, Mike and John! The guy said he, well his parents, paid about $150 for the bike new in the 70s so I figured it was not bottom of the line. The bike may be just a smidge large for my wife, but I'm sure I can make it comfortable for her, even putting on a straight bar until she gets used to it if necessary. I am still on the lookout for something that fits her better, but this will get her started. I just can't wait to get it ready to go and start riding more with her.
Regards,
Raymond