PnniGuy

I picked up this frame in CA recently. But I'm very sure it's not what the stickers say it is. Can anyone tell who made the frame but the physical features?

It's very lightweight though. Since most the stickers are wrong I also think the tubing sticker may be as well incorrect. So it's quite the mystery. Open to suggestions or insights?

Kind regards,
Ben

EjustE

Hi,

how about a full side view of the frame. I suspect that the 59 on the BB shell is the size. Is there a serial number anywhere? Rear spacing? 126 or 130mm. This looks custom from here.

PnniGuy

I've not yet located any s/n on the bike yet and it's actually a 56 as it fits me just right. So a little mystery brewing.

unworthy1

I don't see why it can't be what is claimed: an Aelle tubed Pinarello, although it doesn't look like the Veneto model that Gita Imports offered.
https://www.bulgier.com/pics/bike/Cat...arello89/6.jpg
The fork crown is unique, and the internal cable routing makes it more "special", but...somebody making home-brew decals couldn't print white, so at least they went to some trouble or bought them, if those are counterfeit decals.
What size seatpost?

EjustE

Here is the thing: If it were a Pinarello, it would almost has to be the Modello pictured below:



It still could be it, and it would be easy to look for the helical reinforcements of the SLX tubing in those bikes. (but it's missing the FD hanger)

Pinarello never made a model called "Criterium", so that Criterium sticker is 99.99% not factory original, which makes every other sticker on this bike doubtful, incl. the Pinarello. Add the fact that there is no apparent serial number and no Pinarello signatures on the seat stays and fork crown, and this quickly is looking like a sticker job. Which does not mean that it is not a nice bike (as a matter of fact it looks like a great bike). I still think that it is a custom frame that when refurbished and repainted later, someone went nuts with the stickers.

guygadois 

I do not think it is Montello. The Montello featured a bridgeless bottom bracket. It sure looks like a Pinarello. The internal brake cable is exactly how Pinarellos were done. I don't think they used that tubing until the early 90s. The only thing that makes me think it isn't a Rello (or it is a repaint) is that the decals are actually intact.

Guy

PnniGuy

Hello-
All really great input on my mystery. Yes it does ride really well. Even with the junky grouppo on it and it is very light. But here's my to do list for you guy's in helping me. I need to get a better photo of the BB area with the cranks out. Measure the size of the seat post. Clean up the frame to see if perhaps there's any markings I missed. (A good idea regardless). And see if I can locate someone who can determine the actual make up of the frame metal. THis will help narrowing things down a bit more as well. I also completely agree any yahoo can buy some odd stickers and slap them on where ever just to tickle there own fancy. Though I have spoken with Gita and the came back with ZIP. It wasn't one they've seen but here's a little something most of you might not know but in some other markets in the world they did use other names for certian lines and did make a number of "Promo" varients. And I've sent off my request to Italy not expecting much there. And yes this bike has been repainted I located one spot where a lower layer of paint was "Pearl Green" (which is a Pinarello color). So it's still a mystery. One I shall keep you guys in on since hey we all love a good story. An it rides wonderfully even with the junky bits on her. I can only imagine if I swapped out to the proper parts for her. Oh Pinerallo did use Aelle in the early 80's and had experimented with the brake line running where this one shows. I know more confusing than it already was.

Cheers-
Ben

Picchio Special

Benotto used that crown, or a variant of it. Of course, I'd expect a Benotto to have "Benotto" stamped on it in a bunch of places.

PnniGuy

Hi Guys well here's the sad news I think I have figured it out. think 1988 Benotto (made in Mexico) but I still need to take a little time and strip paint in 3 places to confirm this it needs a new paint anyway. So I'll be looking for old Benotto cats from 85-88 to confirm and pick a correct color and find the right stickers for it. Then sell the thing (it's a 59 cm 3 cm too big for me.

Well hey it's the joy of buying off CL. Sellers not alwas 100% up front.

Cheers-
Ben