Skyshroud

Hey all,

I was hoping to gather some of your opinions regarding an Olmo that I have recently come across. The owner says that it's a '70's model, has a bit of a mishmash of componentry (Shimano 600 Rear Derailleur, Campagnolo Front Derailleur, unknown cottered crankset). It does look like it has Campagnolo drop outs, though, so would it be worth a look if only for the frame? While I would prefer a 24" frame, this one comes in at 23". I would mainly use it to get my cycling muscles back in shape, at this point.

They are asking for $275, but would very much value some external opinions on this. They would be very much appreciated! I have attached photos that were sent to me by the seller for further context.

cb400bill

Moved to C&V Appraisals

JamesRL

Color me suspicious. While I'm not an an Olmo expert, that cottered crank does not look like it belongs on an Olmo. The Arabesque 600 RD would be later than the crankset, about 1980. Does the headtube sticker look too fresh compared tp the rest of the bike?

If its a good ride you want, I think you can do better for $275.

howsteepisit

Old entry level way overpriced, in worse than average condition.

88prelude

That's in pretty rough shape for that price. I'd expect to drop around 100 on parts/rebuilding it yourself to make it rideable. Plus you'll want to replace the cottered crank and who knows if the seat or stem is stuck. Also, even though the badge says Olmo, it sure looks like it's on the lower end of the spectrum. I guess it all depends on how flexible the buyer is on the price (like will he consider the $100 range) and your negotiating skills if it's the right size.

Caliwild

I agree that it's in pretty bad shape for that price. I'd pass...

plonz 

That would be the most relaxed-geometry Olmo on the planet. Look at that rear wheel gap. Does not look right at all.

juvela

Hello Skyshroud,

There is quite a good deal to consider here.

One of the first things noticed is that the machine uses tubular tyres. Do you wish to deal with these?

Non-original fittings: rear mech, right hand pedal, likely brake levers. Someone has replaced the original Sheffield pedal on the right side with a Lyotard 460D but left the original Sheffield on the left side. Could be due to a crash so you might wish to closely examine the rh crank arm for alignment. The bicycle's chainset is original to it and is likely OMG brand.

Cycle needs a good deal of maintenance/cleaning to be really roadworthy. Agree with other posters that it is overvalued at seller's posted price.

Frame is constructed with Agrati "AM" lugset and crown. The Gnutti hubs are five-piece so I would want to check the drive side flange of the rear hub to make sure it has not loosened up. It is not a dangerous condition when present but a minor nuisance none the less.

There are dropout adjusters available to fit the cycle's Campagnolo Sport dropouts. They are inexpensive and helpful. The cams on the this generation of Gnutti qr skewer do not have much travel so it can take a bit of patient fiddling to get the correct adjustment, especially on the rear. You would presumaby want to reverse the position of the rear skewer.

The bicycle might be worth working with for you if seller would negotiate some on their price and you were able to carry out the needed work.

If you have any specific queries posters may be able to help.

Skyshroud

Thanks for all of your advice and feedback! After much thought and consideration of your advice, I've decided to move on and keep looking. Thanks again!

zukahn1 

I'm pretty sure it is a real Olmo with campy dropouts but it is very low end model. Likely high ten frame that came with Valentino level components and dropouts originally. In rough shape I couldn't see spending much more than $100 maybe $150 if you really like it on this level Italian bike.

juvela

+1

one thing which struck me was that despite being built with tubular wheels and campag sport frame ends the machine wears a plate style chainstay bridge. not enough in photos to tell of brake bridge of this type as well.

olmo used these bridges around this time for the very bottom end models like this yellow cycle the forum discussed a few weeks ago:

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...e-id-olmo.html