conquest46

Saw this mirella in the back of an old dark bike shop. Owner wants $1000 for it. I'm just wondering what's a fair price. It has all campy components the wheels are 700 but no markings on the rim. Its about a 56. Pics are kinda hard to see due to the shop being so dark.

juvela

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Waaaaaaay overvalued by owner. This is the lower of two models offered. Date ca. 1973-74.

Forum has numerous discussion threads on this unique marque if you are interested in the background.

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zukahn1 

I would agree it seems overvalued super nice bike but lesser known brand with mid level tubing, budget performance parts typical of a nice entry level racer from the early 70's. I would say it is a 71/72 since this budget performance group with the somewhat unique three pin Sport crank was only used for one year. I would say more like $500 or so on value as presented.

juvela

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Someone has performed some upgrades since it departed factory. The Sport chainset marks it as a model "B" but the original Universal brakes have been replaced with Campag. The original Nuovo Tipo hubs have been replaced with Record. The original Nitor pillar has been upgraded with Record. Note the pedals; they are the original Sheffield or Way-Assauto which came with this model. Look also to the headset. It is not the Campag Record/Nuovo Record one would expect to go with some of the other fittings. It is a plain unmarked set somewhat resembling the old Campag Sport. This was the stock fitting for the "B" model.

With regard to using the Sport chainset for dating - if timeline says it was only produced for one year or so that is fine. In practical on the ground terms it was "in the pipeline" for about three plus years. Many manufacturers of Italian production machines offered a model which employed it from about 1971 to 1974. In the case of Mirella I have an advantage as I saw both models new in a friend's workshop the week he purchased them from a local distributor. Can date it to the 1973/74 time by other things taking place contemporaneously.

For valuation am thinking something in the area of 700-750. All of the fittings changed are upgrades so they can only add to the cycle's market value. As ever in these matters location counts for a good deal. The bicycle's fair market value in Seattle or Vancouver is going to be substantially more than it would be in say Dubuque.

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conquest46

Thanks for the useful info. Now would this bike have come with 27" rims or are the 700 period correct?

juvela

As recalled, both models only came with tubular wheels. So 700 wheel size.

Is stem and bar set 3TTT Record? (not shown in pictures)

conquest46

I know it's a crappy pic but I did not see any markings on the stem, the bars did have some markings but it was difficult to get a good pic.

juvela

Thank you. Stem looks like it may be a 3TTT model 78 which would be several years later than bicycle, if that is what it is. That lighting sure is awful. A person could use a miner's lamp in that place!

With regard to the wheels: noticed nut on rear qr skewer is CPSC compliant. This is a dating aid. CPSC was enacted in 1976 (IIRC!) but was not fully implemented until 1978, according to the experts. If you remove one of the hub's axle locknuts you will be able to read a two digit date. Wheels clearly later than bicycle.

Edit: found the pedal image in the photobucket gallery. Looks to be a Way-Assauto model.

https://www.classicrendezvous.com/Ita...Assauto%20.htm

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conquest46

Thanks for all the helpful info. This guy has a lot of cool stuff but I think he maybe high on his prices.

juvela

Mirella is not one of those marques enthusiasts tend to seek out. When combined with overvaluation this means it is unlikely to be scampering off any time soon. So you have the luxury of taking time to think about it, and/or negotiate.

Bianchigirll 

Is the front brake also missing the adjusting barrel?

zukahn1 

I didn't even spot that good eye it looks like they just used a washer and furrel.

bikemig 

Heck I'd only buy the bike if it showed up in Dubuque,

Drillium Dude 

The rear is cobbled, too - not an original Campy adjuster.

DD