catbox1234567

hi,

...anybody have any knowledge about an OLMO frame i have. the model is 'SINTEX', columbus SLX tubing, columbus dropouts, olmo bottom bracket. nice looking frame, not sure whether to build it or not (it's in excellent condition and i almost would perfer not to build up something this nice. i like to ride them and not cherish them) . anything info would be appreciated. thanks in advance.

mr kitty

RetroSteel

Olmo are an Italian manafacturer producing high quality handmade racing frames. Whilst their bikes are not an uncommon sight in Italy, they're generally seldom seen elsewhere with only a few other countries importing them, pred. USA. They're kind of like Ciocc's and Guerrotti's in terms of looks and quality. They used to use high-end Columbus steel tubing throughout the 80's and 90's but are now using Dedacchia steel, aluminium and carbon. Renowned for their pleasurable ride (I have a 99' Giro...one of their lowest models but still double-butted dedacchia frame weighing 4.4lbs and a dream to ride)... the SINTEX SLX model would date from the early-mid 80's (1983) if it is finished in white.

catbox1234567

retro,

thanks for the info. .....i'm thinking mine is a bit later. 126 rear spacing, but the rear brake cable is integrated into the top tube. paint is a white with a grey overspray. no cut-outs on the lugs. fastbast cluster with olmo panto's, panto unicrown fork. might this have been their flagship model? ...or a special addition to their line-up?
also, i haven't seen columbus drop-outs (front and rear). were they on par with campy d-o's?

cheers,

kitty

RetroSteel

Here is the '83 model Sintex: https://www.pieroorlando.it/Le_mie_bici/Bici%204.htm
Thats made from Columbus SL though and probably still 120mm spacing as most manufacturers made the switch from 120 5spd > 126mm 6/7spd at around this 1983 era.

Sounds like you got the 86/87 year model if its 126mm, i've seen blue ones from that year with slx. Does it have any markings stamped on the BBracket?. Likewise..you should keep it and ride it. I would love to have an SLX or similar Columbus 1980's frame and i'm sure i'm not alone with that..its good stuff and better than SL. You may want to search through the archived olmo pages on this site: https://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/

catbox1234567

retro,

the BB shell seems to be an olmo shell, as it is stamped as such (much like an cinellli, but with 'olmo' instead). the BB shell is stamped with the size (56) (c-t-t) and the year? (85) and an 'E'. the cable guides are integrated onto the shell, and nicely done. brazed on tubes for the cables. a cut-out on the underneath side of the downtube/BB shell lug, and the shell itself has a cut-out.

blue would be nicer then the off-white with the grey over-spray. it is rather poorly done, yet original. i have seen some other italian efforts at this shadowing/marbling. ...personally, i have found them (all?) mostly lacking in finish. ...to each his own.

the frame fell my way, so i should probably build it. the poor paint presentation, heavy lug work (no filing nor cut-outs), columbus, not campy drop-outs, and poor quality decals made me wonder about the quaility of the frame. ...the fork is nicely presented though, with the unicrown and panto's, as are the integrated top tube cable braze on's. my issue is that i hate to ride somethig so clean and with so few paint chips. while i don't beat any frames, i do ride them and things happen. i do respect a frame in EXC, and i am no museum.

prehaps i should offer it up to the bike world; if a curator make s a good offer...? otherwise i build.

the build-up will be a last generation superbe pro group with a rare 126 spaced 7 cassette hub, and a second freewheel rear. all 3 rims will be nisi suldi's, 32 rears and 280 front (anodized). ...it's a nice build-up. is it too nice for the olmo?

i have already checked the bulgier site. ...i wonder at the traffic to that site. while it might not get that many hits, the ones the get are religious. ...and rite-ly so!

aloha,

kitten

RetroSteel

Catbox, I suggest you should transfer some parts(or if you have those spares you talk of in the shed) you have from another bike onto the Olmo and then try out the ride before you decide if you want to keep it, rather than splash out on new wheels and stuff then realize the ride isn't for your feeling. One things for sure..steel frames have an infinate fatigue life if their kept rust free, not like aluminium, so it'll ride the same as it did the day it was born..21 years ago. Indeed "85" would be the year and the "E", contempary to the alphabet, would indicate either the 5th month or factory location/birth place.

Like you, I do think a groupset should bespoke the frames quality not its badge and SLX certainly is worthy of high-end components' like suntour sp. SLX has spiral inserts within the chainstays for enhanced feedback.

If selling i don't think you would get much for it, estimate would be $70-100, again Olmo arn't as sought after like thier more popular compatriots Ciocc and Colnago. A respray would seriously devalue it too. My 99 Giro frameset was bought of ebay for the poultry sum of £30.00 brand new (the only bid), the rrp was £219.00!. I built it up with new tiagra, new mavic ma3's and a 2nd hand ultegra 600 chainset, had change from £150 ($280) then i see a new one with lowly Sora going for £425 ($700?) 4th from bottom here: https://www.billnicksoncycles.co.uk/internet-offers.html

Did see this blue 1986 Sintex I mentioned going for $350 as a complete used bike, im not sure of the group, i think it was the Campag of todays Centaur quality from the time. If it were a track frame you would get higher offers as they're highly sought after by couriers and fixed fanatics... etc. The 126mm puts some buyers off (again couriers fgf's) and those wanting to strap on modern parts whom are pernicious of the fact you can fit modern 130 axles(with some bevelled axle nuts) on 126 drops without any problems.

JIITEE

Hello

I want to identify my lastest new retrobike Olmo Sintex frame-it has a 4 tone kind of " belt" painting ( yellow- blue-grey-red) and the haft of the fork and parts of the rear triangle are fully cromed. Tubing is Columbus SPX on 58, 5 cm top tube ( c-c) frame.
I have found some Sintexis with the same decal scheme which date to 1988.
Am I close enough here ?

thanks

Juha

JIITEE

Just put it together to be able to ride -- single speed 1st.

Juha

jebensch

^^^^^
I think that's the first time I've ever seen a C-Record component paired with Shimano Tourney! Sweet frame.

JIITEE

Yep, I had only those in hand to hit the road today -- in fact I had to file off a little bit from the Tourney brake-arch to shorten the reach .
Looking for Camp-C , D-A or something similar for brakes, too. The brake levers are 600EXArabesque, though... :-)

It´s for sure a sweet riding frame and I shall put the Wolber- Super Champion-tubular-Wheelset on it, once I´ll have time to overhaul them.

Juha

Picchio Special

Warning - resurrected thread. Sigh.

JIITEE

I should have read better earlier posts -- there is 120 mm spacing also with my Sintex frame -
so what could be the correct year ? Though it has got a C-record BB, saddle post and cranks ?

Juha