Marwood

I'm trying to work out the age of this bike: (I accidentally put this question up on the wrong part of the forum earlier)

www.flickr.com/photos/tommasini

It's got a rather distinctive quatrefoil (four-leafed-clover) shape cross-section, though returns to being round at each end.

From what I can work out, it's a mixture of Super Record and C-Record kits, of different vintages. Colbalto brakes but very modern looking cranks suggest it's a bit mix-and-match. So maybe mid eighties?

Declaration: The reason I wish to know is that I'm trying to help sell this bike for a woman who had it sitting in her shed for many years. I am not going to profit from it personally.

landrover4

no idea but a very nice ride

TacoPropelled

late eighties, assuming that it's original? didn't campy quit making super record in 87?

T-Mar

There were a lot of Tommassini that were sold as bare frames, so I would not put too much emphasis on the components for dating. My estimate would be 1982-1984. The internal brake cables are reminescent of late 1980s, but those models typically entered the top of the top tube, while these enter the underside. The top mounted shift levers are typical of the early 1980s aero trend and I'm wondering if the cable routing wasn't part of this trend.

I have for reference a 1985 Prestige. Same colour and decals, but with side mounted shifters, dual bottle bosses and brake cable tunnels. One thing I read was that all 1986 would have pump bosses.

I don't see a pump boss in the pic and can only make out one set of bottle bosses. If so, this would indicate pre-1985. I believe Campagnolo introduced their front derailleur boss in 1982, so that would establish the maximum age. If the above is correct, then it should be Columbus SL/SP tubing.

If you a pump boss and two bottle boss sets, then it should be late 1980s. Later 1980s Prestige were SLX/SPX, though I don't know the cutover date.

Marwood

You're right, there aren't any pump bosses, so from your description, it sounds like an early eighties frame that has been upgraded with newer components somewhere down the line.

The only thing that would suggest that isn't the case is the chainrings, which seem to be on relatively modern cranks but have "Tommasini" machined into them. I can't believe anyone would bother transfering them onto a newer crankset (they're also in far too good condition to have been used on an older crankset).

Alternatively, could these have been bought aftermarket a few years after the frame?

chipcom 

Now that's a sign of a really serious cyclist when they start dating bikes instead of other people. I may not be able to help you out with that bike, since I don't know her (sure is pretty though), but I could set you up with an 80's Bianchi with a good personality.

San Rensho 

Beat me to it. I was going to say, well if you talk to her really nicely and ask her out to dinner, then maybe you can date her.

Marwood

I knew there was a risk someone would say that.

I almost asked if anyone could 'age' the bike but thought I'd get advice on producing faded paintwork and a rust-like finish.

Sometimes you just can't win.

chipcom 

I probably would have used 'put a date on this bike' or 'identify the date of manufacture' or something else really lame that would not have been any fun.