Galoot

I bought my road bike in 1980. It's a Coppi Campionissimo, with Columbus tubing and fairly nice components. I've upgraded some of those components over the years, and due to moving etc haven't always kept the old parts.

I had it repainted in 1986, since living at the beach led to major rust on the chrome parts of the frame. This frame for sale in South Sac is exactly like my Coppi, although my frame never looked this bad:

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/1064909262.html

I've seen very little about Coppi bikes online, except that many were made by Fiorelli. The Fiorelli Coppis that I've seen have a crappy fork crown, not at all like the elegant crown on my bike.

I'm riding more than I have in a long time, and I'd like to have some lower gears. The old Campy NR derailleur doesn't tolerate anything bigger than 24 teeth, so I would have to upgrade that. I might also save up and buy a much newer bike in the next year or so, and the Coppi wouldn't get much use at that point.

I'm torn between upgrading it and using it as my main road bike, or restoring it to close to original form. The problem with the restoration is that the frame had a LOT of chrome on it originally, and I gather that it is just crazy expensive to get that done nowadays. I also would probably find it to be nearly impossible to find good decals for the bike.

I love the way the frame rides, but I'm not sure I want to spend several thousand dollars restoring it. OTOH, it won't cost more than a few hundred to put STI components on it, and a compact crank, and I'd have a bike that would ride as nicely as any Waterford.

What do you think? Is a Coppi worth restoring?

Galoot

I saved those images in my photobucket account, since they won't be up long:

SoreFeet

I've used friction shifters with a 7 speed freewheel and thought the shifting was really easy. I think it would be easier with 9-10 cogs. Maybe get some wheels built and cold set the bugger.

I've got Record hubs with new 9 speed cogs ready to go if you are interested...Sorry for the shameless plug, feel free to delete this post anybody.

If you don't ride in the rain a lot I wouldn't get the frame painted or restored. The components IMO are not exactly worth it. The old 144 campy bolt circle is okay but without a triple its hard to climb unless your name is Eddy.

I think the newer derailleurs/cog systems are pretty top notch. Historically the value of your bike depends on you. I wouldn't hesitate to modernize almost any bike. If I found an original Masi or Bianchi of an early vintage I'd not modernize. Your frame is worth the hassle.

Save up and buy a new bike? Why not just put a new groupo on the old frame if you like the fit. I love all my vintage bikes but hate the fit...

longbeachgary

If you're going to ride it, update it. If you're going to keep it as a showpiece and not ride it then make it original.

repechage

A Coppi was posted to the CR list this morning, from Sacramento, now why doe shte original poster state from Wisconsin.

This is why craigslist is a bit scary.

Lazyass

Eh, my '88 Rossin with the original 6 speed Chorus group and tubulars is my main ride, about 150 miles per week and my other Rossin with 10 speed centaur hardly gets touched. Matter of fact, I may convert it to 6 speed campy. Updating is not necessary.

jeremyb

OP isnt trying to sell his bike, he just linked to a bike for sale in Sacramento.

dbakl

[QUOTE=Galoot;8490309]I bought my road bike in 1980. It's a Coppi Campionissimo, with Columbus tubing and fairly nice components. I've upgraded some of those components over the years, and due to moving etc haven't always kept the old parts.

I had it repainted in 1986, since living at the beach led to major rust on the chrome parts of the frame. This frame for sale in South Sac is exactly like my Coppi, although my frame never looked this bad:

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/1064909262.html

I bought that Sacramento frame from the CR listmember who was selling it and just received in the mail. Seems like a reasonably made production Italian frame. It is quite rusted (though I've had worse), maybe a good candidate for blasting and powdercoat? I have the same vintage Fiorelli and I'd say they're pretty similar, though this Coppi looks like a step up from the Fiorelli model. Anyone know what the original decals looked like?

Dyermaker

I emailed too late.

: (

dbakl

You mean to the CR guy? I always jump as fast as possible on a good deal...

John E

It is easy with an 8-speed, as well (been there ... done that). My first choice is always friction, either downtube or barcon, because it is very reliable and economical, and it permits me to mix and match components quite freely.