phillyrider

Early 1970’s Gloria: classic case of rare versus valuable…






I am on the fence in terms of a Gloria that I just purchased, and I think it’s worth a thread discussion and getting some feedback from the experienced folks here.

I just bought this bike and am excited about getting it in a few days.

My take on what I bought is as follows:

Pre 1960’s Gloria bikes are really the desirable period. They’re rare and their value reflects this. Post 1960 and 1970, Gloria was a distant shadow of what they once were. Still, post 1960-1970 Gloria are somewhat rare – basic tubing, lower end/mid range components. I have never seen one. Some folks would feel that pre 1960’s is the cut-off. I also post this because many folk may not have seen one of these before (maybe it’s of interest).

On the fence: I bought the bike knowing that it’s early 1970’s. The feedback that I’m looking for is keeping it original or upgrading components (knowing the basic frame limitation). Since I never seen one, it’s in all original condition. Specs are as follows:

Campy Valentino extra derailleur
Universal brakes
Campy LG hubs and skewers
Campy Shift Levers
Steel Cottered Cranks
Alloy Wheels – Ambrosio
Source: Dayton Ohio shop open 1967-1980s

I am on the fence because if I were to start to do my usual parts swap, I’ve taken something away. Does the rarity of this bike (at least here in the US) outweigh the practice sense it doing things like removing the low end valentine derailleur, removing the cottered cranks to lighten things up, swap out wheels for a new tubular set. Etc..

I would really value an opinions/feedback on this.
Thanks…

Citoyen du Monde

I truly doubt that this bike will ever have any collector value (gas-pipe tubing machine built frame, low end components, bike boom period), so do as you please. This bike has no ties to Focesi or to the company that put out the high end bikes of the 30's, 40's and 50's. That company had already runs its course by the mid to late 50's.

love2pedal.com

Sorry, but I don't see the value in upgrading anything on this bike (except replacing the tires or cables to make it rideable). I don't think the frame quality justifies it.

Its kind of a cool looking bike, but only because it is all original. Pull off those original parts and you are taking away all that is cool about it.

rhm

My opinion: It's not a great bike, but it's definitely a step up from a Peugeot U0-8, Raleigh Grand Prix, etc. And it appears to be in excellent condition. If cheap, I'd go for it (assuming it fit, and I needed it, &c)

What I'd do: Change the rear derailleur for sure; probably the front one as well. Keep the old shifters for vintage credibility.

Don't change the crank; wouldn't save that much weight there, and the original has vintage credibility.

Change the seat post; that can save a bit of weight. And the seat, of course; I doubt it's original anyway.

Keep those wheels. Are they original? I would have expected large flange Campy "tipo" hubs on this...

phillyrider

Thanks for the feedback.

There's not much info out there on Gloria. I understand the Pre 1960's cut-off. There's a huge difference in my expectation of this bike versus classic 1930'2-1950's Gloria as we know it (value is about a tenth of pre 1960s Gloria). The amount I paid fully reflected the gap-pipe frame material. I bought it because I see it as quirky - around town/commuter in mind.
Campy valentino is usally a flag.

Did Focesi or the company retire or sell out by late 1960's - in terms of the "no ties" comment? Bike boom 1970s was an interesting time. I imagine that there was an attempt to re-brand established name. What happened to Gloria? It's not exactly a highly produced bike - which is also why I liked it.

Grand Bois

The only thing I'd upgrade is the saddle.

I'd at least give the Valentino a chance before thinking about changing it.

The brake cables and lever location need immediate attention!

Citoyen du Monde

Focesi closed down Gloria in 1957-58. The bicycle market had crashed as the pent up war time demand had been largely filled and more and more people moved to motorcycles and cars, leaving a sensibly smaller market for bikes. In 1956, they closed down their main sales outlet in Corso Buenos Aires in Milan. The brand was restarted in the 1960's but was strictly badge marketing as they did not produce in a dedicated Gloria factory but rather as part of a bigger group. Therefore there truly wasn't much of a tie with the historical brand anymore.

phillyrider

Thanks - that makes sense. I imagine that in Italy that there is a fair amount of 1960's+ badged, lower-end "Gloria" bikes. It just not too common to see these in the States. I appreciate the comments - this is interesting.