lithman

I'm back into cycling now. Been away for 8 years and weigh 275. I'm riding my mountain bike which weighs 23lbs and no issues, but I have a rode bike, it's a 1983 Giovanni Battaglin, only 300 of these were made that year in Italy. Now they're made in England. Needless to say, it can't be replaced. The last time I rode this bike i weighed 245lbs. My question is, should I wait to ride the rode bike, or do you think it can hold me up? Please advise. Thanks in advance.

monogodo

I'm guessing it's steel, in which case you shouldn't have an issue. I'd only be concerned about the wheels, and I'd put the widest tire that would fit on them to assuage my mind.

lithman

If I remember correctly, it's Columbus SL alloy tubing

Shinnster

unless you plan on selling it...... RIDE IT

Seriously though, it should be fine, just make sure it is in good working order and have fun riding it. if you are too worried about riding it than what good is the bike.

In the end it is just a bike. it wants to be ridden

lithman

Thanks for your inputs... Since there were only 300 of these made in 1983 and irreplaseable, just want to make sure... Thanks again.

Greg_R

As mentioned, make sure the wheels are strong. You may also want to check the spoke tension on whatever wheels you decide to use...

exile

If you want lithman you can send the bike to me. Be advised I am also a Nigerian diplomat recently ousted from my country and living abroad. If you send me the bike I will gladly ride it and return it to you along with a handsome reward for its use. I am 240 and can give you an honest appraisal. I just need to secure my funds so if you want to send your bank information along with the bike I can deposit your reward when done .

lithman

Sounds like a great idea Exile...

txvintage

Umm, this may the most "I don't wanna" make post I have ever done. I know Columbus SLX actually does have a weight limit and I "think" SL does as well. The same goes for Reynolds the higher the tubing number goes, such as 753 and 853.

I'll give our local frame builder/affienado a call later today to make sure about that. Quality built irreplaceable vintage Italian bikes are the shiznit, but they are a bit on the Princess side.

Hopefully someone else will chime in here and tell me I'm full of it/completely wrong.

fixedgearinker

I just sold my '85 Basso, an Italian frame constructed of Columbus SL tubing. I rode it quite a bit with no issues at all due to the construction. I weighed 260# at the time (down to 240) and that posed a few issues for me, in my mind anyway. I found the ride to be very sweet as only a handbuilt Italian steel frame can ride. My issues can from a combination of my weight, stregnth and the thin tubed steel frame, primarily with regards to aggressive climbing or sprinting. It felt very whippy to me at the bottom bracket, especially with a stout wheelset on. I loved that frame, but eventually upgraded to something stiffer (a Klein), and am much happier. The ride is rougher to be sure, but the stiffness to me is a fair trade off. Just my thoughts.

Having babbled on about that, ride and feel is subjective. If it feels good, fits you well, then ride the snot out of it....

txvintage

Got any pics of the Basso? I loves me some Italian steel.

Here's mine in an unbuilt state. It's an 88 Rossin SL, climbs like a goat.

fixedgearinker

she is long gone, lives in Hawaii now, but here is a snap of her...

txvintage

Oh My...........................................I just drooled a little bit.

IAmCosmo

I know SLX does. I have a 91 Tommasini Super Prestige which is made of SLX tubing, and I'm afraid to ride it. My goal weight is 199, and I'm saving my first ride as my reward for hitting my goal weight. 199 may still be over the actual limit, but I'm willing to risk it.