dannyg1 

Is it possible for a Metax tubed frame to have braze ons that look like this?:

Nessism

I don't know why not. Silver brazing is possible with Metax.

BTW, looks like the rear brake bridge is cracking and about to fall off. Photo issue or frame issue?

dannyg1 

It's just some dirt that I didn't wash off from the day-before's ride. It startled me a bit when I shot the pics (same look on the other side) but a close wash/inspection shows a perfect braze line. Even the BB shot, with that stuff that could easily pass for a bubbling rust look, is a visual trick. I really dont understand why the slighest bit of runny, wet dirt can make a bike look instantly in dire trouble, photographically speaking.

Thanks for helping me out with your reply.

Danny

Nessism

Wow, fooled me. Looks like a failing braze joint on both sides.

maddog17

who made the frame?

dannyg1 

It's an unsolved mystery at the moment. Best guess is Italian, but I really don't have any idea. You?

Danny

maddog17

ok, so ill assume that there are no manufacturer stickers on it. can you get a pic of the whole bike? any marking on the front or rear drops? any other info stamped on the bb shell?

dannyg1 

Front and rear drops show no markings and are plate cut.

BB markings: 'Speed Metax' as shown in current pic. Other side says '56' and I think 'SP'


Whole bike pic:





Nothing on fork steerer either.

Danny

dannyg1 

I'll try and photograph the markings on the frame in sunlight with a macro lens tomorrow.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Danny

maddog17

wow, nice stumper you gave us. first thought it can't be a Colnago, they usually have their name stamped in the bb shell and on the fork crowns. so my other guess is it's a small builder, maybe US. one name that pops into my head is Rhygin. he was located in Mass. i think. i had a chance to buy one of his road bikes when a local shop was closing but it was too small, and his frame was the only one i'd ever seen that used Metax tubing. the paint job is kinda his style too. i doubt theres any further info inside the bb shell, so i'm officially stumped. i found this link, it has some builders who used Metax, you may be able to find out further info

https://www.cyclingforums.com/archive...p/t-11726.html

dannyg1 

The more I live with this, the more I'm thinking that this frame is made by Billato. It has a look to the seat cluster that's reminiscent of a Ciocc, Concorde or a Lemond and a style of build presentation that really, really looks 'Lemond-esque'. Seial numer placement looks Lemond as well.

What do you think?

maddog17

don't know about Billato at all, so you may want to do more research on that. as far as Ciocc, possibly. forget Concorde. they were built by Ciocc, but i think the line ended with columbus TSX, pretty much when the PDM team folded. and i doubt Lemond, but it's possible. i'm not sure who was building his steel frames.