Hi,

I am newbie on this forum and must say that I enjoy very much reading all of these threads. It validates my desire to collect and hoard obsessively all of the bikes and bike parts that I have. It is comforting to see that I am not alone in this, perhaps quixotic, quest.

My current bikes:

1- Austro Daimler Ultima, 23", Reynolds 531 frameset with a mish-mash of components. Gipiemme hubs, Sugino cranks, KKT Pro Ace chrome pedals, Shimano 105 brakes (early aero), Sugino alloy seatpost. Early Shimano 105 SIS (for the wife). This was my very first, lightweight modern bike. Bought the frame sometime around 1983 from Supergo or some other mail order outfit.

2- Riggio 56 cm, Columbus SLX, Campy drop outs frame with mostly Campy SR and NR components. Superbe Pro brakes, Cinelli stem and handlebar. Selle San Marco Laser. SR LaPrade seatpost. Frame bought sometime in 1984 and put together shortly afterwards. Riggio was a bike and Campy importer from Buffalo, NY and had the frames made by Viner. There are no markings on the frame as the frames were spec'd out to have no markings. The only thing on the bottom bracket is a serial number. Riggio is no longer in business. Most of the components from this bike were transferred from the AD above.

3- Masi Gran Criterium, 54 cm, serial # 220. All Campy NR and bought from a little old lady for $100. Yes! that is true. I found this bike through my local Pennysaver and was able to pick it up right away. The bike is practically brand new with very little miles. Although one of the rims has been replaced with an Ambrosio rim. I think most of the Masis had Martano rims originally. The little old lady bought this bike sometime in 1973-74 and did not ride it very much. She was selling it because she was moving and retiring to Florida. My best find ever. (she only rode it on Sunday to go to church... :-) )

4- 1982 Trek 730, 22", 531 db frame, campy drop outs, Cinelli bottom bracket all Campy NR but for the headset, Tange Levin. Picked it up at a consignment shop for $150. The owner wanted $300 but I was able to talk him down. My first 'find'.

Bike frame that I stupidly threw away:

1- Legnano frame and fork. The one with the cotter pin style seatpost binder. After I got my AD and moved the components from the Legnano to it, I decided to put/leave the frame in the attic of my college off campus house. Left school, left town and the frame. 20 yrs later I was in town again and with the help of the Internet, I was able to find the phone number of the house. I called and explained my situation but the new homeowner told me that everything in the attic was thrown away when they moved in and hang up on me. Whaa! I still kick myself for doing that. I guess I already started to have too much crap.

What I need:

1- Reynolds 753 frame
2- Miyata Pro frame or bike
3- A Pogliaghi
4- Benotto 3000
5- Campy SR gruppo
6- Campy tool kit. The one in the wooden suitcase
7- Suntour Superbe gruppo
8- Shimano Dura Ace gruppo from the mid 80's
9- Galli gruppo
10- Mavic gruppo from the Lemond time frame (SSC)
11- Maybe a Zeus gruppo
12- Maybe a mix match of the best japanese 80's components (non Suntour or Shimano). Dia Compe brakes, Sugino cranks, SR, etc
13- It will be nice if all of these gruppos were mounted on different classic frames (3Rensho, Dave Moulton, Serotta, Paramount, etc)

Me? Immigrated from Panama (Central America) to Flushing NY. Rode a lot in the Kissena bike track (with my Legnano road bike) and met some of the folks running the races there. Went to college in the early 80's in Buffalo NY. Worked at the best bike shop there. Learned a great deal and met some nice people. Supposedly Steven Bauer was around one time but I missed him. Moved to Northern VA after college, found a job. Saw bits and pieces of the Tour Dupont. Have photos taken with Andy Hampsten and Raul Alcala (don't know where they are but there are somewhere in the house). Never raced. Rode quite a bit but never amounted to anything significant. I think I joined USCF at one time in my life but memory is fuzzy...

I apologize for the length of this post but it just grew and grew...

Could anybody else care to share their collections and experiences?

Thanks again for the great info in this forum and site.