Originally Posted by
jjames1452
Hope everyone is enjoying the season.
I have new found room in my garage - thanks to an impending HUGE garage sale.
The two bikes I have on my wish list are 1) Italian and 2) drop bar Mt bike conversion.
I think I have the Mt bike down - I will look for a Schwinn or Univega frame that fits and should have the rest to finish.
I know almost nothing re. Italian bikes. Please help.
I like the looks of CIOCC-but know nothing about them other than the way they look.
My taste is mid-to nice.
It doesn't have to be the best of the best, but it cannot be the low side of mid-to-lower.
What should I be looking for. The time period I am interested in is mid-80's to mid-90's - give or take.
60 cm frame is perfect.
I do better on somewhat relaxed geometry frames-I gravitate towards the touring bikes - Schwinn Voyageurs, Trek 520,620,720.
I do appreciate the collective knowledge this forum provides.
Budget - I would like to find a bike for $500 or less that needs only servicing.
However, I am willing to spend more on a frame - then wait to accumulate components and finish next year.
I am very patient, and simply want a great looking, great riding bike that will give joy the rest of my life.
Thanks.
Ciocc is certainly in the upper ranks.
If you like the feel of a touring bike, look for an Italian racing bike from the '60s or early '70s. Earlier ones were more relaxed and more biased toward comfort. The lists seem to thing this was because roads were worse. In the late '80s and '90s geometries were getting steeper and ride stiffer.
I have a couple of Mondonicos and a couple of '80s Treks. The '80s Treks, while nice, are not in the same league as the great Italians. On paper, yes. On the road, no.