A few weeks ago I got very lucky...I was preparing for a trip to NYC and on a lark, while packing just for the heck of it I decided to look at CL I had promised myself that I would be out of the bike business for a while (LOL). While browsing I saw an add for a Road Bike and parts, bottom pics showed a campy crank and some rusty campy brakes. The add had been up for a fews days so surely it had to be gone by now...so no harm in making contact, right?
I saw that the add said Gios and I love the ride that my Record gives and although I had never heard anything about the Gios Compact ( any good?), the price was right...I thought it was worth a try.
I sent a contact by email and received a message back that the bike was sold and the buyer was on his way, so apparently another person had spotted the Gios too.
A day passed and I was on my way to the airport that day when I received a text that the person never showed up and if I wanted it, the bike was still for sale. The seller was the original owner and bought in 88, never dropped or crashed.
I called one of my friends to ask if he could pick up the frame wheels and miscellaneous parts for me and left for NYC, hoping for the best but expecting the just O.K.
Add below
When I got back, I went out see my new found "treasure", the frame was straight with no dents a very little paint loss, the fork had a campy HS and some minor rust etc. It needed a good wash and wax so for the 100.00 that I paid I felt that I was ahead.... 3 of the wheels had campy record hubs.
Box of rusty parts
I wanted to see what was in the BOC so that was, next, I began peeling away the rusty grubby parts I saw a glimpse of what looked like something special.
This is what I found....
There were 3 nearly complete campy groups( sans cranks and BB), Chorus, Record and Campy brifters with rear cog and chain... not counting the Victory crank, there was no seat post or saddle, but I am not complaining at all.
This will be my second Gios the first being a Blue Record...as I said, I don't know much about the compact but excited to see how it rides.
I will start a cleanup and rebuild shortly and will post pics as it progresses...I know that I will need to change the BB because I want all campy on this frame. I need to decide if I will use the Deltas or something else.
So there is truth in the old saying the second time is a charm.
Have a Good Labor Day!
Ben