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Old 02-23-06 | 10:04 PM
  #3  
T-Mar
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I concur with Luker, except on the model number. Assuming 1984, based on the patent date, it sounds like a Benotto 1000. Nuovo Record derailleurs, Gran Sport crankset and Universal (77) brakes are all a match with the specs. The standard frame for this bicycle used Tange #1, butted CrMo for the three main tubes. The stays and forks are obviously a lesser grade, but the specs do not indicate which one. However, there was an optional frame package using Columbus Zeta, plain gauge tubing.

Pedals and hubs should be Gran Sport according to the specs. It's a solid mid range models, with the NR derailleurs thrown in to hook the potential customers.

While Tange #1 is very nice tubing, neither it nor the Zeta would have the collectibility of a Columbus SL/SP frame, so it's probably not worth the cost of restoration. Even though most of the parts are mid-range, they are solid and the pantographing adds appeal. I'd swap the parts to another Benotto frame.
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