inutil

It's my size and it's ITALIAN !

Oria TC 0.9 tubing

In a previous post T-Mar says "it was a plain gauge tubeset with a 0.9mm wall thickness for the main tubes- hence the name. The closest comparable Columbus tubeset would be Aelle, which was also plain gauge with a 0.8mm wall thickness for the main tubes."


originally speced w/ Shimano 600
but now has "Campagnolo, fir, Selle Italia, Primo Stelvio, ITM" as per owner.

I'm not all familiar w/ Campy.
Heck can't even tell if those wheels are tubulars.




I have several Japanese bikes (91 Miyata 914, 88 Centurion LeMans RS, 89 Specialized Sirrus, 91 Schwinn Paramount Series 5 PDG, ... and my RB-1) but ignorant when it comes to Italian bikes.

Thanks again in advance.

inutil

BUMP...Although Italian paint jobs are great, I'm looking strictly for a rider.

Would anybody care to venture an opinion how an Olmo rides?

Or on straight gauge Italian frames in general whether they be Columbus Aelle or Oria 0.9 or 0.8?

How do second tier Italian bikes compare to good Japanese bikes like a Bridgestone RB-1, or Centurion Ironman, Specialized Allez, etc?

Thx

Giacomo 1 

I have an Aelle framed bike that rides very well. It's alittle heavier than say an SL or SLX, so it's not a true lightweight. But think nice and solid for a long ride.

I could be quite wrong here, but the Campy gruppo appears to be Nuovo Record, which is strictly friction and a late 70's to early 80's group. Can you confirm that?

Anyway, the paint and decals look quite nice, so I would like it for appearance's sake and the brand name Olmo is a respected and somewhat rare brand here in the States. The frame tubing should keep the price down some, and would definitely be cheaper than say SL. Just want to know about that Campy gruppo...

inutil

Thank you Giacomo 1.
Sorry I can't confirm the grouppo...although I would have preferred the tri-color Ultegra it should have come with.
So I'm left with an Aelle level frame.
Would $300 be reasonable for a straight gauge Italian with friction Campy?

When I was in high school I subscribed to Bicycle Guide with their wonderful reviews of bikes I could never afford. After reading https://www.habcycles.com/m7.html
"Can the experts REALLY tell the difference between frame tubing?" ...and the conclusion:
"the personality of a bike is determined more by fit, frame geometry and components than by what kind of tubing lies under the paint.

I guess I shouldn't stress on the tubing...an Olmo should ride well right?

Giacomo 1 

Nothing really wrong with staight gauge tubing, as I said, I ride one, but I personally would look for an Italian with a Columbus SL frame or even SLX, because I think it would really give you that lively Italian feel your looking for. But you will likely pay more than $300 for one. I'd also like someone else to confirm the group on this bike, because it sort of seem's like a step backward to go from Shimano 600 indexed to Campy Nuovo Record friction, although the NR is fine also.

So, in the end, only you can say for sure if you'd be happy with this bike. If the bike is ride ready and tuned, then I think the price is pretty good for what your getting.

Ex Pres 

It's hard to tell from that pic, but if in good shape, particularly in a large city, $300 MAY not be out of line.

inutil

Thank you for wise advise Giacomo 1. Your beautiful Fabio Barreci is an inspiration ! And your ride report on this Aelle frame is also encouraging.

Thanks for your input Ex Pres. I really don't have a good handle on how much Italian bikes are worth.
The usual pricing guidelines from this forum ($200-$250 for good bikes with downtube shifters, $300 + for STIs) go out the window.

Giacomo 1 

No problem, glad you liked my Barecci. She is a great ride.

I'm often amazed at the prices given here. I'm not sure where these guys find such cheap deals, because IMHO, your not likely to find an original Italian bike with Columbus SL frame, Campy equipped with DT shifters for less than $500. Maybe alittle less on CL, but not on e-bay. You can always get lucky and find something cheaper if you are super patient, but generally one in nice shape is going to run you about 5 bills or better. You pay a premium for the Italian mystique, which IMO, is real.

Have you decided on the Olmo?

inutil

Going to test ride the Olmo this weekend.
Then this popped up!
Giacomo 1, your opinion please on this rough looking Pinarello (Treviso?) Columbus SL with quick release decals.
At least it hasn't been drewed but owner does not have original components.











Is the $350 asking price too rich ?

If I had enough money, I'd buy both the Olmo and this single speed Pinarello
and move the Nuovo Record over to the Columbus SL frame.

Grazie.

Giacomo 1 

I think the Treviso is the better frame of the two, no doubt about that. My personal favorite frame is the Columbus SL, and you can't go wrong with a Pinarello. It doesn't look that rough from the pics either.

What are the original components? Is he willing to give them to you in the price? If they are Campy, which I suspect from the pics it is, then yes, it's a great price IMHO. Even if they are Shimano 600 or better, I think it is a good deal.

Edit - Sorry I just re-read your post and the owner doesn't have the original components. Sorry.

Well, I still think the price is in the ballpark, although you can try and talk him down some. You really just need derailleurs, shifters and cogs to make her whole again. Just confirm that the frame hasn't been drewed, and is whole.