Mid to Late '80s Tommaso
 

Hi I have a mid to late 80s Tommaso that has been hanging in the garage for ~25 years and I am wondering about its ballpark value and whether it is worth bringing back to life. The components are mostly Campagnola although I am not sure about the grupo. It is SL tubing, a 12 speed with Campy hubs, and has Mavic G40 rims. The stem and handlebars are Cinelli.

I would say it is in fair condition right now and I would need to do a fair amount cleaning/lubing for it to be rideable, but everything seems to be working for the most part. I do not think I can post pics, but can provide a link to an Imgur album via PM if that is not against the rules.

Welcome! Some new members manage to post photos - try the "go advanced" button and look at the "Additional Options" below the text window, then look for "Attach Files".

And yes, it's fine to provide a link to an Imgur album right in your post. Just leave off the "http:" part and you can write it as text. You won't be able to do PMs till you have 10 posts.

Thanks, it looks like that worked, I can take different pics if it helps.

I don't know anything about Tommasos, except to say this looks like a high quality frame with high quality components, and looks to be in good shape and in a good size. Those photos are a good start, but you'll need to post better photos, that clearly show the components and elements of the frame, to show the true condition of the bike. That condition will have a huge effect on value. Also, your location will be very important, if you're thinking of selling.

Hold the camera so it's aimed directly at the element you're trying to illustrate, and take a good photo of the entire bike from the drive side, with the camera about the height of the top tube. Good photos of the lugs and decals, as well as the components, will help the experts here tell you exactly the model you have, and zero in on the year, and point out problem areas (if any).

I feel safe in saying that this bike is absolutely worth bringing back to life. It looks like a top quality bike.

Thanks for the help and here are some additional pics. It is drizzling here today so they are in low light and the bike was a bit wet. At this point I may sell but I am not sure. I quit riding this after a couple of years because I kept getting a knot between my shoulder blades. I switched to Mtn Biking and never looked back. However, I'm now 60 and my knees do not like the grind of the hills so I am thinking about trying the road again. I and the bike are in Santa Barbara, ca

At any rate here the pics-

Some pics of the lugs-

Drive train-

Wheels and Brakes-

Tommaso was the private label brand of Ten Speed Drive, a Florida based bicycle importer and distributor. Tge subject bicycle is a Tommaso TL Victory.The tubeset is Columbus SL and the component group is Campagnolo Victory, hence the model name. Based on the decals, it should be circa 1985-1987. It would be considered an upper mid-range model for the era. IMO, the value, in clean, rideable condition would be ~$350-$400 US.

...I bought a similar bicycle in very good condition (it had mismatched wheels, but the originals were included in the deal) here in Nor Cal last year for $600. I was happy to get it, and it has not disappointed me in terms of the quality of the ride. I think mine might be a step up from yours in the hierarchy.

I'm relatively sure these were Billato built frames. In those years they were painted with Imron, which is a giant step up from the preponderance of Italian bicycle painting from the 70's-80's. I always assumed they were probably painted in the US by the importer, but that's speculation on my part.

Here's a photo of the one I bought here, after a complete strip and rebuild:

Victory group is a mid-range Campy group. The frame has nice features - pretty lugs and pantographing. I would estimate $500 with bonus points for matching, original group and a nice wheelset.

It's a step up both in terms of tubing (SLX) and components (Super Record). Ten Speed Drive prepped and painted the frames in the USA, starting circa 1986.

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...thanks. I knew that couldn't be Italian paint.:)

Thank You everyone for the input. It sounds like it is worth resurrecting so I'll clean it up, get it lubed and take it for a couple of rides. I'll then decide if I should keep it or sell it.

Thanks!