MiloFrance

So there's this advert. https://www.troc-velo.com/photos-vel...-1-2203173.htm

Besides the fact they have a lot of admirers and are in one might say the second division of italian bikes, It's a good price and a good size. I have a couple more photos, and the chap says he bought it new in '83.
Any opinions please? Paint looks rough I must say.

T-Mar

The age is in the ballpark, though maybe a bit young. 1983 was the last year for those decals while the Portacatena dropout indicates it is no older than the 1978 model year. The crankset is 1978-1983 Shimano 600EX while the derailleurs and shift levers are 1984-1987 Shimano New 600EX but likely 1984-1985 based on the friction shift levers. The headset is Dura-Ace EX (1978-1984). I see a Columbus decal on the forks, investment cast brake bridge and tangs on the brake bridge, so it's likely full Columbus SL. As noted, the cosmetic condition is on the rough side but at that price it's still a good deal.

MiloFrance

Thank you @T-Mar! Good news on a night when certain politicians over here have only their best interests at heart. Does the serial number mean anything or are they typically european?
I don't need another project, but I think if the paint is that bad, it may get something new. How about the Italian flag?
The knowledge base on here never ceases to amaze me...

CV-6 

100 Euro and your size? What are you waiting for? Paint would be considered typical of the era. The Guerciottis imported by 10 Speed Drive to the US were sent bare and painted over here. There may have been some import duty advantages also. I have owned three, all with different tubing and they are nice rides.

repechage

Buy it already. Not the bragging rights of a Colnago, but a decent bike.

do note that in the Wizard of Oz, the witch melted when she got wet. There is a cause and effect and avoidance for you.

MiloFrance

It's in. I didn't realise I was getting a set of Normandy 79s on Mavic black tubs with a pair of brand new Vittorias in to the bargain.

jj1091

The '79 on the Normandy hub is the manufacture date code. Looks like 10 . 79, for Oct 79.

MiloFrance

Of course, thank you... Bearings are still smooth as silk

Cycologist

Nice bike, I've been looking at one for myself also.

Wileyone 

I've owned Colnago's. I'd rather have the Guerciotti.

MiloFrance

Seatpost is 27.0 so I think thats still in line with SL? The one it came with was 27.2, partly machined down to 26.8ish.

T-Mar

I haven't made a study of Guerciotti serial numbers, so I don't know if there is a standardized format with a coded year identifier. However, as a guess, I'd say it probably sat in the LBS for 1-2 years before being bought and built up, and that it is circa 1981.

This frame is early enough that it even if it was a USA model, it would have been imported by TSD as a painted frame. TSD didn't take over the painting until the 1986 model year. Prior to that TSD's Eason was having to regularly discount frames due to poor paint and decals. At the time, most entry level Japanese bicycles had better paint and decals than many Italian super bikes.

27.0 mm, if correct, would be consistent with Columbus SP. Many Italian builders of the era routinely transitioned from SL to SP once the frames reached around 58 cm, on the basis that taller riders were heavier and stronger, and required heavier gauge tubing.

MiloFrance

Ahh interesting! That makes me want to strip it and weigh it... I just checked the post in the Faggin, and sure enough it's a 27.2.

MiloFrance

Well there's a thing. A small flake of paint missing aroused my interest. Some paint stripper and 15 long minutes later:
​​​​​


I think my rear is chromed...

fietsbob

Base metal left sandblasted for better paint adhesion is commonly done,
so chrome wont be shiny, because the base metal was not polished
before going into the plating bath..


BTW I used some of my Machine shop skills , and used an adjustable reamer , (LBS owned)
and shaved out 0.1mm from my Bridgestone RB1 Frame Seat tube wall

and so went from 27.0 to 27.2 diameter,

and stopped as soon as my 27.2 seat post , on hand, fit..






...

MiloFrance

It doesn't look it in the pic but where the paint has flaked, it's very shiny! I'm having a debate with myself whether to strip it and take care of the surface rust or protect it and ride it as is...