L'eroica - Frame identification w/ appraisal needed.
12-30-18, 09:44 AM
#1
Dmerk2
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L'eroica - Frame identification w/ appraisal needed.
Hi All,
I would love to have several opinions on this bike. Long story short - I acquired this frame from a small Italian bike shop in NYC in the 80's. I loved the look of the frame and since I was new to cycling at the time, I really didn't pay much attention to the brand/model, etc. Over the next few years (late 80's early 90's), I added different components, eventually having a full C-Record group on the frame. As time went on, I eventually traded some parts with some riding pals and now the bike is a mix of C-record, Super Record and 1 Dura-Ace front derailleur.
1) I would really love to accurately identify the model of this frame. I'm hoping the experts on this forum will chime in with their opinions. Based on the serial number, I believe it's an '85. I "think" the model is either a Corsa Professionisti or Corsa Speciale.
2) How rare is this Chrome glazing paint job? I have been searching around for vintage road frames in with this color, but have not been very successful. It's almost as if its extremely rare. Does it add to the value of the frame?
3) What is the appraisal value of the entire bike? If I were to sell, would it make more sense to move each part separately?
Here are what I believe to be the parts on this bike:
Headset - Campy Super Record
Bottom Bracket - Campy C Record
Hub set (front/Rear) - Campy C Record
Stem - Cinelli Customized for Atala
Handlebars - Cinelli
Crankset - Super Record
Shifters - C Record
Rear Derailleur - C record
Front Derailleur – Dura Ace
Seat Post - C Record
Wheels - Mavic Open 4-cd
Pedals – Currently Look, but have the original C-Record strap-ons.
Freewheel – Regina Extra America 13-19.
I'm attaching as many pics as I can. Please let me know if there is an angle or component you need a pic of to better asses the value. I appreciate all your opinions.
I would love to have several opinions on this bike. Long story short - I acquired this frame from a small Italian bike shop in NYC in the 80's. I loved the look of the frame and since I was new to cycling at the time, I really didn't pay much attention to the brand/model, etc. Over the next few years (late 80's early 90's), I added different components, eventually having a full C-Record group on the frame. As time went on, I eventually traded some parts with some riding pals and now the bike is a mix of C-record, Super Record and 1 Dura-Ace front derailleur.
1) I would really love to accurately identify the model of this frame. I'm hoping the experts on this forum will chime in with their opinions. Based on the serial number, I believe it's an '85. I "think" the model is either a Corsa Professionisti or Corsa Speciale.
2) How rare is this Chrome glazing paint job? I have been searching around for vintage road frames in with this color, but have not been very successful. It's almost as if its extremely rare. Does it add to the value of the frame?
3) What is the appraisal value of the entire bike? If I were to sell, would it make more sense to move each part separately?
Here are what I believe to be the parts on this bike:
Headset - Campy Super Record
Bottom Bracket - Campy C Record
Hub set (front/Rear) - Campy C Record
Stem - Cinelli Customized for Atala
Handlebars - Cinelli
Crankset - Super Record
Shifters - C Record
Rear Derailleur - C record
Front Derailleur – Dura Ace
Seat Post - C Record
Wheels - Mavic Open 4-cd
Pedals – Currently Look, but have the original C-Record strap-ons.
Freewheel – Regina Extra America 13-19.
I'm attaching as many pics as I can. Please let me know if there is an angle or component you need a pic of to better asses the value. I appreciate all your opinions.
12-30-18, 12:51 PM
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Beautiful bike. Chroming was much more popular in the '70s and '80s but due to ti being rather toxic it fell out of favor.
I wouldn't get too hung up on the exact model since you bought it as a frame only and built it up. I am not sure but '85 might be a tad early for SLX.
The value is going to be up to a potential buyer. Someone who just wants a good quality chrome Italian bike to ride might pay several hundred dollars for it but I don't think you'll see values like a DeRosa or Colnago might see.
I wouldn't get too hung up on the exact model since you bought it as a frame only and built it up. I am not sure but '85 might be a tad early for SLX.
The value is going to be up to a potential buyer. Someone who just wants a good quality chrome Italian bike to ride might pay several hundred dollars for it but I don't think you'll see values like a DeRosa or Colnago might see.
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12-30-18, 02:19 PM
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Atala was a moderate sized manufacture in Milano, I think. But, most of the frames I've seen were relatively mid quality.
Yours seems to be the top of the line.
I think your paint job is what is called "Cromovelato". Tommasini made quite a few of them. I don't think I've seen an Atala with the cromovelato, but that will give you a good search term.
I'm seeing some marked Atala Professionisti, and Atala Super Record with the cromovelato paint.
You've done a nice build.
Yours seems to be the top of the line.
I think your paint job is what is called "Cromovelato". Tommasini made quite a few of them. I don't think I've seen an Atala with the cromovelato, but that will give you a good search term.
I'm seeing some marked Atala Professionisti, and Atala Super Record with the cromovelato paint.
You've done a nice build.
12-30-18, 05:13 PM
#6
Senior Member
I do not follow that brand very closely but Atala is of course an Italian brand. And it has been around for a long time. It seems they have made a wide range of bikes, including racers. Yours is one of the nicer ones I’ve seen. If you’re planning on selling I would start higher than $800. The mismatched components detract from value a little but the C Record parts are nice, the pantograph parts like the stem really add to the appeal. C Record hubs also. The bike looks to be in nice shape. I would start asking around $1500. The bike market is slow and you might not get it but if there is someone out there looking for a collectible Atala, this would probably be on his/her list.
Also, Columbus SLX steel is high quality.
If it was my size it would worth $500
Also, Columbus SLX steel is high quality.
If it was my size it would worth $500
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N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
12-30-18, 05:28 PM
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It is hard to say. I think it is a nice build, fully matched or not.
I'd probably entertain offers somewhere between $1000 and $1200. It never hurts to start high, although if too optimistic, prospective buyers will stop looking.
Often the recommendation is to part out "mismatched" bikes/groupsets, etc. However, if you're selling, I'd start with it complete (less work that way, and I think the groupset complements the bike nicely).
If you can't get $1000 for it, then consider parting it out.
January isn't necessarily the best month to sell bikes, although vintage enthusiasts may not hibernate.
I'd probably list it in March/April/May. If you can't sell by June, then part it out.
I'd probably entertain offers somewhere between $1000 and $1200. It never hurts to start high, although if too optimistic, prospective buyers will stop looking.
Often the recommendation is to part out "mismatched" bikes/groupsets, etc. However, if you're selling, I'd start with it complete (less work that way, and I think the groupset complements the bike nicely).
If you can't get $1000 for it, then consider parting it out.
January isn't necessarily the best month to sell bikes, although vintage enthusiasts may not hibernate.
I'd probably list it in March/April/May. If you can't sell by June, then part it out.
12-30-18, 08:47 PM
#8
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Atala made nice bikes, and I like them a lot.
Unfortunately, Atala did not make bikes that would be considered 'high end' in today's market, which is somewhat depressed.
My best price estimate is $750 as is, if you can get that, take it and walk away. My guess is that you would not receive an offer that high, even on eBay, and with their 10% fee, you're really looking at $675 plus the hassle of shipping.
If you're willing to put up with shipping multiple small parts, you might be ale to better that number by parting out the bike and frame.
Unfortunately, Atala did not make bikes that would be considered 'high end' in today's market, which is somewhat depressed.
My best price estimate is $750 as is, if you can get that, take it and walk away. My guess is that you would not receive an offer that high, even on eBay, and with their 10% fee, you're really looking at $675 plus the hassle of shipping.
If you're willing to put up with shipping multiple small parts, you might be ale to better that number by parting out the bike and frame.
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12-30-18, 08:48 PM
#9
Dmerk2
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Thanks you all for your great feedback. The Cromovelato search suggestion was great and helped me get closer to identifying my frame. I'll wait it out and see. Since I don't really ride extensively anymore, I may just use this for my occasional trips. Thanks again!
12-30-18, 10:27 PM
#10
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Atala made nice bikes, and I like them a lot.
Unfortunately, Atala did not make bikes that would be considered 'high end' in today's market, which is somewhat depressed.
My best price estimate is $750 as is, if you can get that, take it and walk away. My guess is that you would not receive an offer that high, even on eBay, and with their 10% fee, you're really looking at $675 plus the hassle of shipping.
If you're willing to put up with shipping multiple small parts, you might be ale to better that number by parting out the bike and frame.
Unfortunately, Atala did not make bikes that would be considered 'high end' in today's market, which is somewhat depressed.
My best price estimate is $750 as is, if you can get that, take it and walk away. My guess is that you would not receive an offer that high, even on eBay, and with their 10% fee, you're really looking at $675 plus the hassle of shipping.
If you're willing to put up with shipping multiple small parts, you might be ale to better that number by parting out the bike and frame.
01-01-19, 12:09 AM
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This Atala appears like a contracted out frame, which I think in this case bodes well for its quality.
They made a range of models, the upper end frames were not exciting in the 70's at least.
They looked very Lygie like at the time.
I think the full bike value range advised is correct. Too bad, but just the current state of things.
They made a range of models, the upper end frames were not exciting in the 70's at least.
They looked very Lygie like at the time.
I think the full bike value range advised is correct. Too bad, but just the current state of things.
01-02-19, 03:47 PM
#12
Dmerk2
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Again, I really appreciate your expert opinions. If I do hold on to it, what would you suggest I add/modify to this build? Any suggestions?
01-02-19, 09:12 PM
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If it were mine, I'd match up whatever group made me happy- Super Record, C-Record, DA, whatever.
But if it rides fine the way it is, why change anything at all?
But if it rides fine the way it is, why change anything at all?
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01-03-19, 10:42 AM
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Based on the serial number, the frame was manufactured in early 1985 by Rizzato,owners of the Atala brand since 1938 and Italy's largest bicycle company at the time. It is not a contract manufactured frame. Rizzato also owned Lygie during this era, which would explain similarities between the two brands. It is a well respected brand but since it was a full range brand, it does not have the same prestige as the small volume boutique brands, at least in North America. I'd place it in the same category as a high end Bianchi or Bottecchia.
The model is a Professionisti (Professional). It was available in both SL and SLX versions. SLX became commercially available for the 1984 model year, so it is a possibility. However, the SLX decal is the later 1988+ version, so the decal is a replacement and the tubeset may not be SLX. The SL fork decal is appropriate for 1984-1987 SLX. To verify SLX, the OP would have to remove the bottom bracket and examine the the inside ends of the seat tube, down tube and chain stays for the helical ridges indicative of SLX.
Regarding price, IMO this a $1000+ bicycle despite some component mismatch.
The model is a Professionisti (Professional). It was available in both SL and SLX versions. SLX became commercially available for the 1984 model year, so it is a possibility. However, the SLX decal is the later 1988+ version, so the decal is a replacement and the tubeset may not be SLX. The SL fork decal is appropriate for 1984-1987 SLX. To verify SLX, the OP would have to remove the bottom bracket and examine the the inside ends of the seat tube, down tube and chain stays for the helical ridges indicative of SLX.
Regarding price, IMO this a $1000+ bicycle despite some component mismatch.
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01-05-19, 09:10 AM
#15
Dmerk2
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Based on the serial number, the frame was manufactured in early 1985 by Rizzato,owners of the Atala brand since 1938 and Italy's largest bicycle company at the time. It is not a contract manufactured frame. Rizzato also owned Lygie during this era, which would explain similarities between the two brands. It is a well respected brand but since it was a full range brand, it does not have the same prestige as the small volume boutique brands, at least in North America. I'd place it in the same category as a high end Bianchi or Bottecchia.
The model is a Professionisti (Professional). It was available in both SL and SLX versions. SLX became commercially available for the 1984 model year, so it is a possibility. However, the SLX decal is the later 1988+ version, so the decal is a replacement and the tubeset may not be SLX. The SL fork decal is appropriate for 1984-1987 SLX. To verify SLX, the OP would have to remove the bottom bracket and examine the the inside ends of the seat tube, down tube and chain stays for the helical ridges indicative of SLX.
Regarding price, IMO this a $1000+ bicycle despite some component mismatch.
The model is a Professionisti (Professional). It was available in both SL and SLX versions. SLX became commercially available for the 1984 model year, so it is a possibility. However, the SLX decal is the later 1988+ version, so the decal is a replacement and the tubeset may not be SLX. The SL fork decal is appropriate for 1984-1987 SLX. To verify SLX, the OP would have to remove the bottom bracket and examine the the inside ends of the seat tube, down tube and chain stays for the helical ridges indicative of SLX.
Regarding price, IMO this a $1000+ bicycle despite some component mismatch.
On a side note, I need to replace the 13-19 Regina Extra cluster. My legs are not what they used to be and I'd like a cluster that can go up to 28 (the max for my RD). The RD can also support 7 speeds so any suggestions on a good freewheel available today for these vintage bikes?
01-21-19, 03:37 PM
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Wish I had the funds, I would certainly make an offer on it. My dad bought me a Rizzato in the early 60's. Wish I had it today.
Jim
Las Vegas,NV
Jim
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11-15-22, 02:26 AM
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Based on the serial number, the frame was manufactured in early 1985 by Rizzato,owners of the Atala brand since 1938 and Italy's largest bicycle company at the time. It is not a contract manufactured frame. Rizzato also owned Lygie during this era, which would explain similarities between the two brands. It is a well respected brand but since it was a full range brand, it does not have the same prestige as the small volume boutique brands, at least in North America. I'd place it in the same category as a high end Bianchi or Bottecchia.
The model is a Professionisti (Professional). It was available in both SL and SLX versions. SLX became commercially available for the 1984 model year, so it is a possibility. However, the SLX decal is the later 1988+ version, so the decal is a replacement and the tubeset may not be SLX. The SL fork decal is appropriate for 1984-1987 SLX. To verify SLX, the OP would have to remove the bottom bracket and examine the the inside ends of the seat tube, down tube and chain stays for the helical ridges indicative of SLX.
Regarding price, IMO this a $1000+ bicycle despite some component mismatch.
The model is a Professionisti (Professional). It was available in both SL and SLX versions. SLX became commercially available for the 1984 model year, so it is a possibility. However, the SLX decal is the later 1988+ version, so the decal is a replacement and the tubeset may not be SLX. The SL fork decal is appropriate for 1984-1987 SLX. To verify SLX, the OP would have to remove the bottom bracket and examine the the inside ends of the seat tube, down tube and chain stays for the helical ridges indicative of SLX.
Regarding price, IMO this a $1000+ bicycle despite some component mismatch.
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