1974 Italvega Super Record
 

Not exactly sure of the worth of this but I'm sure someone here has some info.

61x59cm, cc 1974 Italvega brown/chrome lugged frameset, Campy dropouts throughout, chrome tipped. Columbus SL tubes,
Campy Nouvo Record Pantographed Deraileurs, DT Shifters w/pantographed levers
Campy threaded bb, headset
Campy Crank, 53/42, 177.5 length
Campy cable guides, bolts, seatpost (26.8)
Original Campy pedals MKS Sylvan style, org. Christophe cages and straps
Cinelli bar/stem combo
Mavic MA-40 700c clincher wheelset with Record hubs
Universal brakeset, original gum hoods, new cables/housing

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2630/...86fceed7c4.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/...ef2845c406.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2546/...c8ac33146e.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2621/...e693be985a.jpg

What's to say ? The sticker, crank, der. ... A '74 it is. Most Italvegas were brown and all were really nice. I've seen 'em on the net here and there as well as seeing only 2 or 3 in real life. You have all the imfo. Two observations: yours has the Italian Col. decal. The foil type tubed bikes were later as were Stronglight cranks. I suppose that I could poke around for the model but... It looks like every bit of a four to five hundred dollar bike to me. Shown in front of the right audience, perhaps a bit more. One that nice with all that it has; OE, great paint... gettin' kind of scarce. Ussually they're considerably rougher and modified than yours. I think it's a great bike, most will agree.

To my surprise Italvega bikes have not become collector bikes...yet.

I am thinking in a few years and on the next market upturn...they will double or tripple in pricing. Quality and components are as good as any coming to the US at that time. I would think that bike would bring $450-600 IMO. I paid $350 for my 73' Nuovo Record from the original owner. I wouldn't take anything less than $600.00 for it.

Your bike is Campy loaded and looks pretty clean. Clean it up really well...put really good pics on your Flickr site so potential buyers can be linked to it to see all the shots of it. Lugs, components, seat, wheels, hubs, etc. Don't be in a hurry...keep it until the next run on bikes...you will make some good money. (Save it until spring anyway if you can) Take a look at mine if you have time...follow the link below:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/umpire54/sets/

Another excellent example of Italvega unpire54.... stunning. I agree with your evaluation(s) pertaining to your bike and the brand.

Well that's good to know everyone. If anybody is interesting in making an offer I'm open since unfortunately it's a bit too small for me....a shame, I know.

There was a nicely equipped (Campy NR) Italvega that struggled to sell for $350 on SF CL a few months ago. It's a shame too as they're excellent Torpado-built Columbus bikes. Finding one intact, meaning it hasn't been stripped of all it Campy is rare.

Smoothe feel to it!
 

Thank you old and new! It is nice to hear good words from other people. I appreciate your opinion and thoughts on the matter.

I gotta say my Italvega is my favorite ride! It is light and feels "right"...it's hard to explain. For the money I plan on snapping a few more up next year. I might be interested in yours in two or three months. I doubt it will be around that long though.

Something interesting - the shiney part on the seattube on my bike is chrome...not a foil decal. I thought it was a decal until I bought it and then when I got it home wiping it down I realized it is chrome. Perhaps under all the paint the bike is chromed?

You must be a tall dude famous amos! I got a Raleigh Competition GS that might fit you. It's huge!

I'd say that they're definitely undervalued. I saw a really nice one go for $350 on ebay about 18 months ago. I was floored, as I expected it to go for $500-600. I'd ride one with pride.

Yes I am a pretty big guy, 6'4. Its a fantastic bike and handles great. It's just shame about the sizing. Hopefully it will find a good home in the hands of someone who will ride the crap out of it and appreciate the craftsmanship for what it is.

Along the lines of Famous's ride, I have an Italvega Gran Rally and am interested in an appraisal. Needs a cleaning, though. Tell me what you think:

Lugged frame, chrome fork
Campy: rally derailleurs, shifters, skewers
Universal calipers, 3ttt stem handlebars,
shimano hubs and cranks

There has been an Italvega popping up on the Boston CL off and on. I don't think it is as nice as the ones posted here, but may be decent. Seller calls it an "ItalyVega" and says it's 26". Asking $175. Much too big for me and I didn't know Italvegas were such nice bikes so I never checked it out.

Here is the link if anybody is interested.
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/1515154847.html

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=129618

Incredible condition. The crank looks SUPER clean

You should buy it and part out the Campy parts. I saw some Campagnolo quick-release skewers go for $65 usd. Nuts!

I agree with ddot! Buy it! For $175.00 you may want to clean it up first though (my favorite part getting a new bike!)...you might even want to keep it...but if not (I can't believe I am saying this) you should get some good parts off of it and sell the frame on ebay or CL.

(ok...embarressed...will someone please tell me how to post pics on here?? - all I know how to do is link)

I was very lucky in that the original owner I bought mine from kept his in fantastic shape keeping it waxed so the paint and chrome is in excellent condition. The gold painted "Torresini" markings on the top tube are really the only things that seem to have somehow partially came off. I think I can handle fixing that!

I gotta say though...some of the drilled lightweight Italvegas are some of the coolest bikes I have ever seen. I mean those puppies are drilled everywhere...cranks, pedals, pedal stems, headsets, brakes, brake handles...its crazy! They were also very well done...atleast all of the ones I saw the machine work was spot on and very well laid out.

There is an older baby blue one on ebay right now - unfortunately he doen't have it turned drive side showing (I asked - no reply or new pics): http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Italvega...item1c0ecdcc66

It doesn't seem "as drilled" as most I have seen before. Holes on pedal stems seem larger than normal and fewer holes that most I have seen. Maybe he did it himself or it is one of the first ones drilled?? It does look like a very early bike. Man I wish he would add a pic of the drive side and components.

I would love to clean that crank and frame up! Look at that grease...me and simple green would have a ball! I still wouldn't mind having it but not for that much for that condition. I just love old bikes!

Link to my Blue 73' Nuovo Record: http://www.flickr.com/photos/umpire5...7622324703333/

ummm...ddot...pic or link with the description?

Hey Ump -- Love your Nuovo Record. My Gran Rally is blue and very similar to yours, but I've got a Rally derailleur and 3ttt stem/handlebars. The previous owner must've sold the Campy hubs and crank -- there's Shimano there now. Here's a small shot: http://velospace.org/node/25358

Also, I love how yours has cleaned up. I've got some heavy road grime on the bike on the frame and the drivetrain. You say simple green is the best way to wash it all off? Did you use an aerosol can or did you soak the parts? How else did you clean the bike up so well -- chrome, paint .. it all looks so good! Give me your clean-up run down..

I have a blue small rubbermaid plastic tub that I use to soak the parts. Approximately 18 x 24 x 8 inches deep. Just guessing I am not walking to the garage to measure hehe . Any kind of plastic container that holds what you put in is fine. I use butter tubs for soaking small parts like derailluers so I don't lose any of the little parts...keeps them together. They are the perfect size

Yes...Simple Green is da bomb for cleaning parts - 50/50 with water. (I throw in a little extra just for fun if it is something really dirty) I soak for an hour or so and go help it along with a brush or sponge. Buy it in the gallon jug size at LOWES OR H DEPOT. When it gets nasty throw it out and make a new batch. RINSE ALL PARTS WITH WATER THEN WIPE DOWN DRY. YOU NOW HAVE AN EON BEFORE IT WILL RUST IF YOU KEEP IT INSIDE FROM THE ELEMENTS.

IMPORTANT: I soak aluminum parts until they are clean...then I take them out quickly so the aluminum doesn't get darker. Usually you can let them soak for 10 min then hand clean them and they are done. Mostly just rem to not let the aluminum ones stay in too long.
YES I KNOW I REPEATED THAT - ON PURPOSE BECAUSE I HAVE A 1953 CAMPY DERAILLUER DARKER THAN IT WAS. MY FAULT. Steel and Chrome you can leave in there forever, it will soften rust also. I clean chains, derailluers, cranks, pedals, sprokets, seat post, brake parts, everything with the SGreen. Chains soak for a few hours and then use a wire brush...if it is still nasty keep soaking and repeat. Dry it well when you get it out and wrap it in a rag until you put it on the bike.

Helpful hint: Go through your closet and drawers and chunk those T - Shirts/socks you haven't been able to wear cuz they are ugly...and make them into rags....gotta have lots of rags. I find cloth diapers are the best for wiping down for the final cleanup before waxing. I have also gone to Dry lube for the chains...keeps them cleaner as well as the sprockets and crank set. PRETTY!

Use the grocery store variety sponge packs with green scotchbrite looking stuff on one side and yellow foam on the other to clean the frame with. WIPE and Clean. Make sure everything is dry and wipe with a clean cloth one last time.
I love cleaning the bikes when I first get them...that's how I get to know them. LOL Satisfaction guaranteed!
Hope that helps. Take your time...enjoy it!

You even soak brake calipers, too? Don't they have bearings? I've got some universal centerpulls that need some cleaning..

If it is the Universal Extra, Universal 61, Mafac Racer, Winneman sp?, I soak them for a bit and then take one out leaving the other to soak while I do the following: rinse, take it apart, clean/polish if you choose, then put it back together. Those are the only ones I have done...no bearings.

If you can't rem how it goes back together (washers - how many and where they go mostly is the problem) then you can refer back to the brake you are still soaking . I put one back together 3 weeks ago...and put the other back together last night. Took about 5 minutes. It is nice to have a part to refer back to. I have came a long way in 6 months. I have cleaned 10 bikes, fixed some of them up, ready to keep or sell, I have disassembled my first bottom bracket, and first head set. Now if it all goes back together right I will be very pleased with myself!

Not near as intimdated as I was at first...anybody can take something apart and put it back together...and if you get it that far and can't make the final adjustments as needed you can take it to a LBS and watch them do it. Most shops will tutor you. Mine does. So far I have been able to do what I have tried. I haven't gotten to derailluer adjustments yet though...kinda nervous.

Thanks for all your help ump.

At this point for my Italvega, I am considering selling my Campy parts and using the money to convert the nice tubed frame to a Single-speed.

But, I would rather just sell the Italvega complete with Campy parts (after cleaning) if I knew I could get $600+ for the bike. I don't mind having cheap parts, as long as I get a solid single-speed frame. That's what I would do with my Italvega: sell the vintage parts and just part upgraded (though inexpensive) brakes + calipers on it.

Do you think I'd be able to sell my Italvega for that much?

Honestly, in this market, $600 is pretty strong, even for a super clean bike. In that price range, you're competing against similarly equipped Paramounts, Raleigh Professionals and Bianchis, all far more recognized (thus some would say more collectible) marques. As for conversion, Italvegas are a good candidate as they have a relatively clean palette without the braze-ons (if you go single brake, that is). On the other hand, this ends up being the fate for so many Italvegas, so finding one intact with what God (or at least Lawee) intended does add some value. Conversion doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, you can probably do it with what you have if you fiddle around with the freewheel to get the chainline dialed in (like maybe a 42/16 or 42/14). That way you can do both: hang onto the surplus parts if you ever want to take it back to original and have a sweet single speed in the meantime.

If the bike was completely intact and original, I wouldn't be interested in parting it out as much. But I need some cash to buy the freewheel and the chainring bolts for my crank. I'd also love to upgrade the brake system. At the very least, I will sell my Campy quick release skewers, but I'm not really interested in keeping it as a road bike. I love the simplicity and style of a single-speed.

1974 Italvega Super Record help please?
 

Hello Everyone,

I want to start by telling you all on the list that I am excited to be a part of Bike Forum and would ask that you allow me into the membership of the forum as a new member. I will work to keep my discussions on topic (about bikes) and that my manners will be pleasant and respectable. If you accept my invitation, I want to express my thanks and I am hoping that we can learn skilled technical knowledge, and all the fun that goes along with cycling, which will help us to be safer and better riders, while still being able to understand and maintain our bikes.

I want to start with saying that I am addicted to the hobby. I have several bikes from Merckx Corsa Extra, Hetchins, 60's-70's Paramount's, Frejus, etc. and the one bike that I have, that rides the best, is my Italvega Super Record, which sounds crazy to those on other forums. The bike handles and tracks like a dream. The 1974 Italvega in the rarer blue color has a problem. I am missing two key decals that I can only see a faint outline of and is barely legible. If you folks who have a Super Record Italvega could snap me a picture or two of the top tube scripted letters "Super Record", I would love you forever for it. I can faintly see where the letters were but not enough for my expert decal makers (in the UK and Australia) to get me the Super Record decals produced. Some, or most all of you people may know who I am referring to with these decal makers, who are graphical design artists who make these at night on the side, and who do a really nice job. I'm aware that there are the various models that Mr. Ben Lawee supervised over with the Italian Torpado builders and shared the same building as somewhat partners. The various models from the higher end to the to the more economically reasonable, were the Italvega Super Light, Super Speciale, Super Record, Nuovo Record, Nuovo Sport and Viva Sport.

Would any of you be kind enough to provide me a digital photo of the Super Record's scripted top tube letters? I am not knowledgeable with linking the communication from you to me, other than through this forum list. Hopefully one of you could post an attachment to your reply and I can then get my bike identified with the manufacture of the correct decal shape for the word "Record" that my bike needs and missing. Thank you all for making this a great hobby and please remember to ride safe. I promise that the cars don't see you like you think.

Best Regards,
John Proch

Hello Amos,
I have a 74 Italvega Super Record in the light blue color and am in need of the "Super Record" top tube decal. Would you mind snapping a picture of this decal for me? It would be of great help. I can barely make out mine with a hazy line of Record and a bit of two of the Super decal. I have a graphic design artist in Australia, Mr. Greg Softley who is going to reproduce the Super decal and get it to me. Any help with a photo and email to me would be greatly appreciated. If any of you others with a Nuovo Record model, I am in need of the Record photo, Thanks!
Thanks in advance.
John in La Grange, Texas
john_4u_2000@yahoo.com