Merf180

This bike came from an estate auction lot. I am not a cyclist, so please forgive my lack of proper terminology. I'm looking for identification and value if possible.

The only markings are the serial number on the post just under the seat, and at the very bottom, there is the letter "R", what appears to be an X - but not so much the letter "X", and the number 54. The finish is chrome.

Handlebars are Cinelli, other connecting parts are Brev Campagnolo, fork is Olmo. Crank section is Campagnolo - but it is cracked.

Any ideas?

T-Mar

Looks like a Frejus to me. If so, serial number should place it circa 1963, This is a highly desired brand, especially in the track version you have. However, value will be depreciated by the fork and chrome condition. A non-original fork may also indicate a crashed frame, so buyers will be wary and you should inspecte the area immediately behind the head tune lugs for signs of stress (i.e cracked or peeling chrome, ripple in metal on underside). Finally, value varies widely depending on the local market conditions.

Merf180

Interestingly enough - I was just starting to study those even though 2 people have suggested it's an Italian bike. Thanks for mentioning Frejus, that gives me inspiration to keep looking!

phillyrider

+1 it look's like a frejus track bike. The seat clamp along with the slot and serial # location are typically frejus or legnano. The replacement fork (olmo) is a bit spooky. I can't tell from the photos - but replacement forks sometimes mean front end damage if there's bends or cracks in the top or bottom tubes. I can't tell from the photos - others maybe able to chime in.

54 on the bottom just indicates the frame size 54 cm. The serial # could provide an indicator of age (Mid to early 60's is likely).

https://www.classicrendezvous.com/Ita...al_numbers.htm

Merf180

I have a bike restorer who just bought a Cinelli from me on Ebay yesterday - I thought I'd ask if he could identify this bike, which came from the same estate. He told me he wasn't sure - but thought it was Italian. He also told me he'd buy it as is and to tell him what I want for it. He's aware the chrome is pitting and has some rust spots. Since he was quick to offer to purchase it as is - I decided I better do some more digging. I'd love this bike to go to him and get a second chance at life, but I have absolutely no idea what to ask for it.

Merf180

I just compared my pic of the serial number area to a positively identified 1963 Frejus and our serial numbers are just about 100 off - and the shape of everything is identical!! I knew I'd find an answer here! You guys rock!

phillyrider

A Cinelli and a frejus track frame in the same estate sale...nice.
Where there any other bikes? It seems like you had some good luck.

Merf180

Only the two.

T-Mar

Given that I properly identified this for you, don't you think I should get first refusal?

Seriously though, it's not feasible to suggest a value without knowing where you live and whether or not the frame is bent from a crash.

Bianchigirll 

or at the very least a brokers fee.

phillyrider

It's not my size - but I would be interested in seeing pictures of the cinelli. Was it also 60's?
I like estate sale stories...

For the frejus - I am not sure why folks remove the decals and the headbadges. Two of my frames came this way. I could ID them via the oil ports and other frejus attributes. I dont get it - right before a repaint/re-chrome - I can understand it, but I've seen this a number of times. The old frejus decals are pretty cool...I guess it's the stealth effect.

Merf180

Here it is:

phillyrider

Wow - that's a very nice frame. You apparently have a good eye for bikes.
I'm glad that this worked out well for you.

If needed, this forum is also a good reference for packing the frame for shipping (via search function).
Thanks for posting the pictures.

T-Mar

I'd say the Frejus is worth about 1/3 the value of the Cinelli, if that helps.

lotek 

I suspect the Cinelli sold for way less than it is actually worth.

phillyrider

Well, the OP came to the right place to get help with the frejus. However, some more info would help - mainly a close up pic of the downtube - I suspect stress cracks. If so, we could help with determining value as-is, value with a proper replacement fork (if worth it - but hard to find), and other recommendations.

Otherwise, as T-Mar indicated - we're shooting in the dark in terms of value.

In any case - some more close up pics and info could help. Anyone who would buy the frame would likely ask that same questions that we raise.

miamijim

The frame appears to exceptionaly straight from a left/right perspective as evidenced by the symmetry in pic #2. That doesnt mean there isnt top/down tube damage as some are speculating due to the replacement fork.

In regards to value, a bike like that will only get maximum return from a well written ad with good, relatively high resolution pics on Ebay. I wouldnt even consider selling something like that in localized market unless your very positive you can get a price that makes it worth selling localy versus having to place an ebay ad and packing and shipping a bike. Pick a high number out of the air and tell the gentleman who said to name your price thats what your considering and gauge his reaction.

The first thing you should do is take a high resolution pic from the side, host it on photobucket or flickr then copy/paste it into your responce here. Take a pic like this one:

phillyrider

Oy veh...$500 Cinelli. Lotek called that one right.

https://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-CINELLI-...item58858417a2

Frejus frame now on ebay at $600 BIN, no fork, no mention. This is why I never buy a frame without the original fork.

https://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-1963-FRE...item58858e4842

I'm sure the OP still cleared a profit - but missed the boat.

lotek 

well what do you know. Cinelli no. 101 is now on ebay.

https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=120524061067

sold in 1st ebay auction for $500.

JunkYardBike

I'm fairly certain that is/was a regular BF contributor. Haven't seen posts from him in a while, however. There seems to have been a flight of some of the most knowledgeable, and sometimes most irascible, members recently.

lotek 

Vbulletin 4.0x fallout?

he's also a regular on CR list.

Marty

JunkYardBike

Or possibly some contentious and bitter arguments here? Or too frequent contact with the unwashed masses? Or personal reasons.