rccardr 

This was discussed at some length when I acquired it about 3 years ago, and again earlier this year. Consensus seems to be that it's likely a late 70's model built when Bianchi took over the Frejus facility after Bozzi's death.

Please see updated pictures and link to slideshow on page 2 of this thread. Frame has been touched up some by hand but some chips and patina remain as shown clearly in the photos. Size is 59cm CTC on both seat tube and top tube.

All in all, a very nice bike that has been fully disassembled to the bare frame and refurbished with new stainless steel cables, lined brake housing, Phil grease, etc. Needs nothing except your pedals.

Thanks for looking!
Doc
Cell/text 7039873346

romperrr 

That's gorgeous

bikemig 

This is a very pretty bike. I don't think I've ever seen a 531 sticker before on the top tube but that's not a bad place for it.

noglider 

What's the story behind the shaving off of the rear derailleur?

rccardr 

Good question, Tom.

I bought that NR RD several years ago in a package deal, and although it was in exceptional overall condition, the front cage face was scarred. Looked like someone had maybe laid the bike down on pavement or run it up against a curb. The lettering that said 'Campagnolo Nuovo Record' was also partially obliterated.

I looked into replacing the cage face but they're hard to come by and my local vintage Campagnolo guru said he was unwilling to attempt a transfer anyway. So I laboriously hand filed, sanded, and polished away the damaged areas and voila!

Looks pretty good, if you ask me. I was thinking of just putting a small Campagnolo decal on it, but it looks so nice all polished up...

rccardr 

It really is a very attractive bike. Nice window work on the lugs, and the lines are pretty. I'd be tempted to keep it if it was the next size smaller.

With regard to the 531 sticker, I did a bunch of research on Frejus frames of this era and that's where the factory apparently put them. It takes a 27.2 seatpost, and there was a square area on the top tube where there had obviously been a sticker before, so I bought one that looked like the closest to original.

noglider 

I'd leave the derailleur as it is. I like it, too. I like the whole bike.

Lascauxcaveman 

That thing is a temptation, Doc. I am trying to resist Two cm bigger and I'd probably cave.

I'm with Tom, the customized NR RD is the shizz; looks very cool.

Though I must say, that wonky rear rim with the crazy-angled presta valve poking out through a Schraeder hole is not a detail I would expect to see on a Dr Cannondale build. Harumpf!

rccardr 

Yeah, I know about the valve stem. It's since been fixed, but still...embarrassing.


Do you really ride a 61cm CTC? This is 61 CTT.

rccardr 

Really? Nobody?
I thought this would fly out the door...

Vonruden

Amazing deal, imho...just a tad to small for me as well.

Lazyass

If it were a 57 or even a 58 I would have to get it. Good price for a 70's Italian 531 race bike with Campy in that condition.

BTW, what's the seat tube c-t? *edit* nevermind, I saw it

clubman 

Absolute bargoon.

RobbieTunes

that's the speedometer.

rccardr 

In response to inquiries & as much as I would hate to tear this down again, will sell frame/fork/headset for $210 plus shipping.

rccardr 

Mid-week, Wednesday, pre-Thanksgiving bump.

KonAaron Snake 

+1 - I dig the read derailleur as it sits. $475 for that is a great price as well. Glad it's too big!

bikemig 

Free bump up. This bike is hot and the price good. It's too big for me though.

romperrr 

That really is a gorgeous bike. 531 Italian is exceedingly rare and you've priced it very well. Good luck with the sale.

rccardr 

Well, I just couldn't stand looking at the Frejus on the rack every day, knowing that better bits and pieces were just a few feet away. Hence, I tore it back down to the bare frame, touched up most of the paint chips (by hand, custom mixing the paint), and put on a much nicer Pat 78 NR RD I picked up in Italy last year on which I later installed a new pair of period correct Bullseye jockey wheels, a pair of Wolber Champion anodized rims laced to Record hubs with a 13-25 Dura Ace freewheel & Panaracer PT's, a set of nutted Record brakes, NR brake levers with new blades, and a Cinelli stem & Cinelli bars.

Spacing remains 120, but the 126 wheelset slipped in easily.

Just waiting on the new brake hoods to arrive & then it gets wrapped with new red leather Smootape. Pics to come when it's finished...still for sale but obviously at the higher price mentioned above.

Thought it was pretty before? Now it's truly bella!

clubman 

You slay me with your bikes. None are my size and they are all sooo good looking. Thanks for putting them out there just the same, look forward to seeing Frejus v.2

Bikerider007

Can't believe this has not sold here. Glws, maybe eBay?

WolfRyder

I would have preferred this bike over what I just bought. From CL at a distance-- A strange wtf is that color, faded 86 Bianchi Trofeo, with semi-rust on components. All that for $430 Woo Hoo... and has been overall neglected and needs servicing everything. Such a deal, well guess the "Just pretty good commuter's", are starting to pile-up on me here. That with an expenditure on a vintage parts run, put dent in my wad. Ist is around the corner I guess, but still may have to make conservative play only.

Still you know your sh#t, that Frejus is dialed in, and I am looking at just half-way decent commuter, that I still have to drop cash into.

rccardr 

Hoods have arrived (Italian repo's from John Barron) and everything's been installed. Wrapped the bars last night, and was planning to take pics this morning.


Sadly...rain. Good in that it's been super dry here and we need it, but means a delay in taking/posting new pictures. It's a beauty!

jethin

Pretty bike doc, you do nice work. Somebody snatch this one up!