Hello all!

I recently obtained a Cilo bike. It rested few decades in a basement.
I'd like to restore it.
Sand it down and repain it.
Keep chrome and rechrome if needed.
Here are some images of the details.
https://goo.gl/photos/CK4oHjYQNXgpwifL8

Can you tell me something about it?
Is it worth it?
Rubbers, wires and tires should be replaced ofcourse.
Some parts (handlebars, paddles) are Japanese, rims are French, brakes are Swiss and shifters are Shimano.
But I'm sure you'll see it for yourself even better than me

Thank you for all the help that you can give me.

Hi. It looks like a nice find. It looks like a light touring bike. Consider just polishing and waxing the original paint as it seems to be in a very good condition!

Components tells me this bike was mid level model from late 70s or early 80s. its very nice all the parts are made from aluminum as it will clean up nicely and also suggests it's not a low-end bike. You can try to find out exact year of production by checking out the serial number (stamped on the seat tube as show on your photos). It was very common to mix Japanese and other components with each other by that time, especially on bikes sold by European brands.

I'm sure you will enjoy this bike big time! Again, really nice find!

Yes, I definitely would not take the time and effort to completely restore this Cilo. This bike is simply not old, rare or dilapidated enough to justify that level of commitment. It looks like it will clean up very nicely with the original paint and chrome intact. If it was sentimental to you then that would be one thing, but if you just found it then you should be aware that going through such an effort can easily cost more than the bike will be worth at the end.

Clean it, enjoy it!

Well it is in pretty condition. I wanted to change colour for my personal taste.
I saw this restoration and I want to try something similar.
1966 Cilo Road Bike

I also figured what you say about low to mid level.

That 1966 Cilo is perhaps a decade older than your bicycle and far more collectible. I would be willing to bet that to the right buyer just the adjustable stem on that bicycle is worth half of what yours would be in mint condition. Such things should be considered seriously before taking the time to restore a vintage bicycle... It is not as easy to do as it looks, and will certainly require dozens of hours and perhaps hundreds of dollars to do correctly.

+1 to not repainting. Paint looks to be in great shape for its age, and it's a lot of work to repaint. Not worth it in my opinion. The bike as a whole, however, is worth the investment in new rubber, cables, hoods, tape, etc. I have an early 70s Cilo (albeit a higher end model with Campagnolo & Reynolds 531 tubing) and it is a great rider--stable yet a great handling bike. Sometimes the geometry is as important as the tubing. I'm not familiar with your model. I suspect it was made in Japan under contract with specs from Cilo. Btw, you can use crane creek replacement hoods with those lever I believe. Depending on your market, the bike fixed up may only be worth $275, give or take $50 (at most), but I suspect it will ride better than other bikes in a similar price range.

Thank you all for your reply and opinions. I'll think about it.
There is another thing that's bothering me. Seat is destroyed. Probably because of humidity in basement. It's ripped and whatnot.
I'd like to get a new one or used, but in good condition.
Brooks are really nice. Is there a way to get one cheap or at least cheaper?
Maybe some other nice brand or model?

Thanks

I agree with the other posters....clean it up and ride it. It has Hi-Ten tubing & lower end stamped metal components.

Find another bike more worthy of restoration. BTW, Cilo made some beautiful high end bikes w/ 531 tubing and Swiss attention to detail & finish.

Many, many options on leather saddles. That's a quick Internet search.

I know, but who to trust?

They are leather bicycle saddles, not crime witnesses! To a great extent leather is leather and metal is metal and craftsmanship is craftsmanship. If you want high-quality then we can start debating, but if you're on a budget anything that suits your fancy will do fine.

You are right of course. Thanks

Bike-discount.de has some great prices on brooks saddles. You can get an entry level b17 for less the $90 shipped.

The real question is which width & length will fit your body.
Measure a saddle you like and stay close, especially width.
Example: I like many suspended leather saddles, but a Brooks B-17 is torture, too wide for my but.


edit: besides Brooks, Cardiff & Berthoud come to mind. If you want vintage the list is long.

Gyes is another modern one with a lot of options. I have no experience with them but they are all over Ebay brand new, though the prices are not that far below some of the standard Brooks models.