Benotto identification help
 

Calling [MENTION=20650]T-Mar[/MENTION] (and anyone else with some clues!

I picked this up several years ago (about 10) in Miami. It came with steel rear track dropouts that I assume someone was going to attempt to weld into place... I am finally getting around to considering having the frame fixed but want to see exactly what I have first.

What I know so far:

1. The drop tube shifter bosses area has markings like they were filed off
2. the BB is Italian threaded
3. The serial number is 0875
4. It has the heart cut out under the BB shell
5. It has under BB cable routing
6. The top tube brake cable routing are singular roundish, not the typical two hoops
7. The seat stays at the seat cluster have the Benotto pantographing
8. The brake bridge is not set up for a recessed nut
9. The seat tube under teh seat cluster has the outline of the removed sticker
10. The lugs have the triangle cut out in them as pictured

I have seen similar lugs on and sticker on a 1980 Benotto 1500 here: https://www.steel-vintage.com/benott...ke-1980-detail

I tried to get Michael Terrafirma in Miami to braze on the fixie dropouts when I lived in Miami and when I rode fixie... but he said whomever removed the original dropouts removed too much material. I now live in the Orlando area near to Jonathon Green who builds and I'm thinking about having him take a look at it next, but going back to a road bike...

Here are the pics of mine...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4507/...0a462f38_z.jpgCIMG1433 by Andrew Cunningham, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4498/...bbd63eab_z.jpgCIMG1432 by Andrew Cunningham, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4470/...e7917dc7_c.jpgIMG_6832 by Andrew Cunningham, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4403/...988ff9dd_c.jpg20170928_200627663_iOS by Andrew Cunningham, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4346/...8fe4d1f6_c.jpg20170928_200620074_iOS by Andrew Cunningham, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4334/...510ccb6e_c.jpg20170928_200604256_iOS by Andrew Cunningham, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4457/...595b532d_c.jpg20170928_200548286_iOS by Andrew Cunningham, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4436/...62e43de7_c.jpg20170928_200533540_iOS by Andrew Cunningham, on Flickr

Wow, talk about coincidences! I just picked up a Benotto frame that's quite similar.

Maybe we can both learn a little! Post pics of your when you can!

Already did.

Must be Benotto week. I too picked up what looks like an early 80's 3000, though it too is unmarked as to model. I'll have to take some pics and start a third Benotto thread for the week. I guess the main question on these is Mexico vs Italy. My understanding is that most found in the US are from Mexico, at least from the early 80s on.

Just looked through your thread - you've got a lot more (including a nice looking fork!) - be looking forward to finding out more about yours as well!

I think for mine, I'm more interested in the tubing/model... since mine needs repair I don't want to put $$ into something that won't ride nice...

The Mexican built ones were nothing special but come up OK. Here's a pic of mine (since stolen) that I painted with rattle can (dupli-color T500 Arizona Beige) using repro decals. A coat of 2-pack clear on top. I found it semi-converted to fixed with the boses and guides ground off.

It's really unfortunate that the fork is missing and the dropouts have been replaced, as they would be a great help in determining the age and model. The frame appears to be decent level based on the presence of bridge tangs but the seat lugs looks quite thick. What size post does it take?

The seatpost seems to be a 26.0 based on my calipers but I don't have any posts in that size to check it. I had that written down and forgot to post when I started the thread... LOL

That's down in hi-tensile territory, suggesting something along the lines of an 800 but I've never seen one with bridge tangs. Nor does it look like the small diameter is due to a pinched cinch slot or a shim.