randyjawa I was tracking with you until the last picture in post 22. I struggle with nearly every bike as they all have a "history" that is unknown to me but exists anyway. The Colnago is fine the way it is and could use touch up but I sometimes think that if your going to mess with the Patina with touch up, you might as well do the whole thing. Yeah I get the difference. Anyway.
The top tube condition is an issue. It is hard to put near or NOS parts on a bike that has such a record of history. The whole doesn't align with the history of the frame. I had a nice Masi Gran Corsa frame set I built up that rode just fine. I was happy to have Masi but the top tube was hard to accept. The rust was a bit too much for me in a lot of small places and equal to the top tube. I ended up selling it and regret it. A Masi is on my bucket list and although the goal is to have the top of the line model, it was a good bike. If I ever find a Gran Criterium in my size that is as attractive, it will be hard to resist. At least the list is one shorter with the De Rosa of late.

I am sure you know this but in the end you are the one who has to live with your decision.
P1030251, on Flickr
P1000984, on Flickr

Legnano bikes and their trademark color are things I didn't like initially, and they grew on me. I do like them, and not only because the style is distinctive. I like this one, too.

SJX426 i am one of the strongest "don't paint it" advocates that I have ever met. That said, I have resisted painting the Legnano for many years. Will I paint it? Probably not right away, since I have this to finish up this Spring/Summer(original paint was long gone when I got the frame set)...


...if I get back to the lake cottage and I just might paint up my Quintanna Roo too...


That should be enough projects, especially if I decide to buy this...

Exactly a year ago, coming home ftom Eroica CA, I picked up this barn find Gran Premio from 1961 or so. A nice BF member let it go for $50 to a good home after roughly 20 years in his garage. It has way more "patina" than I'm used to on my bikes, but for $50, I just couldn't resist. Its also a little small, a 54, where I usually ride 56 or so. The chrome bits cleaned up pretty well, except the lugs, which I think are too far gone. The thin coat of lacquer paint varies from nearly mint, to gone in several places. I serviced the headset, and hubs, but I'm afraid to tear into the cottered crank, my first. The crank does spin freely, and feels good, while riding. The much maligned Gran Turisimo RD seems to work fine, and I think the FD is a later model Campy NR. It came with Ballilla side pull brakes, which work surprising well, even with 20+ year old pads. I have new Koolstops ready to go on, though.

Day after last year's Eroica, new GP on the left, old reliable Roma on the right.

Olmo head set?

Ballila side pulls, new to me.




Crank cleaned up nice with aluminum foil and Turtlewax chrome polish.


Chrome lugs pretty far gone.

Fun little bike, cleaned up, and completed $100 Clunker Challenge ($93 spent total )

The GP's big brother, my '64 Roma, on our second Eroica. This is the bike I got new in 64, with a few battle scars, like its rider.

Don’t paint it. Looks great. Just put some wax on the bare parts and you’re good to go. I have refinished a one or two at great expense and looking back I wish I had left them alone.

I have put a light urethane clear coat on a few just to hold things from deteriorating too far. That in my mind is a compromise and not too great a violation.
If you happen to be passing through Toronto at some time, drop me a line (info@condorino.com)z

Best regards and Happy Easter,

Mark Campbell.

I have tried to determine the vintage of my Grand Premio and with little success. I did visit the Legnano site that attempted to assist, but failed to get an answer that I understand. With that in mind, any ideas on vintage of my Legnano? The number stamped into the right side of the seat/top tube lug is 18 and nothing more. Any help with identifying the vintage of my favorite bike would be much appreciated. Thanks...

Amazing to be honest.
Having owned of of the very 1st new green colour ones and absolutely loved it, but allways wanted the real deal this green un
However like many others im too in the do not repaint brigade, but do understand the why in this case.
Cant wait to see the results