jrg1244

I'll start by saying that I've wanted a c&v Italian frame for many years. A couple of weeks ago, one popped up on my local CL and I sprung on it, sight unseen. I think I got it for a very fair price. Now, I have the frame and before I start the expensive and time consuming process of refinishing and building, I want to make sure it's going to fit. It's a tad smaller than what I'm used to, but I'm hoping I can make it work.

The frame is a Pogliaghi Italcorse. My feeble attempt at researching the serial number (12,600s), makes me suspect it's very early in the Rossin builds due to the R stamped on the head tube. According the last owner, who thinks he bought it in 1980, it was DIY refinished several years later and current decals at the time were used. He seemed to recall that the frame was originally blue with the Pogliaghi flag decals. My plans for the frame are to send it out for refinishing, cold setting to 130mm, and using late model Campy to build it up.

I currently ride a couple of bikes with regularity, both I'd consider vintage... Measurements were taken in inches and converted to metric.

#1 is a Cannondale R400 CAAD3 size 63 with Shimano 8 speed. Measurements from this frame are Seat - 65.4 CTT and 61.0 CTC. Top tube is 59.7 CTC and Standover is 87.6 with 25c tires.
#2 is a Raleigh Grand Prix 1979ish singlespeed conversion. Measurements from this frame are Seat 65.4 CTT and 62.9 CTC. Top tube is 57.5 CTC and Standover is 88.9 with 28c tires.
The Pogiaghi is, I think a size 62, as 62 is stamped on the bottom of the shell along with RIE. Seat is 62.2 CTT and 60.9 CTC. Top tube is 58.4 CTC. I can't really measure Standover too well, as I don't have a headset mounted up.

My question (I think) is... Are the size differences between these frames going to matter? Or is it enough to make me question building this frame up? Can I make the difference up with stems/bars/seat? Secondarily, anyone sharing further information on the frame or it's history would be appreciated. Here are some pictures...

thinktubes 

Dunno - 3 cm difference seems like a lot. Your current bikes look to be set up with lots of post and stem, which would indicate they are on the smaller side of what fits you.

How tall are you?

Gary Fountain

I hate to say this but I tend to agree. The Pogliaghi frame may be a bit small for you. It's huge but it looks like you need 'super huge'!!! I know I can't even drop 1cm to make my riding experience uncomfortable and the smallest I can ride is 58cm c to c. My ideal id 59cm c to c. I do have bigger frames (61cm and 62cm c to c) and ride them easier than a smaller frame.

My recommendation is to set it up with any components you can get and try it out before you go 'all out' on this frame. One thing to be very wary of is the seatpost. The older alloy posts can snap especially if you are a bit heavy and you can put quite a bit of pressure on the pedals (pushing back on the saddle). I will not go beyond the upper insertion mark. I have tried to change all my seatposts to something with a bit of thickness or a steel post or a titanium post.

By the way, the Pog's RH rear dropout was made for Campy's circa 1978 Portacatena (derailing system).

jrg1244

I've got some stilts... About 6' 6".

I do agree that 3cm is alot, but the Cannondale has at least that over and above the top tube, while the Pog has maybe half a cm above the top tube. Tough decision.

jrg1244

Interesting that you say circa 78... The owner swore that the frame was a 78 or 79, but the serial number database @ ClassicRendevous Pogliaghi frame serial numbers states that it should be later. A mystery all around...

Gary Fountain

I should have qualified my 'Interesting Observation'. These rear dropouts were introduced in 1978/9 but were used by builders for a few years, probably until stock ran out. I reckon that they were being used in frame building into the early 1980's.

I've got a few bikes with this feature and for some of these frames it is difficult to accurately state the build date so I say "Late 1970's". Another bike I own with this dropout feature has it's build date on the frame. It's a Bianchi and it was built in 1982.