iab

Put the tape on this morning and took her for a ride. I have hopped aboard the fixie craze and have never ridden one before. It takes some getting used to but I did an easy 20 mile loop without any crashes. I came close though at the first stop sign, the whole not coasting while stopping kind of threw me. Also, at near the end and I had gotten used to the bike, I had forgotten about the stopping and I had to "think" about it again. I'm sure that will go away with time.

The bars are probably about 38 cm and I am used to 44 cm so the steering seemed a bit twitchy. Also, with the adjustable stem, I am more stretched than usual but that really wasn't an issue. Out the saddle acceleration needed a bit more balance, nothing too bad. I plan to use this bike as my commuter and it is only 20 miles round-trip, I won't get uncomfortable in that short of time.

The steel long wheelbase seems to be a bit smoother ride than my modern aluminum/carbon bike. I may not be an aficionado, I really don't feel that much of a difference. That may change though as the season progresses and I get more miles on the road instead of the trainer.

All in all, it will be a nice change of pace from my geared bike. For those who are interested, the specs are below.

Olmo frameset
Cinelli adjustable stem
Cinelli #15 steel bars
Campagnolo Nuovo Record headset
Stronglight 55(?) pista crank, 46T
Magistroni bottom bracket
Atom pedals
Racelite flip-flop hubs
Mavic rear rim, 40H
Super Champion front rim, 32H
Servizio Corsa tires
Ideale 80 saddle
Chain and cog are cheapos from the LBS

Gary Fountain

What a great old Olmo. It looks like good fun.

SoreFeet

I love it. The frame is nice. The cranks are pretty nice too. Can you still find chainrings for that? Can you comment on the Servizio Corsa tires? I am pondering using them if I keep my sew up wheels. They seem cheap enough. Are they lumpy? Do the ride like a cheap clincher?

iab

I don't know about finding new chainrings but believe it or not, what's there is NOS. The crank and ring was never mounted, they just got very rusty over the last 50 years.

The tires are great, not lumpy and I can't feel a difference between those and my GP4000 clinchers. But, my ride was only 20 miles, time will tell.

Otis

I'm curious if the valve stem portion fits down flat on your rims? I just tried to install a pair on some Fiamme Red's. The valve stem was way high even after cutting a bigger chamfer on the valve hole in the rim. On top of that they will not lay completely flat on the rim. When inflated they pull away from the edges. I know how to glue tires and have never seen this happen before. I'm getting ready to chuck 'em.

ViperZ

Now that's areal Classic Vintage! Way to celebrate the lovely patina of the old girl

iab

Now that you mention it, they may have been a little raised at the valve stem when I first mounted and inflated the tires, but not "way" high. I just looked at them after reading your post and now, after my short ride, they are as flat as flat can be. Also, there was absolutely NO vibration or out-of-round thump during any part of the ride. I think they are a very good 3 for $50 tire.

While I was at Yellow Jersey (my wife was with me and saw how much I spent ) I got a pair of Tufo pros for the Cinelli (I wanted the Vittoria's but didn't have the budget). They are a much superior tire than the Corse's even without riding on them - they are softer, have a better shape, lighter. But when I was stretching them, one of them held air only for about a day. I had to send it back for an exchange. BTW, Yellow Jersey has great service, when I told them about the tire I didn't have to ask anything and told me to send the bad tire back for a replacement. He told me that about 1 in 350 don't hold air.

I think it must be your rims, especially if they are the football or oval label with a 32/40 drilling. You should send them to me for a proper disposal.

Otis

I really like Yellow Jersey and did not expect much for sub twenty buck tubs but these are scaring me. The rims are old logo 36's. Laced to 3-piece Gran Sport hi-flange hubs. Going on a '62 Legnao with a similar patina to your Olmo.

unworthy1

VERY pretty...in a "been around the block" sort of way. You really need some clips and straps for those Atom pedals.

Six jours

I like the yellowjersey tires and find them superior to the Vittoria Rallyes. They are not as round as the good tires of yesteryear, but I suppose that goes without saying.

Nice bike, BTW.

Yeah, it does. I have not ridden a fixed gear in years, but last week I fell in behind a couple of FG guys on the road and as we approached a stop light I found that my legs had decided to keep turning over as we all slowed. Just the thought of FG was enough to "remember" to keep pedalling.

iab

The clips that came with the pedals are too small for my big feet. It was probably a good thing, I think I would have kissed the pavement at the first stop sign if I were in clips. Don't worry though, some will be added soon.

iab

The Legnano sounds nice, post pics when it is done!

Otis

I just wanted to update these comments as I've now had success installing these.

For one thing I was taught not to glue around the valve stem, but with these it helps to do that to get the tire to lay flat there.

But the main problem I was having really has nothing to do with these tires. It was the first time I've used Panaracer clear glue and I guess I was not letting it "go off" long enough. It's still pretty chilly here and the usual 15 minutes I would wait for Tubasti, etc. was not letting the glue tack up enough (even though it felt fine to the touch). I waited about 25-30 minutes this time and everything went smoothly. The edges held down fine, and was able to get the tires pretty damn straight.

So I no longer poo poo the Serviso Corse (if that matters to anyone).

marengo

Wow, that's just beautifull.

Six jours

Panaracer takes a long time to set-up, IMO, but it does work. (Following the directions on the side of the tube, which insist that you mount the tire instantly, result in quite the mess!)

Glad the tires are working for you. I've always glued around the valve of everything.