Bennoto
 

Just curious, anyone know anything about older Bennoto bikes? I have an older one with triathlon stickers on it. Was wondering if it is worth anything or not

They are all generally good riding bikes. Some were made in Mexico, some in Italy. To garner more interest here and to come up with $ value pictures would be a prerequisite, look forward to some pics.

I assume you mean Benotto, as opposed to Bennoto? There was a Benotto Triathlon model, circa 1986-1987. It was an upper, entry level model with a hi-tensile frame that featured seat and down tubes whose mid-sections had been flattened into a more aerodynamic profile. The hi-tensile frame almost certainly indicates Mexican manufacture. Pics and/or knowing the component mix would help to estimate the original price, but assuming it is this model, it was probably around $300 US.

If you view the movie Sunday in Hell about the Paris Roubaix, the opening scenes are mechanic working on a Campy equipped Benotto.

I suspect those team bikes were quite a bit different than the one's sold in USA. Most of the older
70's-80's I see were hecho de Mexico and not from Italy.

I did, though, purchase a NOS Benotto 2 years ago. It was beautiful in the team colors. It was equipped with a very pretty Shimano Arabasque group, and was actually made in Italy, although the frame was basic straight gauge steel.

Most of them were made with less expensive straight gauge steel tubes. Most are on the lower end, too. And most were made in Mexico that were sold in USA. Not very collectible. A 70's Japanese frame is probably a better frame than these. That all said, I should have kept than NOS find !

Its worth is in the ride. Mine is made in Mexico I put air in the tires, cleaned it up abit has decent quality parts and it screams speed and nimblenes. Bottom line get it out for a ride and you will see its worth to yourself. It should be a fun ride.

Any model between 850 and 3500 with a "Made in Mexico" label from the early to late 80's is prone to failure either by cracking where the seat tube enters the bottom bracket lug or as with the 3500 separation of the down tube from the head tube lug.

Thanks That puts adifferent perspective on things. Will it hairline crack before totally crack could I ride it until it kinda cracks or im I on crack.