Just bought an early 80's Medici Pro Strada off craigslist for $120. Full Campy drivetrain and hubs, rims are omega, unfortunately the campy headset was replaced by a shimano 600, Modolo anatomic bar. The bike is in great shape but was professionally painted a butt ugly pink snake skin. Pics tomorrow. Just not sure what I want to do with this one, keep it, ebay the whole deal, or part it out.

part it out for the most money, either way you got a great deal and can definately turn a profit.

A headset is a headset so long as it works. Why not ride the hell out of the pink paint job and wait till it needs a repaint? It is unlikely your pink bike will be a theft magnet. Ebay value will be much lower with the modified paint.

You can always put stickers all over it...You could part it out and make it one helluva fixie.

Cool, I was thinking that if I keep it I'll probably strip the paint and clear coat the steel. Like this bike

https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...:B:WNA:US:1123

The paint other than not being to my taste, was very well done, looks factory, all the decals are there.

That Austro-Daimler isn't clear-coated steel, it's "smoked" chrome.

Either way, I think it's gorgeous. Wish they hadn't wanted so much for it.

After taking the pics, I'm thinking it may just be the bar tape that's throwing me off. I'm going to replace it and then see what I think. Bike weighs 22 lbs as shown.

wow when I first replied i couldn't see the pics. That is a pretty wild custom paint job. If it were my size I would definately keep it. You pretty much stole it at that price, all the super record bits... shifters look like victory/triomphe and the brake calipers look like athena? The brake levers appear to be shimano SLR.

the world needs more pink snakeskin bikes!!

I think is a really cool bike. If its your size why not ride it? Nut-n girly about those wheels. Lp

Dude! Ride the hell out of that bike! and I think you'd be a fool to change that paint! unless your one of those people that worry about what other's (even stranger's) think about you, then by all mean's repaint it its one of the coolest bikes I've ever seen! SWEET! If it were my size I'd offer you a few bill's for it! Oh yeah, almost forgot, change that bar tape!

It's a 58cm, it will fit me with a shorter stem and possibly seat post. The campy seatpost on the bike is an aero post and inserts too far at my height, does that make any sense?

You done good. As others have said change the bar tape and ride. Heck most people that don't ride think we are a little, how should I say different anyway so who care and remember. Pepto bismol is pink and nobody thinks you are weird if you take that. I know it doesn't make sense but hey I'm over 50 so I get to make stuff up.

You could wear pink zubas with that and look very* cool!

I'll trade you a nice 56 cm trek tx900 frame and fork for that frame and fork...

I also agree: it was a hella great deal, you should keep the paint: it may look weird but it adds tremendously to the appeal for somebody who values originality (and the '80s). if a 58 doesn't fit you, then part it out but sell the frame/fork/pump as-is to somebody who will keep it in original trim.
Clear-coating raw steel: maybe, but not a job for home. You will almost surely trap moisture under the clear which will result in "spider web" rust patterns later on. Take that job to somebody who can go from blast cabinet to spray booth without touching the steel.

Richard Sachs had a clear coated bare steel frame at the first NAHBS (but only
to show build techniques, pinning etc.) looked cool but I believe it doesn't really
protect against rust.
I'd keep the original paint, it sure is unique.

Marty

Ha, ha, nobody worry, the paint is staying. Once I got some black bar-tape on it, things aren't so bad. I believe the bike is actually going to fit, I replaced the 140mm stem with the 70mm Sakae from my Raliegh and now all I need is a shorter seat because I was able to get the post set acceptably. Wow, that stem was stuck in there good. I've seen worse but still took a bit of effort and carefully applied leverage.

After looking into it, I believe I have one of the Time Trial models. Differentiated by 2 water bottle mounts and the optional top tube routing for the rear brake. I appreciate all the nice comments and trade offers, think I'm going to keep this one for awhile and see how we get along. If I get some decent light tomorrow, I'll take some new pics, now that she's polished up and not dressed like a drag queen on Halloween

That bike is better than sex, say what you will about the paint but I personally love it.

Very nice!

Looks like it could be a nice bike to ride, if the fit is good. The full chrome rear triangle looks great. Try just a round seat post, you may be able to lower it enough, if the top tube isn't too long for good riding.

In any case, I'm sure you could sell it for an decent price with a few hours of detailing. Campy cleans up nicely.

Congrats,

j

I ride a Pink bike, it just makes you faster!

Love the pink... gotta have the pink... ride the pink out of it...

Here's the update. Actually took it for a ride today and it rides really nice. I have a new seat coming in tomorow that should tell the tale. If the new seat works, then this is going to be my century bike, if it doesn't, then I'll probably be looking for a frame trade.

Dude, where's the pump? it look's naked without it, and you do need a new saddle....a black one! beside's that it look's great!

definitely put the pump back on!