It's a tri frame, it's Mexican made, and it has a heart shaped BB cutout. Any idea what the model number might be? Trying to figure out if this is one of the ones prone to seat tube failure.

And more generally, is this a quality frame?

Even as late as the middle '80's various levels of chrome plating distinguished different models of bikes. Benotto was not a big chromer, but the forks and the chainstays were chromed with the higher level models...the nutted bottom bracket axle is another giveaway that this is a 1000 or a 1500, at best. Not that that is a bad deal, the bike is probably a good rider, just a little heavier than the 3000 or 2500. But you won't like it as well as the Gios Torino behind it...

Is there any way to tell what kind of tubing it uses? There are no markings on it.

According to this thread it might be an 800; meaning it's safe from cracks, but it's also the lowest-end model, made from high tensile steel.

What is this going to mean? That it's really heavy, that it has bad ride quality, or what?

Modelo 800

Just change parts over to an all alloy gruppo. I.e., put on an old Campy Triomphe/Tipo gruppo, or Shimano 105 or Gipiemme or Ofmega gruppo.

If you really want to improve the weight and look, look for a pair of chromed Benotto forks on eBay that came from a Modelo 2000. (they'll pop-up about every 6 months or so...)

Did this with a Modelo 800 once - took off a 1/4 lb. and made the Hi-Ten bike look like something more until seen up close.

You can get this bike down to 22.0 lbs if you go all alloy gruppo and put on Modelo 2000 forks.

Saddle, fork and BB are a dead giveaway that you have a Modelo 800.

=8-)

Thanks for that. What do you think a good price for the frame is?

Luke, would you know if the lower end Mexican models, 1500's in particular, were prone to breaking at the BB as with the higher-end machines?

EDIT: According to the other thread, the lower-end machines were the culprits.

-Kurt

Seeing the fact that it isn't too desirable a model with in reasonable condition, I'd say $50 bucks max on either eBay or C-List if you're anywhere other then NY. $25 would be more reasonable.

-Kurt

I'd second that $50 estimate. I have never heard that these were any more likely than others for breakage in that area. High mileage, mass-brazed, or furnace-brazed may all break if the braze is not fully completed, or if they get the joint over-cooked. Not a particularly dangerous failure, btw, that bottom bracket break. The bike gets really nice to ride for a little while, and then gradually (if you ignore it) bends toward the ground. Not often catastrophic.

On the contrary, you should be able to do much, MUCH better than $50 on eBay for that good looking frame (built for 700c wheels), if you post a good auction. $50 or less sounds about right for Craigslist if you want to sell it to local lowballer fixie people. My 2c.

The faded red paint and bare rust sections of the tubing ruin the case for extra profit.

-Kurt

It's not faded very much, if at all. No rust visible in picture. Even if it were as Cudak describes, you can still do better than 50 smackers -- then again, let it go for less if you just want to get rid of it.

I'd say 50.00 to 75.00...

Value will go up when it turns 30 years old...you have an 85/86/87 year model.

This frame is very UNLIKELY to crack at the BB...so ride it...enjoy it...

What is frustrating about trying to get a GOOD 1980s Modelo 850/1000/1500/2000/3000 is that they are made in Italy - and almost always reside in Europe. I.e., they'll show up on eBay International and the shipping will kill you. The day I set foot in Europe for a future vacation - I'm sure you'll hear about me on BBC news regarding a bicycle mugging...with the victim losing a Benotto...(yep...that'll be my 15 minutes of shame...)

Almost all Modelo 850/1000/1500/2000/3000 here in the North American continent already - are - made - in - Mexico - i.e., they will be cheap to buy, and cheap to ship - BUT WILL BREAK...

To buy a North American locale Benotto 850/1000/1500/2000/3000 that will not likely crack means you have to buy a 1970s thru 1980/1981 bike.

Of course, if you are lucky as is one member here...you'll have an opportunity some day to buy a Modelo 5000 in Gilco/MS tubing...very pretty...but not cheap either. Made in Italy of course...

=8-)

Incidentally, I've also found a Benotto 1500 (build location unknown) with one of the two dropouts snapped at the hole for the limit adjuster.

-Kurt

I'm guessing I got this same bike (except blue)? Kinda hoping it is the 800 because of all the problems I've heard with the other ones. Anyone have suggestions of what to do with it? It has Suntour components. I'm looking into a chrome fork as I do think it'd improve the look of the bike a bit (though I think it's a nice looking frame any way you slice it). I'm working on resto'ing a Bridgestone, so this is going to be my bike for awhile... If I ever get to the point of buying a new road bike, I'll probably turn this one into a SS.

I owned 3 different model 3000s. I purchased one in Mexico City in the late 70's, and two in the early 1980 from a guy (Arturo Valencia ??) who was importing them into San Diego. Nice bike, Columbus SL and SP tubesets, and chrome forks. The frames were painted gold, and would start rusting in a year or so where sweat hit the bike. The older one had the BB cable guides on top of the BB, the newer ones had the new style under the BB guides. All were Hecho en Mexico....

Dats a Modelo 800...Hi-Ten steel...shouldn't break...abuse it...if single speed is what you want...go for it.

=8-)

Don't "want" single speed, but if I get a newer bike later on, it'd be a fun option.

And is it odd that I'm actually happy that I've got the low-end model? I actually like the frame art better than the other ones and like you said, it's not going to break.