Atala SLX decision time...
 

OK, so I have been sitting on this 58cm Atala SLX frame and fork for a while now. I got a bit more involved in my Panasonics and it fell to the back burner for a while. When I got it, it was certainly in need of TLC and rust removal as there was no saving the partially original paint.

It is currently stripped and waiting for the next step but I am on the fence as to what to actually do with it. That is where all of you come in. Since you're all obviously level headed and never get carried away with projects (ha! :roflmao2: ) I figured I'd invite your input and votes.

As it was...
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CBn5H7oiLrU/SB...0/IMG_7199.JPG

As it is...
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CBn5H7oiLrU/SR...0/DSCN0693.JPG

And finally, as it should be?
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CBn5H7oiLrU/SB...9MQ/s800/2.jpg

As you can see in the final photo, it involves chroming the entire bike and then having it powder coated over the chrome in order to duplicate the nice dark red finish. I personally love the look. I was initially just going to paint or powdercoat it in a color like the original.

I had several conversations with Burt at Badger Finishing in Wisconsin during the last day or two and from the sound of it, they can chrome and powder coat the frame in a manner that would get me uber close to the look of the red catalog bike for $450. If that is the case then I am kinda in :love:

BUT... I happen to be currently working on my Panasonic PR-6000 build AND might soon be picking up a Panasonic AR-6000 (Aero) as well. The real rub is that I normally ride 56cm machines so the Atala is technically a wee bit large for me (although I could ride it)

What would YOU do? :)

Chrome, baby! Gotta love that look!

Focus, man.

I voted the last choice.

How does the top tube length compare?

Do you plan on racing?

If the top tube length is one you're comfortable with, being a cm or two taller than you're used to isn't a big deal.

If you don't plan on racing, and the top tube length is ok, I'd say go for it.

Ideally, I ride a 55 cm bike, but I have a couple 56's and even a 59. They are all a joy to ride.

That's the colour mine must have been painted before it got sun faded. That's truly spectacular!

(I may have to have mine repainted to it's original splendid look now that I've seen that).

East Hill

OK, good points everyone.

Yes, I may be known as the "Panasonic guy" but my real love back when I started road cycling in 1985 were the work of art Italian bikes. Even as an 11 year old kid back then you could tell they were special. I loved the Ciocc and Colnagos especially but anything with SLX and Campagnolo made my heart beat a little faster. ;-)

The funny thing is that I literally stumbled across this Atala. It wasn't a brand I was very familiar with but I figured it would be a good starter bike for restoration. Now I should admit that I'm pretty darn OCD when it comes to projects like this. Case in point? My car. Some years ago after buying my Audi S4 I decided I wanted to add a little oomph to the power equation. Several months later I had replaced every suspension bit, exhaust system, and done loads of work under the hood. End result...
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CBn5H7oiLrU/RT..._s_S4_0091.jpg

I know it is a very slippery slope with bicycles as well. ;-)
No, I would not be racing it (the Pinarello Paris would be used for that) so this Atala would end up as a fair weather pleasure rider... much like a vintage Ferrari or something.

I know in the U.S. this bike came with Dura Ace but I've been thinking classic Campy might be a bit more fitting if I were to go through with the whole deal. Not sure I'd pop for the Record stuff though. Would it be a sin to use a Chorus or other group on this Atala? (Once again, I say that now... then the slippery slope takes me for a ride. Whoa!) haha