View Poll Results: What would you do with the Atala SLX?
Go for the full chrome and red foil look!
3
60.00%
Just paint it or powdercoat it red like original.
0
0%
Just sit on it until a later date?
1
20.00%
Sell it to a C&V nut to help fund Panasonic projects. ;-)
1
20.00%
Voters: 5. You may not vote on this poll
Atala SLX decision time...
04-01-09 | 02:37 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Panasonic Nut
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 605
Likes: 18
From: Plymouth, MN
Bikes: 2000 Pinarello Paris | Panasonics: '88 DX-5000 / '88 DX-4000 / '88 MC-5500 (sold) / '86 Team America / '86 Team Japan (2) / '85 Team / '84 DX-4000 (sold) / '91 PR-6000 / '89 PICS Team Custom / '83 AR-6000 Aero / '89 DX-1000 / '89 Team MC Custom (sold
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!
) I figured I'd invite your input and votes.
As it was...
As it is...
And finally, as it should be?
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
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?
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!
) I figured I'd invite your input and votes.As it was...
As it is...
And finally, as it should be?
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
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?
04-01-09 | 04:16 PM
#4
Seņor Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 18,462
Likes: 1,554
From: Hardy, VA
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
...
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?
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?
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.
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In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
04-01-09 | 05:28 PM
#5
Lanky Lass
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 21,434
Likes: 7
From: Take a deep breath, and ask--What would Sheldon do?
Bikes: Nishiki Nut! International, Pro, Olympic 12, Sport mixte, and others too numerous to mention.
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
(I may have to have mine repainted to it's original splendid look now that I've seen that).
East Hill
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TRY EMPATHY & HAVE LOVE IN YOUR HEART, PERHAPS I'LL SEE YOU ON THE ROAD...
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TRY EMPATHY & HAVE LOVE IN YOUR HEART, PERHAPS I'LL SEE YOU ON THE ROAD...
04-02-09 | 08:13 AM
#6
Thread Starter
Panasonic Nut
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 605
Likes: 18
From: Plymouth, MN
Bikes: 2000 Pinarello Paris | Panasonics: '88 DX-5000 / '88 DX-4000 / '88 MC-5500 (sold) / '86 Team America / '86 Team Japan (2) / '85 Team / '84 DX-4000 (sold) / '91 PR-6000 / '89 PICS Team Custom / '83 AR-6000 Aero / '89 DX-1000 / '89 Team MC Custom (sold
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...
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
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...
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
