New "Vintage" Framesets
 

Here is a bit of industry news I found interesting--

Gruppo Bici Acquiring Galmozzi, Lygie

The news article mentions Gruppo Bici's current vintage frame program, which includes a handmade Atala frameset of Columbus SL tubing, but what caught my eye was this:

Have our original classic and vintage lugged framesets just increased in (perceived) value? Are lugged steel frames regaining prominence among mainstream companies? Othe implications? Discuss...

stan

over a $1000 for a reproduction? Original(real) for around $200.

Drawing a parallel from another area I know about: to my mind that's not as outrageous as the re-issue of the Soviet-era Russian Lubitel 166 camera, which retails for £281.40 (about $450 US).

It's a cheap, plastic-body medium format Twin Lens Reflex.

I bought my own 166 new for £15.00 ($25.00) in 1986. A bit of a bargain at that price even then, but to pay nearly £300 for one now is ridiculous when you an pick up an original model for £25 ($40) on eBay today.

Well, now you know why no one is making them today. If they sold them for yesteryear's prices or consistent with the used bike market ($250), they'd lose money on every one.

$1900 for the Atala Giro d'Italia (Columbus SL tubing) is indeed pricey, yet it's in the ballpark for the newer lugged steel framesets, for example, De Rosa Neo Primato: $2100; Ciocc Mod. San Cristobal & Ciocc Mod. Replica: $1800-$2100. I'm not saying its right, just that the price is about the going rate for handmade lugged steel frames made with quality tubing.

stan

+1

Not really a classic reproduction as it has a sloping top tube and eccentric bottom bracket but I picked up a new Steelwool Tweed frame recently from Canada. This is a Tange Prestige frame with lugged construction main triangle other than at the BB. Also the front fork steerer is 1 1/8" threadless though it does hace a proper fork crown with separate fork legs. A nice currently available steel frame with some classic touches.

When I first saw Bianchi's new Dolomiti I got quite excited by the chromed lugs, celeste paint, leather saddle and pre-boom decals. However, then I noticed the carbon fork, vertical dropouts, modern braze-ons and Veloce group. They certainly had me - for a couple of seconds.

We have a very talented custom frame builder and painter in the area, example of paint is Cuda2k's Serrota, who has frames starting at $1600 built to your won specs in a single color paint scheme.

I would have a hard time buying an off the shelf frame when I know I can support a local craftsman who supports the local C&V community and get an extremely well built bike for the same ball park price.

+1, sounds great!

Can you name a name or provide a web site?

Eric at Ground Up Designs will build you a frame for around that price. Most of his stuff is more modern but he builds to order. His day job is building Devinci tandems.

http://www.groundupdesigns.com

+1

I priced "new" Cinelli lugged chro-mo frames a while back. 1800 to start.

Give me an Ironman, or let some hard-working American build me one.

I hate the look of todays bicycles, that's why I bought a SOMA, a classic look from the 80's. I'm sure there are a lot of people wanting to go back to a classic looking road frame.

DH

The Bianchi is not really lugged either, I believe it is TIG'd and then the "lugs" are added on top of the seams to create the look. I haven't seen the Bianchi in person but I have seen the exact same frame sprayed orange and sold by Kona as a Kapu and it is not very well-done. I thought that the chrome looked cheap and it looks somehow too shiny---here is a shot of a 2008 Kapu:

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j1...008-kapu-1.jpg


Ciocc made some nice replicas for 2009 and there is a throwback Bianchi Pista for 2010. I don't like how the word "Replica" is written on the toptube of the Ciocc but man oh man, I love how their Pista looks.

http://www.ciocc.it/image/BikeAR/mockba80.jpg

http://www.ciocc.it/image/replica.jpg

http://www.bianchiusa.com/uploads/pi...Via-Brera2.jpg

Bianchi must have heard the hoots and howls of C&V folks as it has revised its classic inspired Dolomiti for 2010.

The unsightly black carbon fork has been replaced with a 1" steel threaded fork, the carbon seat post is now silver alloy, and the black Voloce gruppo has been replaced with silver 11-speed Athena. It is also available for purchase as a frameset. Closer to a true KOF, but I just don't get the rack mounts mentioned in the article.

stan

Eurobike: Bianchi unveil 2010 line-up

http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/...wy3-850-65.jpg

That thing looks as if it was ridden prior to display.

I can understand that particular setup if one were to ride it and preferred the build that way, but it takes the cake for one of the worst cosmetic setups I've seen of a bike on display at an industry event.

Pity too, as it's a gorgeous frameset.

-Kurt

Vast improvement over their initial offering. If I were in the market for a new bike I would seriously consider that one. Replace the light brown saddle with a black one and push that seatpost in about 5" and it's all set up for me :)

HHhmm that 2010 is one beautiful bike. I have to start saving my roubles. new vintage is a rather interesting idea. however I like it when NOS falls into your lap *giggle*

Wow!

Nothing like dropping a bomb, BianchiGirll. :p Gorgeous frameset--now we need details and the usual assortment of picts.

stan

I wish they would show a geometry chart.

Tommasini also has a very nice "classic" bike.

http://www.ridetommasini.com/instock/sintesi_is.jpg

Do the math; $200 back in 1970 is worth more than a $1000 today. Wasn't minimum wage ~$1/hr.?

Do the Math HERE

I dont have a problem with 'new' vintage themed bikes if they're made by the original company. Vintage bikes made as marketing excercise are nothing more than cheap sanctioned knock offs.

Bianchigirl: You mentioned NOS vintage?


http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r...f/DSC01721.jpg
http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r...f/DSC01719.jpg

wow Jim where are those? I think I see a '89 Giro with Athens and a CDI with quattro. the third one is a Limited with ultegra? nice rides. if I had not totaled my BTV on friday I would be very interested in that Giro.

info on the Cornelo coming soon.

I'm not sure why but if anything bikes seem to have dramatically outpaced inflation. I bet $200 would have bought a really sweet frame in 1972. $1000 today won't get you anything close to it judging by what they are asking for these. Using the calulator, you would have to have paid $2500+ for bike in 1972 to equal a top of the line $12k - $14k pro bike today or almost $400 for one of these framesets. But IIRC a top of the line bike in 1972 went for around $500, maybe $700 for an all out full custom hand made touring bike like a Rene Herse. I think $2500 would have bought you a darned nice car back then.