"Mystery Frame" - need help to identify
 

Hi,

I could use some help in identifying this frame. I have a link to pic's:

http://gallery.me.com/cheryl_demars#100099

Thanks, Andy

firstly, i dunno.

hmmm...the portacatena and gransport holes in the 1010 rear dropout indicate an early one, but I didn't think that bottom bracket shell was around until the 80s...the recessed brake nuts could indicate a later frame as well, so maybe the dropouts were just hanging around waiting to be used. The workmanship is pretty darned nice, and it is a good one, as all of the accoutrements are campagnolo.

the fork crown is distinctive, and maybe someone here will recognize it.

and a few questions:

what size is the bottom bracket?
are there any serial numbers on it?

I am sure that I have seen that here earlier today :)

I still think that it is custom-made.

A few things that would help with the ID (of the tubing material, not the maker) :

- measure the seat post size
- weight the frame - fork (I assume that it is a 52 cm or so, correct?)
- measure the BB (68 vs 70 mm)
- also, are there any markings on the fork?

Isn't that high point on the seat cluster sort of a signature of Brian Baylis? Like Luker said, it looks very very nice. I like the rounded face of the fork crown, maybe that was an areo feature?

The forkcrown is a Henry James investment cast unit, and it really doesn't compute with the portacatena Campy DOs...it's almost surely a custom US builder, I don't know about it being Bayliss' work, but for sure somebody who didn't mind mixing parts out of the bin! And a Bayliss frame would have a superbe paint job, that's his signature.

- measure the seat post size (28mm i.d.)
- weight the frame - fork (I assume that it is a 52 cm or so, correct?) (53 cm) (weight w/fork = 5.9lbs)
- measure the BB (68 vs 70 mm) (68mm)

Hi, And thanks for the input. There is one other marking. On the left chainstay near the bb. In white, almost italicized letters, is the name "Twain". Also, It came with Campy Super Record components.

So, it has Henry James lugs and crown, Campy drops and cable guide. And a Cinelli BB. Any rough idea on the date of build?

Thanks Andy

I'd guess mid-80's based on the bottom bracket and general style, although the cable guides at the bottom bracket are another reference to an earlier age. My sense of bike fashion says 80's...and the non-drive side near the bottom bracket is kind of reserved for painter's signatures/advertising...so Twain is maybe a painter?