Know anything about Bottechia?
 

I posted this in C&V Enquires but I'm not sure how much traffic it gets.

I've been looking for something different from my current bikes. Frames to fit me are extremely scarce, which is to say no one ever sells an "average" frame. Then I found this:

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/2704730419.html

The seller sent me a few pics of the Campy stuff.

Can any of you offer advice on this?

TIA,
Jim

I know my wife LOVES her Bottecchia and it's much older and lower end than that one. That is a gorgeous bike, sorry I can't speak to it's value though.

I had that same bike and loved it--the ride is great. Mine was the Columbus SL version (chrome fork and chainstays) but I have no reason to think the Aelle frame will feel any less good. It sounds like a decent price, as long as everything's in really good shape. I'd still try to talk him down if possible, though.

An Italian bicycle company established in the 20's, named after a famous Italian racer of that time. It's one of Italy's grand old brands that included Atala.
Bottechias seems to have faded a bit from the limelight in the late 70's and 80s when other brands like Masi, Ciocc and Guerciotti were noticed more by riders with their more modern graphics and in some cases, frame designs.
The Bottechia in that CL add looks to be an entry level racer as the frame tubing is straight guage Columbus Aelle. It's a little heavier than SL (which is butted) but should still give just as good a ride as geometry would always matter more than tube weight. The over $500 price might be a bit high, unless the bike might be mint with very low miles. I would think $400 ish would be a good maximum for that Bottechia.
JMO

Chombi