Thanks! It really looks TEN times better than when I picked it up, doesn't it? I just found an ebay source for clear cable housing(original equipment), and I would LOVE to put some Weinmann levers back on it. I think I have some stashed away somewhere. I might make that a little side project in the coming months.

The improvements so far are, Cartridge bearing hubbed dark anodized wheels, Cyclone M-II FD/RD, Drilled Sugino cranks, Look Keo Plus pedals in black, White Supercorsa saddle, chrome aftermarket sloping crown non lugged chrome fork, New 830 Sram chain, and Michelin Erilium II tires with kevlar flat protection.

Still running the original stem and bars(shorter stem, but same model) brake calipers, and bottom bracket. I have never checked to see if it's a French, Swiss, or English BB though. If it's French I will go Velo Orange when it finally gives out, to keep the upgrade theme going. The ride with the wheel and fork replacement improved a whole lot.,,,,BD

I agree, these bikes are at least as under rated as the Columbus Schwinns. It wasn't all that heavy in original trim and it hovers in the 23.09 to 23.12 range now depending on pedals, etc. About what a modern upper entry level aluminum bike weighs, and it's twice as cool looking IMHO.

Early 1980??... a black and chromed fork, Fuji S12S Ltd with Sugino crank, Brooks saddle. Toured many happy miles.

my first real love...

I had many garbagewagons before this bike but this was my first bike I really put time and effort into (not to mention$$$).
Zullo Pista with full Campagnolo Record Pista and a Major Taylor Stem.

1972-ish Atala Competezione, royal blue and white, 531 plain gauge main triangle, sewups- it might still be the most beautiful piece of machinery I've ever seen. I saw it hanging in an Ann Arbor bike store when I bought my hi-ten steel, QR wheel basic 10 speed in '72 or '73. I bought a used Competezione in Rockville, MD in 1980, put clincher rims on the hubs, and replaced the Campy Valentiono/Gran Turismo derailleurs with Suntour. Stolen Labor Day, 1981.

6th Grade. First crush.



The same year, I started riding my mother's orange Atala w/ campy and alloy rims. First MS 150 that year, too.