Archive for September, 2009

Benefits of Steel Bicycle Frames

Hot:

If we ignore the cheaper supermarket style high tensile steel frames and look at the classic steel alloy frames which are often a mixture with chrome, manganese, nickel etc we can see the the recent successful utilization of aluminium and carbon fibre meant that steel had to raise its game to keep up in the bike frame business.
Go back to the 80s and Reynolds 531 and 753 and Columbus SL and SP dominated the racing market. Look at the 1990s and beyond to see Reynolds and Columbus joined by a multitude of other tubing manufactuers whilst expanding their own offerings of tubesets to satisfy a greater demand of rider's requirements. Touring, mtb, track, time trialing all require slightly different tubesets.
In addition to the wider selection of steels consumers are also faced with a wider choice of tubes made from the materials. Plain guage and double butted have been supplemented by a wide selection of different buttings and profiles.
To a great extent steel had become unfashionable amonst riders which means it becomes fashionable for restorers. Newer materials are often pushed as being 'better' , however its certainly worth remembering that good steel tubes remain eminently suitable for bicycle frames. They also usually offer the answer when the question is quite simply "what frame should I get?"

M6 x 30mm Titanium Bolt Screw New 1 pc
M6 x 30mm Titanium Bolt Screw New 1 pc
   US $3.64
3D POWER TIP HONDA CRF230L CRF230M CRF 230M CRF 230L
3D POWER TIP HONDA CRF230L CRF230M CRF 230M CRF 230L
   US $44.95
Yamaha YZF1000R 520 Conversion Chain Sprocket kit
Yamaha YZF1000R 520 Conversion Chain Sprocket kit
   US $149.95
Topeak BabySeat Non disc Bike Suspension Child Seat
Topeak BabySeat Non disc Bike Suspension Child Seat
   US $149.93
SUZUKI MARAUDER GZ250 GZ 250 CUSTOM DRAG PIPE KIT SALE
SUZUKI MARAUDER GZ250 GZ 250 CUSTOM DRAG PIPE KIT SALE
   US $19.88
SUZUKI SAVAGE LS650 CUSTOM MUFFLER DRAG PIPE KIT SALE
SUZUKI SAVAGE LS650 CUSTOM MUFFLER DRAG PIPE KIT SALE
   US $19.88
CLOSEOUT DOT ATV MX BIKE HELMET GREEN ARMY CAMO ADULT S
CLOSEOUT DOT ATV MX BIKE HELMET GREEN ARMY CAMO ADULT S
   US $29.99
CLOSEOUT DOT ATV MX BIKE HELMET PINK ARMY CAMO ADULT L
CLOSEOUT DOT ATV MX BIKE HELMET PINK ARMY CAMO ADULT L
   US $29.99
SUZUKI BOULEVARD S40 CUSTOM MUFFLER DRAG PIPE KIT SALE
SUZUKI BOULEVARD S40 CUSTOM MUFFLER DRAG PIPE KIT SALE
   US $19.88
ADJUSTABLE Lowering kit for Harley Touring 02 09 1 3
ADJUSTABLE Lowering kit for Harley Touring 02 09 1 3
   US $35.95
Sportster Struts Rigid Hardtail Lowering Kit SLAM
Sportster Struts Rigid Hardtail Lowering Kit SLAM
   US $39.99
520 Conversion Chain Sprocket Kit ZX6R ZX 6R ZX 6R R
520 Conversion Chain Sprocket Kit ZX6R ZX 6R ZX 6R R
   US $137.99
RITCHEY WCS 90 X 318 X 6 ROAD BICYCLE STEM
RITCHEY WCS 90 X 318 X 6 ROAD BICYCLE STEM
   US $49.93
New RaceFace Deus XC Headset 1 1 8 MTB Bike 34mm Black
New RaceFace Deus XC Headset 1 1 8 MTB Bike 34mm Black
   US $44.99
One of a kind Schwinn Sprint road bike or fixed gear
One of a kind Schwinn Sprint road bike or fixed gear
   US $375.00
Crank Brothers Multi 19 Bike Cyclo Repair Tool w Flask
Crank Brothers Multi 19 Bike Cyclo Repair Tool w Flask
   US $16.87
DT SWISS SUPER COMP SPOKES 20 17 18 18 BLACK
DT SWISS SUPER COMP SPOKES 20 17 18 18 BLACK
   US $22.59
CLOSEOUT DOT ATV MX BIKE HELMET GREEN BLACK ADULT L
CLOSEOUT DOT ATV MX BIKE HELMET GREEN BLACK ADULT L
   US $29.99
CLOSEOUT DOT ATV MX BIKE HELMET YELLOW FLAMES ADULT L
CLOSEOUT DOT ATV MX BIKE HELMET YELLOW FLAMES ADULT L
   US $29.99
CLOSEOUT DOT ATV MX BIKE HELMET GREEN ARMY CAMO ADULT L
CLOSEOUT DOT ATV MX BIKE HELMET GREEN ARMY CAMO ADULT L
   US $29.99
CLOSEOUT DOT ATV MX BIKE HELMET GREEN ARMY CAMO ADULT M
CLOSEOUT DOT ATV MX BIKE HELMET GREEN ARMY CAMO ADULT M
   US $29.99
CLOSEOUT DOT ATV MX BIKE HELMET SILVER FLAME ADULT M
CLOSEOUT DOT ATV MX BIKE HELMET SILVER FLAME ADULT M
   US $29.99
FSA Gossamer C 16 Compact Front Derailleur Clamp on New
FSA Gossamer C 16 Compact Front Derailleur Clamp on New
   US $26.99
Custom Axle Kit Harley Chopper Bobber HARDWARE INCL
Custom Axle Kit Harley Chopper Bobber HARDWARE INCL
   US $59.99
New Festina Road Warrior Chrono Ladies Watch F16274 7
New Festina Road Warrior Chrono Ladies Watch F16274 7
   US $249.00
HONDA CB VFVFR 700 1100 C S SPROCKET 1980 2000
HONDA CB VFVFR 700 1100 C S SPROCKET 1980 2000
   US $9.99
New Festina Road Warrior Chrono Ladies Watch F16274 1
New Festina Road Warrior Chrono Ladies Watch F16274 1
   US $269.00
26 BICYCLE REAR RACK BIKE BAGS PANNIERS HEAVY DUTY
26 BICYCLE REAR RACK BIKE BAGS PANNIERS HEAVY DUTY
   US $19.95
New Festina Road Warrior Chronograph Watch F16273 4
New Festina Road Warrior Chronograph Watch F16273 4
   US $299.00
Scapin Dyesys ROAD RACE MENS BIKE FRAME FORK 60cm New
Scapin Dyesys ROAD RACE MENS BIKE FRAME FORK 60cm New
   US $1,399.00
View Page:   1  2  3

For: Strong, Cheap, Stiff, Repairable
Against: Rust

Good examples of steel frames for restoration projects

Easy: Raleigh, Bianchi, Colnago, Merckx, Peugeot
Harder to find: Masi, Botecchia, Pinarello, Moser, ciocc, wilier,
Great if you can get one: Legnano, Roberts, Mercian, Hetchins

Brodie MTB parts

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Brodie Research is a small company that was founded back in 1986. They are still growing and proud of their products. According to promo material from 1990 these were the people who were making, moulding and inspiring the Brodie products.

Paul Brodie, an aspiring veteran racer is sinking deeper and deeper into an administrative role but still finds time to TIG weld every frame. Paul made his first frame when he was 13.
Jane Slash Brodie has helped shape the company with her good ideas and sound advice. Jane's custom race shirts are in demand and help make Brodie unique.
Mike Truelove learnt the art of frame building after extensive work in bicycle retail. Mike does most of the brazing, plays bicycle polo and races in expert class

The Sovereign is meticulously crafted from a blend of Tange Logic tubing with Concept seat stays. The Sovereign is TIG welded and comes with a Gatorblade fork, Brodie handbuilt stem, Brodie Brake Booster, Brodie Lovehandles, Interloc seat post, handbuilt wheels and Shimano XT components. Designed to give you a ride with the absorbtion qualities of titanium and the price tag of steel, its perfect fo the racer who demands control.

The Catalyst race proven in Western Canada has been a success with Tange's innovative Concept tubing. With the addition of Logic chainstays its even better. Our alignment processes guarantee you get a bicycle that tracks straight, and our geometry gives you the kind of handling that builds confidence and makes you want to ride.

The Brodie brake booster evolved from work on a huge oversize U-Brake that flexed the brake braze-ons enormously. The booster is alive and well in 1991, 10 grams lighter, full of holes and racy looks.

Brodie lovehandles offer alternate hand positions for hill climbing or touring. Forged from 356 aluminium and heat-treated, they are available in silver or black, with plastic end caps and allen key for installation.

Brodie Airtime was designed as an instant, onboard air supply. It consists of three items: the CO2 cartridge, the valve adapter, and the holder. No matter what kind of bike you race, Airtime will save valuable seconds should the Flat Demon pick on you.
Frame geometry is still much like the first ROMAX. The head angle is 70.5 and fork rake is 1.75". Seat tube angle is 74 degrees.

Elevated Chain Stays

Hot:

Elevated chain stays came in around 1989 on mountainbikes from the USA. It was a trend that hung around for a couple of years but then didn't really last to the present day. In theory they give extra mud clearance on and shorter chainstays meaning more climbing control. Poorly made frames can leave you with extra flex around the bottom bracket when you put the power down.

The bikes look pretty cool so if you can get hold of one for a restoration project there won't be many other similar ones around.

One of the early innovators in this field was Alpinestars - From their advert for the Al Mega XT...

"EOS" Elevated Oversize System, the "secret" to the system is the sum of its parts. What makes our system really work is just that - it is a totally integrated system. Mountain Bike Action said "Elevated and Oversize were 1989's top innovations". But if not combined with the right geometry and the other key elements of the complete bike they are as worthless as most of the past hype you've read about them. EOS incorporates the best of hte past while defining the Mt Bike of the future.

I think we've made our point. EOS is a totally integrated system. If after all this you think we're trying to take you for a ride... you're absolutely right! It's the only way to feel how good it really is.

Elevate Your Performance
Our oversized 15.9" chainstays break the 16" barrier in a big way. Everyone dreams about a climbing edge, We've just created yours.

Oversize Your Thinking
The goal is to maximise the properties of the tubing in a frame that is as light as possible while maintaining strength and rigidity. Our special oversize tubing capitalizes on the optimum ratios between rigidity and weight.

Steer Clear
The only answer to a total system is a complete redesign from the tires up. The combination of our new Megasized Aluminium fork with the megalise alumunium steam and 7005 series alumiium oversize handlebars gives true meaning to "Lighter, stronger and quicker"

Atala Bikes of Italy

Hot:

The name Atala was considered one of the great manufacturers of Italian bicycles, particularly racing models of the past. It was founded by Cesare Rizzato in Padua, Italy.

Since the early twentieth century Atala ran its own cycling team, participating in the first editions of the Tour of Italy and having success to win the unusual competition for teams of 1912.

Following a high period which saw many victories on the road at some of the world championships in the 80s the company hthen experienced a period of crisis, being sold by the Rizzo family in 2002, forming the new group Atala, owned by a group of owners of Milan and Banca Antonveneta. It is currently owned by the Turkish company Bisiklet Bianchi, with Turkey being almost the entire centre of production, so famous an Italian brand with production in Turkey.

Vintage Retro cycling jersey Atala Pirelli
Vintage Retro cycling jersey Atala Pirelli
   US $69.00

Today Turkey produces mainly a leisure bike with various lines, but imports from China also accessories, spare parts and items for fitness.

Atala also diversified like many other manufactueres into motorcycles.
From 1938 to 2002 was a remarkable motorcycle production in the field of small displacements and some models were powered by the electric motor.

From our point of view looking at classic bikes Atala was definitely a full range manufacturer. They did produce entry level models and during the 1970's bike boom these models were barely above department store models. These bicycles left a lot to be desired, but they attracted the customers, because the Italians made sure they emphasized the cosmetics with lots of chrome and elegant paint. During the 1980s there were many lower mid-range model made which can still be picked up today and restored into an interesting project. During this period many of the Italian manufacturers simply named the bicycle based on the tubeset and/or grouppo eg Atala Aelle Triomphe. It may have been Campy Triomphe or Gran Sport equipped but more likely it was Campagnolo derailleurs mixed with various Miche, Gipiemme, Modolo, Ofmega and/or Universal componentry. If you are lucky enough find an old Italian frame to work on you might want to consider sourcing these components to keep it unique.

History of the Bicycle Part 3. The Start of Bianchi

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It is thought there were around a million two-wheelers operating in Europe in the late nineteenth century, but at this point nobody had yet built one in Italy until a young mechanic in Milan could be classified the equivalent of what Henry Ford was for the United States, came up with the most revolutionary idea of his time, to build high-quality bicycles.
His name was Edoardo Bianchi and he was born in Milan on 17 July 1865. With no news about his origins or his family he grew up in the "Martinitt" (of which he was throughout his life one of the most generous donors) where he had been taught the rudiments of mechanics. The young craftsman had a premonition about the future of mechanized transport when, in August of 1885 he opened a shop in Milan, in Via Nirone n.7 to and between medical and wheeled carriages, bells and kitchen equipment, he happened to have to repair bicycle.
He understood immediately that the velocipede, with its efficiency, simplicity and self-propelled engine would be the future of transportation and he concentrated all his efforts on it, developing a philosophy: to only build high quality with the best materials available.

UMo77 Quartz Bianchi Sporting Goods Cycling Mesh Steel
UMo77 Quartz Bianchi Sporting Goods Cycling Mesh Steel
   US $.01
BIANCHI TROFEO ZERO TRE
BIANCHI TROFEO ZERO TRE
   US $292.00
Bianchi Enforcer Holster 7125 HK HK USP 40 45 Left
Bianchi Enforcer Holster 7125 HK HK USP 40 45 Left
   US $39.95
New 08 Bianchi Milano Parco White Bike 165
New 08 Bianchi Milano Parco White Bike 165
   US $349.00
s217 Bianchi Stainless Steel Watch New Cool Fashion
s217 Bianchi Stainless Steel Watch New Cool Fashion
   US $.99
1963 Bianchi Speciallisima road bike BuyItNowFREE SHIP
1963 Bianchi Speciallisima road bike BuyItNowFREE SHIP
   US $350.00
Bridgestone RB 1 Road Bike
Bridgestone RB 1 Road Bike
   US $265.00
Dogs Cats Homeopathic C Caps Buy 2 Get 1 Free
Dogs Cats Homeopathic C Caps Buy 2 Get 1 Free
   US $39.56
Mothers Day Gift Sets Designer Wmns Watch Snglass
Mothers Day Gift Sets Designer Wmns Watch Snglass
   US $49.95
Bianchi Pista 53 cm Single Speed New
Bianchi Pista 53 cm Single Speed New
   US $338.00
Bianchi Ibex Mountain Bike Project Bike Good Cond
Bianchi Ibex Mountain Bike Project Bike Good Cond
   US $150.00
NR Vintage early 80s Raleigh Rampar R ONE
NR Vintage early 80s Raleigh Rampar R ONE
   US $.99
Vintage FB track hubs c1950s very rare
Vintage FB track hubs c1950s very rare
   US $200.00
USSOCOM Commemorative M 9 Bayonet NEW M9 Bayonet
USSOCOM Commemorative M 9 Bayonet NEW M9 Bayonet
   US $66.00
VINTAGE TEAM FUJI MENS ROAD BIKE BICYCLE 12 SPEED NICE
VINTAGE TEAM FUJI MENS ROAD BIKE BICYCLE 12 SPEED NICE
   US $250.00
Bianchi Milano 2008 white 3 speed 165 inches
Bianchi Milano 2008 white 3 speed 165 inches
   US $300.00
NR Excellent 80s Peugeot Iseran P6 53cm Mixte
NR Excellent 80s Peugeot Iseran P6 53cm Mixte
   US $.99
Bianchi Reparto Corse SL road frame fork headset
Bianchi Reparto Corse SL road frame fork headset
   US $725.00
MASI 3V TEAM VOLUMERICA Steel lugged 56cm
MASI 3V TEAM VOLUMERICA Steel lugged 56cm
   US $1,899.00
SELLE SMP GLIDER 2010 SMP4BIKE SADDLE BIANCHI CELESTE
SELLE SMP GLIDER 2010 SMP4BIKE SADDLE BIANCHI CELESTE
   US $239.00
Bianchi Via Nirone 55cm Shimano 105 New
Bianchi Via Nirone 55cm Shimano 105 New
   US $850.00
6 American Handgunner Magazines 1982 V Good Condition
6 American Handgunner Magazines 1982 V Good Condition
   US $25.00
2006 Bianchi San Jose 52 cm frame and fork
2006 Bianchi San Jose 52 cm frame and fork
   US $200.00
Bianchi Steel Frame 1987 Columbus SLX Campagnolo No Res
Bianchi Steel Frame 1987 Columbus SLX Campagnolo No Res
   US $799.99
NOS BIANCHI SELLA ITALIA SADDLE Never Mounted
NOS BIANCHI SELLA ITALIA SADDLE Never Mounted
   US $49.00
From Russia with Love Blu ray RARE OOP STEEL BOOK
From Russia with Love Blu ray RARE OOP STEEL BOOK
   US $2.25
COLNAGO MASTER Olympic frameset GILCO TUBING WOW
COLNAGO MASTER Olympic frameset GILCO TUBING WOW
   US $355.00
6 Guns Magazines 1985 Good Condition
6 Guns Magazines 1985 Good Condition
   US $4.95
New 1 STEEL road bike fork 700c 1 INCH steerer tubes
New 1 STEEL road bike fork 700c 1 INCH steerer tubes
   US $158.00
Bianchi Steel SISS Single Speed
Bianchi Steel SISS Single Speed
   US $499.99
View Page:   1  2  3

Already in 1888 his reputation had spread throughout the city so he had to expand with a factory opened in Via Bertani. Business was good and his reputation grew in tandem with the advances of his bikes. He was, for example, the first to adopt that very year, the invention of Scottish veterinarian John Dunlop's inflatable tyres and to offer its customers this avant-garde product.

He again expanded his store by moving to the Via Borghetto when they happened on two occasions he was able to exploit surprise and achieve a turning point for his company.
The first was when Queen Margherita, on holiday in Monza, called him to the palace. The request was to teach her to ride a bicycle. Edoardo hastily built a bike for the sovereign which was of course adorned with blue and gold crest on the frame of the House of Savoy, It also had knobs of ivory and Edoardo Bianchi took her to a wooden box lined with red velvet .
The impact of this was dramatic. Bianchi was awarded the title of "Official Supplier to the Royal Household" and it was even necessary to form an assembly line to meet the demands of bicycles the same as that of the queen who also came from Spain, France and Portugal.

A Brief History of Legnano Bikes

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Legnano (pronounced Len-yan-o) has been one of the largest manufacturers of bicycles in Italy and is also known for having long had a vrey successful cycling team.

In addition to making high end race bikes, Legnano also produced leisure bikes, keeping unchanged for a long time the colors and graphics on the frame, a particular color green which even today is associated with the Italian brand.

Vintage Bike Campagnolo Cinelli Bianchi Legnano Merckxx
Vintage Bike Campagnolo Cinelli Bianchi Legnano Merckxx
   US $22.50
Vintage Italian Bicycle Head Badge LEGNANO
Vintage Italian Bicycle Head Badge LEGNANO
   US $9.99
Early Antique Bicycle Shop Tool sprocket wrench
Early Antique Bicycle Shop Tool sprocket wrench
   US $15.50
Antique Bicycle Shop Tool spoke wrench Dudley pat 1894
Antique Bicycle Shop Tool spoke wrench Dudley pat 1894
   US $9.99
Early ANTIQUE BICYCLE TOE CLIPS Thiem Co pat1896 NOS
Early ANTIQUE BICYCLE TOE CLIPS Thiem Co pat1896 NOS
   US $35.75
Antique Early Bicycle seat post 1890s
Antique Early Bicycle seat post 1890s
   US $9.99
Vintage Bike Campagnolo Cinelli Bianchi Legnano Merckx
Vintage Bike Campagnolo Cinelli Bianchi Legnano Merckx
   US $14.99
ANTIQUE BICYCLE WRENCH WESTERN WHEEL WORKS ca1895
ANTIQUE BICYCLE WRENCH WESTERN WHEEL WORKS ca1895
   US $29.99
ANTIQUE BICYCLE CHAIN VICE NOONAN CHAIN TOOL ROME NY
ANTIQUE BICYCLE CHAIN VICE NOONAN CHAIN TOOL ROME NY
   US $19.99
ANTIQUE BICYCLE SPROCKET LOCK YALE BI METALLIC 1890s
ANTIQUE BICYCLE SPROCKET LOCK YALE BI METALLIC 1890s
   US $19.99
Early Vintage AUTOMATIC BICYCLE BELL DOUBLE CHIME
Early Vintage AUTOMATIC BICYCLE BELL DOUBLE CHIME
   US $29.99
Ducati single Benelli Motobi MV Morini side Petcocks
Ducati single Benelli Motobi MV Morini side Petcocks
   US $39.95
Vintage FB track hubs c1950s very rare
Vintage FB track hubs c1950s very rare
   US $200.00
Ducati 98 125 160 175 200 250 350 Bultaco Montesa Ossa
Ducati 98 125 160 175 200 250 350 Bultaco Montesa Ossa
   US $39.95
Engine Gasket Set for Legnano 48 NEW 264
Engine Gasket Set for Legnano 48 NEW 264
   US $12.50
REG WATER BOTTLE ATALA Bottechia Legnano Singer BSA
REG WATER BOTTLE ATALA Bottechia Legnano Singer BSA
   US $29.99
vtg road bike LEGNANO tipo roma handlebars steel bars
vtg road bike LEGNANO tipo roma handlebars steel bars
   US $.99
Engine Gasket Set for Legnano 75 motorcycle NEW 284
Engine Gasket Set for Legnano 75 motorcycle NEW 284
   US $12.50
Vintage LEGNANO Replica Jersey XS XXXL
Vintage LEGNANO Replica Jersey XS XXXL
   US $40.00
60s Italian Olmo Frameset Magistroni Campagnolo 54cm
60s Italian Olmo Frameset Magistroni Campagnolo 54cm
   US $46.00
Early FERN bicycle badge nameplate WAVERLY ILLINOIS
Early FERN bicycle badge nameplate WAVERLY ILLINOIS
   US $19.99
Bicycle nameplate headbadge SHAPLEIGH SPECIAL St Louis
Bicycle nameplate headbadge SHAPLEIGH SPECIAL St Louis
   US $19.99
Bicycle nameplate headbadge SCOUT colson corp Elyria O
Bicycle nameplate headbadge SCOUT colson corp Elyria O
   US $19.99
RARE KEATING PNEUMATIC SAFETY 1896 BICYCLE WOOD WHEELS
RARE KEATING PNEUMATIC SAFETY 1896 BICYCLE WOOD WHEELS
   US $152.50
Antique Early Bicycle seat clamp 1890s
Antique Early Bicycle seat clamp 1890s
   US $19.99
headbadge nameplate EXCELSIOR cycle co Michigan City
headbadge nameplate EXCELSIOR cycle co Michigan City
   US $19.99
headbadge nameplate REX CYCLE works CHICAGO
headbadge nameplate REX CYCLE works CHICAGO
   US $19.99
Vintage Bike Bianchi Legnano Colnago Cinelli Campagnolo
Vintage Bike Bianchi Legnano Colnago Cinelli Campagnolo
   US $1.00
EDIBIMBI Large Book Pilu the Clown and SHAPES Age 2 Up
EDIBIMBI Large Book Pilu the Clown and SHAPES Age 2 Up
   US $4.99
EDIBIMBI Large Book Pilu the Clown and COLORS Age 2 Up
EDIBIMBI Large Book Pilu the Clown and COLORS Age 2 Up
   US $4.99
View Page:   1  2

The image of the company was a badge which represented an effigy of Alberto da Giussano, which until the 1960s, models were made of brass and affixed the head tube. Over time this was subsequently replaced by badges or stickers.

The brand Legnano has been taken over by fellow Milanese bike producers Bianchi, who today continues to produce a line of racing bikes under the Legnano brand aimed at the medium level racing market.

Present as a team since the first editions of the Tour of Italy at the beginning of the twentieth century, Legnano emerged in the decade preceding the Second World War thanks to riders like Gino Bartali. In the late '30s he was hired as an amateur along with Fausto Coppi, who, past professional won the Giro surprisingly in 1940.

The success that pro racing results bought Legnano meant that it still has a place in the heart of many Italians of a certain age. For those growing up during the 1950s and 1960s a Legnano bicycle was the machine to aspire to and with a price of several months the average wage it was a dream for many Italians to own one.

Scaring Cyclists

Hot:

You've got to wonder what inadequacies seem to be affecting TV cookery host James Martin for him to use his motoring reveiw column in the Daily Mail to not only write disparagingly about cyclists but also to admit to deliberately causing a dangerous traffic incident while road testing a Tesla Electric Car.

But whenever I drive to London, dutifully paying my £8 for the privilege (on top of my road tax, petrol tax, parking and all the other rip-offs), without fail a cyclist will rap on my window and make some holier-than-thou comment, before zooming off through a red light where he knows I can't get him.God, I hate those cyclists. Every last herbal tea-drinking, Harriet Harman-voting one of them. That's one of the reasons I live in the countryside, where birds tweet, horses roam, pigs grunt and Lycra-clad buttocks are miles away. But recently, there's been a disturbing development.

Each Saturday, a big black truck appears at the bottom of my road, with bikes stuck to the roof and rear. Out of it step a bunch of City-boy ponces in fluorescent Spider-Man outfits, shades, bum bags and stupid cleated shoes, who then pedal around our narrow lanes four abreast with their private parts alarmingly apparent. Do they enjoy it? They never smile. I'm sure they just come here to wind me up.

So far so good. Well a journalist writing in the Daily Hate Mail has got to have something to try and cause trouble over otherwise it would be out of keeping with the rest of the rag.
But then he goes on to tell us what happened as his Tesla test run continued

“Twenty minutes into my test drive I pulled round a leafy bend, enjoying the birdsong - and spotted those damned Spider-Man cyclists. Knowing they wouldn't hear me coming, I stepped on the gas, waited until the split second before I overtook them, then gave them an almighty blast on the horn at the exact same time I passed them at speed.

“The look of sheer terror as they tottered into the hedge was the best thing I've ever seen in my rear-view mirror. I think this could be the car for me."

Nice guy. No mention of whether he stopped to check if any of them had cuts or grazes. No look back to see if there were any broken bones or worse still, life threatening head injuries.
So what is there to do about this? Pro Sprinter Robbie McEwen has advised this poor excuse for a journalist that physical violence will be coming his way if he meets Robbie. Bradley Wiggins has spoken out against Martin. Short of keying up his car every time cyclists see him out in town what would be the best way to deal with this?
Simple. Email the BBC and ask them if they think hat this sort of behaviour is becoming of an employee of their corportation. Other presenters have been sacked or reprimanded for being caught taking drugs at parties and other antisocial behaviour. Willfully causing road accidents and then boasting about it should be no different.

History of Colnago

Hot:

Colnago is an Italian manufacturer of high quality racing bicycles founded by Ernesto Colnago in 1953.

Originally set up as a workshop  over the years Colnago have become one of the leading global manufacturesr of racing bikes.

Colnago split the early years of his career between working in the shop and  participating in various bike race competitions including the Tour of Italy. Later on the Colnago factory was putting out such mechanically very high level bikes that they were even used by the Italian national team. They evn produced bikes that brought great champions to victory in stage races and world championships.

COLNAGO MASTER PIU 57 GILCO S4 Full Campagnolo
COLNAGO MASTER PIU 57 GILCO S4 Full Campagnolo
   US $710.00
Colnago Campagnolo Columbus Tecnos steel bike frame
Colnago Campagnolo Columbus Tecnos steel bike frame
   US $405.00
Colnago Columbus Precisa steel fork road fixed bike
Colnago Columbus Precisa steel fork road fixed bike
   US $1.75
NOS Suntour 6 Speed Freewheel 14 21 Ultra NIB
NOS Suntour 6 Speed Freewheel 14 21 Ultra NIB
   US $50.00
NOS Dia compe White brake lever hoods
NOS Dia compe White brake lever hoods
   US $30.00
NOS Modolo Brake Levers
NOS Modolo Brake Levers
   US $75.00
New COLNAGO ARTE 57cm ULTEGRA Road Bike REDUCED PRICE
New COLNAGO ARTE 57cm ULTEGRA Road Bike REDUCED PRICE
   US $1,099.99
NOS Campagnolo Gran Sport Brake set NIB
NOS Campagnolo Gran Sport Brake set NIB
   US $275.00
Campagnolo Gold anodized Long Reach brake Calipers 57mm
Campagnolo Gold anodized Long Reach brake Calipers 57mm
   US $400.00
COLNAGO EXTREME POWER 55cm CARBON FRAME FORK NEW
COLNAGO EXTREME POWER 55cm CARBON FRAME FORK NEW
   US $1,999.99
COLNAGO EXTREME POWER CARBON 57cm Road Bike DURA ACE
COLNAGO EXTREME POWER CARBON 57cm Road Bike DURA ACE
   US $4,499.99
NOS Campagnolo 52T chainring 135BCD
NOS Campagnolo 52T chainring 135BCD
   US $59.99
NOS Campagnolo Euclid 42 T chainring NIP 110 BCD
NOS Campagnolo Euclid 42 T chainring NIP 110 BCD
   US $85.00
NOS Campagnolo Nuovo Record 42T chainring 144 BCD
NOS Campagnolo Nuovo Record 42T chainring 144 BCD
   US $99.99
NOS Campagnolo C Record 42T chainring 135BCD
NOS Campagnolo C Record 42T chainring 135BCD
   US $99.99
NOS Campagnolo Super Record 43T chainring 144BCD
NOS Campagnolo Super Record 43T chainring 144BCD
   US $99.99
NOS Campagnolo Nuovo Record 52T chainring 144BCD
NOS Campagnolo Nuovo Record 52T chainring 144BCD
   US $99.99
NOS Campagnolo Nuovo Record 36T Triple chainring 94BCD
NOS Campagnolo Nuovo Record 36T Triple chainring 94BCD
   US $129.99
NOS Campagnolo Nuovo Record 52T chainring144BCD
NOS Campagnolo Nuovo Record 52T chainring144BCD
   US $99.99
NOS DID High quality plated derailleur chain 3 32
NOS DID High quality plated derailleur chain 3 32
   US $55.00
NOS Campagnolo 170 right crank arm
NOS Campagnolo 170 right crank arm
   US $149.99
Campagnolo 1960s housing for Cinelli restoration
Campagnolo 1960s housing for Cinelli restoration
   US $29.95
Shimano XT M735 Rear Derailleur long cage 7 speed
Shimano XT M735 Rear Derailleur long cage 7 speed
   US $49.99
NOS Dia Compe BMX FS880 Red brake caliper lever front
NOS Dia Compe BMX FS880 Red brake caliper lever front
   US $79.99
Campagnolo 5 spd Record Wheelset 36h regina mavic
Campagnolo 5 spd Record Wheelset 36h regina mavic
   US $265.00
Campagnolo Record 9 speed wheelset 32h DB Spokes
Campagnolo Record 9 speed wheelset 32h DB Spokes
   US $285.00
Rare Cinelli High Quality wheel bag
Rare Cinelli High Quality wheel bag
   US $59.99
Campagnolo 36H wheelset 27rims suntour 16 27 freewheel
Campagnolo 36H wheelset 27rims suntour 16 27 freewheel
   US $200.00
Old Logo Cinelli Milano 1A Stem 85mm 260 222
Old Logo Cinelli Milano 1A Stem 85mm 260 222
   US $59.99
Cinelli 1R black 105mm 264 222
Cinelli 1R black 105mm 264 222
   US $75.00
View Page:   1  2  3

In 1970  the company took a new symbol, the ace of clubs which is now throughout the world associated with the Colnago.

In 1972 the bike was produced for the record hour attmempt by Eddy Merckx. It was very innovative for its time with a great deal of materials research behind it, thanks to special tubing and the use of components extremely relieved and thanks to the work Colnago staff to file the welds, it came to weigh only 5500 grams.

In 1974 the name of the Colnago was associated for the first time with an entire professional team and in particular, that of Giuseppe Saronni, who  got the biggest wins of his career on Colnagos

COLNAGO MASTER PIU 57 GILCO S4 Full Campagnolo
COLNAGO MASTER PIU 57 GILCO S4 Full Campagnolo
   US $710.00
Colnago Campagnolo Columbus Tecnos steel bike frame
Colnago Campagnolo Columbus Tecnos steel bike frame
   US $405.00
VINTAGE NOS CAMPAGNOLO STRADA 43t CHAINRING 135bcd
VINTAGE NOS CAMPAGNOLO STRADA 43t CHAINRING 135bcd
   US $10.50
NOS Suntour 6 Speed Freewheel 14 21 Ultra NIB
NOS Suntour 6 Speed Freewheel 14 21 Ultra NIB
   US $50.00
COLNAGO EXTREME POWER 55cm CARBON FRAME FORK NEW
COLNAGO EXTREME POWER 55cm CARBON FRAME FORK NEW
   US $1,999.99
Campagnolo 1960s housing for Cinelli restoration
Campagnolo 1960s housing for Cinelli restoration
   US $29.95
FRAMESET COLNAGO NUOVO
FRAMESET COLNAGO NUOVO
   US $700.00
Old Logo Cinelli Milano 1A Stem 85mm 260 222
Old Logo Cinelli Milano 1A Stem 85mm 260 222
   US $59.99
Ferrari CX 50 bicycle 26 colnago bike NEW mountain
Ferrari CX 50 bicycle 26 colnago bike NEW mountain
   US $1,699.00
MOTOBECANE FANTOM DS FULL SUSPENSION ATB FRAME FORK
MOTOBECANE FANTOM DS FULL SUSPENSION ATB FRAME FORK
   US $614.95
NIB 2008 ATB Bike Frame Lightweight Motobecane Fly Team
NIB 2008 ATB Bike Frame Lightweight Motobecane Fly Team
   US $299.95
NEW MOTOBECANE FANTOM TRAIL FULL SUSPENSION ATB FRAME
NEW MOTOBECANE FANTOM TRAIL FULL SUSPENSION ATB FRAME
   US $294.95
FRAME AND FORK COLNAGO SUPER COLOMBUS TUBING
FRAME AND FORK COLNAGO SUPER COLOMBUS TUBING
   US $700.00
TOP 59cm COLNAGO Extreme Power FREE SHIPPING
TOP 59cm COLNAGO Extreme Power FREE SHIPPING
   US $2,199.00
TOP 50S cm 2009 COLNAGO CLX FREE SHIPPING c50
TOP 50S cm 2009 COLNAGO CLX FREE SHIPPING c50
   US $1,899.00
56cm COLNAGO C50 C 50 HP PR10 FREE SHIPPING
56cm COLNAGO C50 C 50 HP PR10 FREE SHIPPING
   US $1,999.00
Kestrel Evoke Full Carbon w SRAM Rival Mavic Wheelset
Kestrel Evoke Full Carbon w SRAM Rival Mavic Wheelset
   US $2,195.99
Ferrari CX 50 Bicycle 26 MTB FREE SHIP USA Medium
Ferrari CX 50 Bicycle 26 MTB FREE SHIP USA Medium
   US $999.00
Colnago C 50 53cm Standard New
Colnago C 50 53cm Standard New
   US $1,675.00
Camagnolo Aero Seat post 268 mm Polished RARE SIZE
Camagnolo Aero Seat post 268 mm Polished RARE SIZE
   US $79.97
COLNAGO MASTER LIGHT FRAMESET 54 CM NEW
COLNAGO MASTER LIGHT FRAMESET 54 CM NEW
   US $1,900.00
vintage COLNAGO SUPER CAMPAGNOLO full bike
vintage COLNAGO SUPER CAMPAGNOLO full bike
   US $255.00
COLNAGO DREAM P FRAME 51
COLNAGO DREAM P FRAME 51
   US $500.00
NEW MOTOBECANE ROAD BIKE ALUMINUM FRAME CARBON FORK
NEW MOTOBECANE ROAD BIKE ALUMINUM FRAME CARBON FORK
   US $299.00
NOS Campagnolo Seatpost Binder Bolt Colnago Masi
NOS Campagnolo Seatpost Binder Bolt Colnago Masi
   US $9.99
Ferrari CX 60 Bicycle 26 MTB FREE SHIPPING USA Medium
Ferrari CX 60 Bicycle 26 MTB FREE SHIPPING USA Medium
   US $1,599.00
COLNAGO TECNOS CAMPAGNOLO RECORD TITANIUM ROAD BIKE
COLNAGO TECNOS CAMPAGNOLO RECORD TITANIUM ROAD BIKE
   US $1,300.00
NR ACCESS 20 mountain bike frame w extras
NR ACCESS 20 mountain bike frame w extras
   US $30.00
COLNAGO BRAIN TUBE FRAME AND FORK WITH CAMPAGNOLO
COLNAGO BRAIN TUBE FRAME AND FORK WITH CAMPAGNOLO
   US $275.00
Luders roadbike 56cm 22in Campagnolo Cinelli Ideale
Luders roadbike 56cm 22in Campagnolo Cinelli Ideale
   US $950.00
View Page:   1  2  3

In the eighties Colnago took a very thorough job of researching new innovations in materials research resulting in them coming to use carbon fiber and even a collaboration with Ferrari since 1986 in research.

At this time dates the start of production of the Colnago Master, a frame that has made history, with its tubing cold drawn, particularly from the "star", which Saronni won the Giro d'Italy. Particularly the fork introduced then, which had the feature of having the stems straight and not curved as in all other bikes. This feature became a prerogative of the Colnago since then.

In 1989, the collaboration with Ferrari, was born on the C35, a frame to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the founding of Colnago, available in both a racing model and mountain bike.

The use of the material changes dramatically in subsequent years, moving from steel to aluminum, but especially to carbon fiber. However, Colnago retains its role in the market for top of the range bike, with the production of C50 in 2003, the fiftieth anniversary of the company.

Now for a little conundrum...Should you ever put Shimano components on a Colnago or is it heresy to have anything other than Campagnolo on it!?

Bianchi Bicycles

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Bianchi's  activities in 1899 expanded the areas of motor vehicles with the production of cars and motorcycles under the name of Edoardo Bianchi  Cars and Cycles. In 1914 it produced 45.000 bicycles, 1,500 motorcycles and 1,000 cars.

Bianchi is dedicated to cycling and those of this sport among its ranks the most important bearers Tazio Nuvolari. Remarkable was also the construction of vehicles for military use during World War II. After the war, Bianchi contributed to reconstruction and Italy with the motorization Bianchina Motoleggera 125 cc, a small auxiliary engine to be applied to bicycles.

The part of the company that was solely involved with the construction of the four wheels vehicles  after initially joining of forces with Fiat and Pirelli all'Autobianchi who gave birth in 1955 was completely sold to two partners in 1958.

In 1959 Lino Tonti arrived as Bianchi's technincal director : with him a house in Milan takes effect; from the disgner's pencil rose the twin-cylinder DOHC 250-350-500 marking the return of the Grand Prix Bianchi (1960), the MT61, motorcycle for the Italian Army, the scooter 80 and the Teddy Bear Silas 175, motoleggera pitch sports. With the crisis in motorcycle sales in the sixties the Bianchi became a serious financial crisis, leading at the end of 1964, the declaration of liquidation. The production of motorcycles declined and the arm of the company inViale Abruzzi was taken over by Piaggio in 1967.
Since May 1997, Bianchi has become part of the Swedish group Cycleurope AB, the leading global company in the bicycle industry. The Bianchi group brands were added to those of Cycleurope, creating a single group on the bicycle market for the supply and distribution across the amplitude distribution worldwide.

It is among the most prestigious brands in the production of racing bicycles, which were used by the great champions of the past from Giovanni Gerbi ( "the red devil"), Constant Girardengo, Fausto Coppi, Felice Gimondi, to Danilo Di Luca and Marco Pantani.

The production of the Bianchis is not limited to the production of racing bikes in the racing department, but also bicycles for trekking, mountain biking, BMX and leisure.

The distintive Symbol of the company is the particular colour that the bikes were and still are produced in ,Celesete or as translated in Italian -  the  blue-green water Bianchi.

Campagnolo Nuovo Gran Sport

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The Campagnolo Nuovo Gran Sport is a groupset manufactured by Campagnolo as their  medium range componentry set of the 1970s.

The name was chosen by taking over those of the first product change in the early 1950s, the Grand Sport.

It was characterized by changing the parallelogram of the rear derailleur in aluminum and steel cage for the pulleys, but mainly by a very characteristic crank  with three arms to support the rings  (specially constructed so) instead of the traditional five. It was produced for the first time in 1974 and experienced a wide user takeup  due mainly to  its good quality units at lower cost than the top of the range of that group (New Record and Super Record). It even saw use by professional cyclists although not in the highest echelons.