Campagnolo frame

[sebinho]

[reposting here, originally posted in buying advice forum]

Hi, This frame is on sale here for the equivalent of 125 pounds, unfortunately without the forks included. Seems to be a Campagnolo. Does anyone know what type it is, the year and whether it might be a worthy basis for build project? I can probably get the price down a bit. I don't want to ask the owner any questions just yet, because the questions become public where it's announced but any guess to about the size? It would be to fit me and I'm 187cm tall, 6 foot 1 and half roughly.

Edit: The top tube is announced as being 55 (cm) as is the seat tube. So perhaps too small for me? The wheel size is 700. Meant to be well aligned and all threads good.

Here are the pics, cheers:

 

[goldcoastjon]

The frame was NOT built by Campagnolo but by someone else who used Campagnolo fork ends and dropouts, which were used by most English, Italian, and USA builders. I cannot place the "B" stamped on the fork crown but someone should be able to identify it.

Are the bottom bracket threads British, Italian, French, or Swiss? What about the headset threading?

Check the steer tube for stamping marks or rifling that might indicate the type of tubing used. Weight is another way to gauge what the frame is made of. And look for a serial number (usually on the bottom bracket shell, seat lug, or a rear dropout).

From the lug pattern and the top tube cable guides, I would guess that you are looking at a 1975-1985 frame (+/-). What is the clearance between the rear dropouts? A clearance of 120-126mm would mean an earlier frame. Clearance of 130mm would place the frame later (late 1980s-1990s).

Not knowing any of the details, the frame may well be a good buy, depending on weight, the tubing used, its condition (inside the tubes), and the asking price.

 

[T4tomo]

it might be too small, but your other issue is what is the availability of period parts to build up the bike. the frame will be set for 126mm rear hub, you can carefully squeeze a modern 130mm wheel in but its not ideal. can you get hold of 1" steerer forks and quill stems etc etc. all quite easy in the UK , but possibly less so in Brazil, but I don't know.

 

[Cycleops]

That looks like it could be a very nice Italian frame, possibly in Columbus tubing. Columbus SL would be 27.2 and Aelle 26.8 seat post. SL is lighter better. Research that B. The Campagnolo dropouts are a mark of it’s quality. Likely be Italian threading BB if so. Can you obtain the correct bits there in Brazil? While on the subject of threads check they are not not damaged if you can.
Size should be fine for you at 187cm (same as me) if a little small. I have a 56cm road bike which suits me well.
Its been badly resprayed but I guess you could refinish it yourself by stripping it and getting a car body shop to spray it for you if no specialist bike sprayers.
Try to get the fork include, finding a replacement may be difficult.

 

[sebinho]

Thanks everyone. It does sound complicated. There are more details though. It's stated that the frame is chrome molybdenum and that it is Italian with the central threaded drive shaft being the 'standard' Italian size of 36mm.

 

[Cycleops]

I think the thing to do would be to find out what the cost of all the parts required might be and availability. Then find out how much refinishing the frame might be. The total cost might alarm you.

 

[sebinho]

There's also another frame with forks. Painted badly (including paint over the thread) where the seller says it looks like it may be a Bianchi from the 60s. Has forks, cheaper and a local pick up. If you can open the link, it's here: https://produto.mercadolivre.com.br...os-60-frejus-cromoly-tam-56x56n-e-bianchi-_JM

Edit: Reading better, it says it's not Bianchi, but a Frejus

 

[sebinho]

I think the thing to do would be to find out what the cost of all the parts required might be and availability. Then find out how much refinishing the frame might be. The total cost might alarm you.

Yes of course.

 

[Cycleops]

Never seen a Bianchi with the seat post bolt in front of the seat tube but that may help you to identify it.

 

[bagpuss]

Benotto ?

 

[Cycleops]

Benotto ?

I thought that but they use this:

 

[dan_bo]

Bottechia

 

[sebinho]

Then find out how much refinishing the frame might be. The total cost might alarm you.

Yes, doing some research, because it has has Italian sizes, I think it's out of the question for me. Parts hard to find and/or very pricey indeed. Thanks for the help.

 

[midlife]

The frame has over BB cable guides with Portacatena dropouts so that's late 70's to early 80's. The forks look newer.

The seat stay says "Italian" like Viner Record or similar. I guess the BB shell is 70mm

 

[Smokin Joe]

Bottechia

That's what I thought.