I apologize to Chuck. I replied too quickly and didn't read his post carefully. Chuck used the phrase "why THEY weren't highly regarded or sought after." I thought I read "why they AREN'T highly regarded or sought after." I now realize you were speaking in the past tense, not present. Sorry again Chuck, I agree with you.
Marc Boral
Marc Boral wrote:
> Personally, I disagree with the statement "Also probably why they weren't
> highly regarded or sought after." I consider them extremely sought after and
> collectable, even if they were faulty. I have a few, and, unfortunately, the
> one thing I do observe is how easily the steel tube dents. All of mine have
> some sort of dent/crease in them. However, damage is most often attributable
> to crashes or improper usage. My take on the collectability of many Campy
> components is: It sometimes does not matter if the component was a "success"
> in the marketplace when it was a current product. Once a certain amount of
> time goes by (?), the collectability issue of said component, is measured by
> many other factors. Sometimes, the fact that the component wasn't successful
> (monetarily or mechanically), adds to the collectability. In a company so
> renown for their quality and innovation, a rare "mistake" might actually
> propel such a component into a most sought after collectable later down the
> road It happens in so many areas of collecting. The company ceases production,
> leading to much smaller quantities remaining in existence. Off the top of my
> head, some Campy items that were not considered "successful", but are now very
> collectable are: The steel sp, 1st ED. Delta calipers, chain hanger
> assemblies, Electa steel & Ti saddles. I'm sure there are other examples you
> guys can think of. I will even go out on a limb and say the SGR pedals will be
> collectable soon. Just my opinion.
>
> Marc Boral
>
> Chuck Schmidt wrote:
>
> > Earliest referrence I have seen to the steel Campagnolo seat post was
> > the 1956 TdF. There was kind of a "real world" recall of the steel
> > post because they had a propensity to crack at the tube to head joint.
> > Probably why they are rare. Also probably why they weren't highly
> > regarded or sought after.
> >
> > Chuck Schmidt
> > South Pasadena, California
> > http://www.velo-retro.com (Campagnolo Timeline)
> >
> > Mark A. Perkins wrote:
> > >
> > > Hillary, and fellow bike lovers:
> > >
> > > I have been aware of the parts that you speak of since the late 70's.
> > > However, a few years back I came across a genuine Campagnolo, steel, seat
> > > post, with a well broken in and cared for Brooks saddle mounted on it .
> > > It (the seat post) is very much like the Record aluminum posts which we
> > > are all very familiar with. It has the same type of micro-adjusting
> > > mechanism as the Record post, but all of the parts are made from steel
> > > and chrome plated. The major difference is that the upper portion of the
> > > post (which the rail supports and top clamps attach to), is much narrower
> > > than the Record aluminum post, and if my memory serves me correctly the
> > > slot down the middle where the bolts go through is open to the rear. I
> > > have never seen any literature on this post, but I have seen others
> > > exactly like it. I have no idea what years it was available, or what
> > > it's part number or group designation is, but it is definitely a
> > > chrome-plated, steel, micro-adjusting, Campy seat post, made specifically
> > > for the earlier, narrow-railed, leather saddles.
> > >
> > > The saddle is very interesting too. It has, from front to back, narrow
> > > to wide, stepped spacing between the chrome rails. It is by far the
> > > softest leather saddle I have ever owned, and I have actually ridden on
> > > it on one of my Bianchi's. The shop owner who had actually originally
> > > sold both of my '59 Bianchi "Competizione"('s) told me that the saddle
> > > and post were not correct for the bikes, but was of the same approximate
> > > vintage (give or take a few years). He also noticed that the post was
> > > .2mm too small for the frame. I then told him that I had taken the
> > > original Brooks "Swallow" off temporarily so that I could try the other
> > > saddle and post out.
> > >
> > > At the present time, this saddle and post combo is in storage (along with
> > > 75% of my bike collection), so I can't take a photo to send to the group.
> > > However, the very next time I am able to do so, I will retrieve it and
> > > take a photo to send along for all to see. It shouldn't be all that
> > > uncommon though. But I have only been involved with cycling since the
> > > mid-60's, so what do I know.
> > >
> > > If anyone else out there has one of these posts please speak up. I can't
> > > believe that this post is such a rare item. Although I have only seen 2
> > > or 3 of them myself.
> > >
> > > That's all that I have learned about these narrow-railed saddles and
> > > posts, and I would like to know more.
> > >
> > > Happy Cycling All! - "Bicycle Mark" Perkins