Re: [CR]Info on a Mirella ??

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Campagnolo)

From: <CYCLESTORE@aol.com>
Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2001 09:37:40 EDT
Subject: Re: [CR]Info on a Mirella ??
To: neill1234@yahoo.com, Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


Neill,

I can only tell you what I know from my brothers Mirella purchased about 1973. It was a good looking Italian built bike of fair quality. I can't say how much as quality in the old days was more about reputation than facts. It was inexpensive and had a selection of campy NR components, Universal brakes (centerpull?), and a steel cottered campy three arm crank in silver color. Columbus (we thought SL) tubing throughout.

Seatpost could be any thing and may be squeezed down. Take it to a good shop with some good frame repair experience and have an old guy check it with gauges. A seat tube reamer can round it out perfectly if an undersize post was installed.

Check seatlug area for serial number, maybe.

The dropout screws have a screw driver fitting o the inside, there are sometimes sticky and require needlenose vise grips if bent. Other techniques may be needed if screw is bent over on the outside.

Hope this is a help.

Gilbert Anderson

The North Road Bicycle Company your bicycle outfitter 519 W. North St. Raleigh, NC 27603 USA ph toll free in USA :800/321-5511 Local ph: 919/828-8999 E-Mail: cyclestore@aol.com

In a message dated 10/27/01 3:14:48 AM, neill1234@yahoo.com writes:

<< Hi Bought a new, err, old bike today, from the 60's or 70's (?), and I am hoping someone can point me in the direction of info on it, model, tubing, original spec etc. Like most old machines, it has a (small) issue: the dropout adjustment screws (Campy), are buggered. One is broken off level with the outside edge of the dropout, and the other is intact, but bent 20 degrees. Anyone had success removing these brittle little items, or can point me to a link with a "how-to"?? Sure would appreciate the help.

Now, on to the description of what I have.

Was told it is a Mirella, originally silver painted(now repainted cheaply "Eddy" orange, no head badge.......anyone know where I might get one?), with red-filled, long pointed and thinned lugs. The headtube lugs, and flat fork crown are chromed(still in excellent shape). I was also told that it is made of Columbus Tubing, however, the alloy seatpost measures either 25.6 or 25.8 mm. Most Columbus I have ever seen has been 27.2 seatpost, so could this point to different tubing? There seems to be no serial number on the bike, yet no sign that one might have been deliberately obliterated in the past. Is there anywhere I might look, other than the BB shell, or Rear dropout area? Rear spacing is 123mm, but the rear wheel may be compressing the dropouts a bit.

Frame measures 58cm c to t, with a 57 cm TT c to c

Overall, apart from the abominations rendered in its past, the bike is of obviously very high quality. Lugwork and finish detailing seem excellent. Though I am sure the components have changed over the years, it has had care and attention and money spent on it: a beautiful Ideale "90" saddle with alloy rails and seatpost, Campy LF hubs with Super Champion Rims, Cinelli Bar/Stem, Stronglight Crank of unknown type, and a alloy Simplex RD.

I can send pics, but they will be of somewhat low resolution....I only have a Web-Cam.

Thanks
Neill Currie >>