Greg wrote:
> >If it is in fact one of Coppi's personal bikes from the '52 Tour, It *is*
a
> >big deal in it's own right, whether we fuss over it or not!
Brandon wrote:
> Greg is totally right and this bike is quite important. I'll take
e-richie's word it's the real deal, but some real documentation would be
nice. I've got to say I was sad to see it was restored since from the
description the bike didn't seem beat or abused.
Whether this bike was used by Coppi or not isn't terribly important if there isn't any documentation demonstrating the link. The bike is however collectible in its own right, irregardless of the provenance. Perhaps not quite as much had the bike not been redone as pointed out by Brandon, but still sought ofter. Bianchis with anything close to original equipment can very readily be dated. I have received one note off-list from a well-respected list member saying that the whole story was a sham because the serial number would indicate a 1955-56 frame. I have also read Richard assertion that the year did coincide with the story. Either way, without any proof, it is simply a nice 50+ year old bike. If I were the vendor, I woud do what Chuck did with his Folgorissima, namely to strip it down to find all the 'proof' of the age. The BB spindle has the date stamped on it, the headset has the date stamped on it, the lock nuts of the hubs have the date stamped on them. If all of these components point to the same year, this can only help with the sale of the bike. If they don't match the story, the story should be removed from the auction description.
Steven Maasland Moorestown, NJ
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