Jim McCoin wrote:
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> I have become the latest caretaker of a 1958 Raphael Geminiani "Special" frame, and I plan to build it up. The paint and decals are good but the chrome is shot. To refinish or not, big decision, one I won't make in a hurry.
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> My question is how long were these bikes built and who built them, how many models were there. the frame has Campy drop outs and came with Campy running gear originally. I have seen photos French racing bikes with a mix of Italian and French parts, which seems odd.
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I have one from the early sixties: Campagnolo Gran Sport front and rear derailleurs Simplex 49D cranks and chainrings 47-50 Lyotard all alloy quill pedals Campagnolo Record Large flange hubset AVA bar and stem MAFAC Forge Dural center pulls Idéale Record 60 saddle with alloy girder frame and row of holes along bottom of flaps
Paint (yellow as in Maillot Jaune) and chrome are shot (can barely make out Raphael's smiling face on seat tube) on mine.
I think maybe they only imported into the US the Special. Seems like everything in the late 50s thru 60s was named "Special" (or Specialissima in Bianchi's case) and late 60s thru 70s everything was named "Super!"
Todd Teachout up in the S.F. Bay area has restored his (white) and it's beautiful judging by the photos he sent me.
Raphael Geminiani is one of my favorites and was a very colorful and aggressive rider in the TdF (12 Tours). Director Spotif for many Tour teams after he retired from racing himself. (St-Raphaël, Ford, Bic, Hoover, De Kova, Sporting de Lisbonne, Fiat, La Redoute Café de Colombie.)
Very nice web site:
http://www.passpass.net/
Great photos of Geminiani and his palmaries
http://www.passpass.net/
Super domestic for Coppi on the 1952 Bianchi team:
http://www.passpass.net/
With Roger Riviere:
http://townsleyb.members.beeb.net/
Rider's card:
http://www.passpass.net/
Current photo:
http://images.google.com/
Chuck Schmidt 104° at 4 pm down from 108° earlier for Rose Bowl vintage ride (five stalwarts in attendance) SoPas, SoCal