Outed by Aldo:
>Kid's Bianchi road bike on Italian eBay, listed as 1959 model:
>http://cgi.ebay.it/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2416047697&category=3D=
9951
>Small Ambrosio tubular rims, Campy derailleurs.
I was hoping this bike would prompt some (any?) discussion because I got really curious when Aldo first posted it. I've seen a few posts on CR about the type of market for so-called "racing bikes" in Europe in the late 50's and early 60's. If I remember correctly, it was stated that the general public just did not buy them. The ten-speed bike with tubular tires and turned-down bars was not a widely-marketed item. And a non-racer who bought one for general use was pretty much considered a "poser". (I hope my memory is correct here and I have not mangled things too much, if so, please correct me).
Given that, what is the explaination for this bike? Is this really a child's bike, sold with front and rear derailleurs and tubular tires, a Unica saddle? Has anyone ever seen a bike like this before, from this time period?
Was there ever children's races in Europe, a group below juniors? Maybe a pro racer and proud papa had the bike built for his child?
Bob Hovey
Columbus, GA