BTW, although not exact by any means, Stevan's TDF in the serial number database had no real year attached to it so extrapolating from the other numbers it looks like about mid to late '59 (really there's no way to be anywhere near that exact). At least that's all still assuming serial serial numbers, and relatively constant production rates. :-)
David Bilenkey Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
> -----Original Message-----
> From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org
> [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org]On Behalf Of
> NortonMarg@aol.com
> Sent: January 8, 2003 11:55 AM
> To: velo531@hotmail.com; classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Subject: Re: [CR]Nice E-bay Frejus Tour de France 60s?
>
>
I don't think this bike is as old as claimed, and I wouldn't throw out your
sequential serial number theory based on it. I have TDF #95102, the one in
the auction is #105186. IIRC, mine was purchased new in the early 1960s, by
the guy who listed it on ebay. I'm pretty sure this model, so equipped was
sold in this country well into the 60s (verification anyone?) in the same
way
that Bianchi sold the Competizione model. A great frame with leftover, prior
generation racing parts, that allowed a good quality lower price-point bike.
What else would they do with unsold "obsolete" parts inventory? Guaranteed,
they had plenty of the old stuff on shelves when Campagnolo, Ambrosio, etc.,
came out with their "new" products that were suddenly the rage that everyone
had to have! (Plus being lighter and working better)
Stevan Thomas
Alameda, CA