I remember some less expensive bikes later than 1977 w/o braze on top tube cable guides. They had braze on bottom bracket cable guides and water bottle braze ons. Since the Montelatici's were built for Vasco's shop, perhaps he spec'd what he wanted based on the parts he had or the look he was after? Maybe he really liked top tube cable clamps?
Since one could specify to Campy if they wanted allen fasteners or nutted brakes up to at least 1984, it stands to reason that a builder could make his frames to fit anything he wanted.
I could be totally wrong, but it seems like spacing ought to date a bike you know is original (but spacing is so easy to change!) My Monte was set at 120 spacing. Seems like if Vasco was getting his frames from a contractor, the spacing would be pretty much what was the going deal for other frames built by that contractor, unless Vasco had a lot of 5 speed hub sets he needed to use up. I'm pretty sure 126mm spacing became the standard in the mid 1970s.
Any other definitive clues on dating Italian frames?
Oh, and I'd pay good money to finally settle for once and for all, who built the Montelatici frames... Hear that Matteo?
My latest project is a 1973 Panasonic built Schwinn. Now that has no braze ons, pretty much anywhere... I'm not sure if it even has bottle braze ons, I'll find out as soon as it arrives. Few braze ons were pretty much normal for Japanese frames from that era. I suspect the Italians were more advanced!
Ann Phillips, Decatur GA
>In the late '60's to mid '70's I was a bike mechanic/retailer and have
>certain memories of frame construction:
>1) brazed-on BB cable guides appeared to me in approx. 1973
>
>2) brazed-on TT cable guides approx. 1973
>
>3) recessed brake bolts approx. 1976/7
>
>4) brazed-on bottle bosses approx. 1974
>
>Now I admit that it's been a long time, and memory can be faulty
>(especially mine). What I don't have is documentation of frame
>embellishment dates, etc. I'm certain that the details mentioned above
>were made available in line with improving technology and techniques of
>manufacture. I'm also certain that there may have been early examples of
>these added features.
>
>Can anyone provide dated evidence to create a proper timeline for
>these? If I missed a similar discussion, I apologize.
>
>Les Himel
>Chappaqua, NY