Phase two of operation spouse mollification consists of selling some of my bikes. This is especially hard, as I only have the really good ones here with me during my temporary sojurn in New Jersey. My heartbreak is your gain.
Bike # 1 is a Benotto built up with Gipiemme parts. You won't meet someone with the same bike on too may rides, I betcha. I rode this Friday at Cirque this year. Model is probably a 2500, unknown vintage but probably mid-late 70's. No model indicated and no serial # that I can find. Semi sloping fork crown is engraved "BENOTTO" in an oval. Seatstay caps have Benotto impressed in them, but was done in reverse as the letters are "outie", not "innie". No chrome. Benotto drop outs. Tubing sticker is old style early 70's Colombus. Brazed on shifter bosses, TT brake cable guides, under BB tunnel cable guides, one set bottle bosses and the rear deraileur cable stop. Color is classic Benotto champagne, and the decals are very very good for the vintage. Not clear coated, so they have started to fray, but they are all 100 legible and general appearance is excellent.
Frame is 62cm seat tube (C-T), top tube is 58 cm center to center, chainstays are 40.5 cm, wheel base is 99 cm. Seatpost is 26.8, so perhaps SP tubing. Mild toe clip overlap with the ALE extra large chrome units. No sign of any crash damage, bike rides wonderfully, no hands stability is good. Very comfy frame, while still plenty stiff in the BB. Zings around corners nicely. Reminds me of my old Colnago. Must be something in the Italian air.
Actual parts used can be seen at http://www.classicrendezvous.com/
Wheels are sealed bearing hubs, 32 spoke, 14 straight gauge DTs, laced to Campy Omega 19 rims, polished silver front, satin silver rear. Tires are low milage Continental Supersport Ultras, 25mm. I built them myself, but I can't remember if I lined up the hub logo with the C in the Campy label, or whatever it is you're supposed to do. They've held up fine for a year under me (235 lbs).
One correction to Dale's listing, parts are actually a mix of Sprint (derallieurs & shifters), Dual Sprint (pedals) and Chrono Sprint (brakes and headset). Only changes from parts pictured are: crank set was changed to a 172.5 version, with much cooler fluted chainring arms and two flutes on the main arms, BB is now a Campy, seatpost is now a Laprade and a Benotto saddle was added. Changes were made to get parts that fit either me or the frame. The embrodiered GPM saddle pictured is included in the sale. Derailleurs are the rebadged Simplex versions. All parts work fine.
Bars and stem are Cinelli. Stem is old logo, 12cm extension and modified to take a front accessible bolt. Bars are new logo 42 cm Giro D Italias. Both are used but not thrashed. Stem has some heavier markings just above the minimum insertion line. If you run your bars low, you won't see it. I covered it with electricians tape 'to mark the height'. I also have a lightly used pantographed Benotto stem, same extension and fitting Cinelli bars that I never got around to installing. The stem is also included in the sale. Housings are light blue. Bar tape is the now discontinued and super rare light blue Tressoplast, but like all light colored tape it's now showing a fair bit of dirt. Buy the bike just for the tape!
What else? Pedals, brake calipers and head set are anodized black. A blue bottle cage and blue toe straps are included. And owner is blue to be selling. End my misery by buying it quick. Thanks.
$575, plus $40 shipping in continental US. I will try to ship internationally, but buyer is responsible for any additional costs. Email questions, and I can get some pics if you like.
Tom Adams, Shrewsbury NJ
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