Jeremy,
The Bottecchia on ebay you talk about is what most would call a midrange bike boom bike from the early 70s. I believe it to be a Giro dItalia Model; second only to the Professional Model. I make this conclusion based on the Nevar Star cranks and Carneilli stem and bars. The tubing is Columbus SL with SP in the larger sizes. As far as I can tell the only difference between the Pro and the Giro were the parts. The Pro came with full NR kit, Unica saddle and 3T Record bar/stem while the Giro had a mix of Record drivetrain, Nervar Star cranks, Carneilli stem/bar, Brooks pro lookalike saddle, and Tipo hubs. They both came with Fiamme sew-up rims, Regina chains and freewheels, and Universal center-pull brakes. I have seen about a dozen Bottecciha Pro and Giro frames in the flesh as well as in photos and I have yet to see a difference in the two frames. Other than the top tube decal identifying the model they are identical. Right down to the awful rear stay/dropout attachment.
During the early to late 60s the Molteni team rode Bottecchia bikes to many victories. Gianni Motta won the Giro DItalia in 66, and in 66 Rudy Altig aboard a Bottecchia won the World Championship. Also the Italian Championships in 64, 65, 66, and 67 were won using a Bottecchia. Also, Gred Lemond while ridding for ADR won many races using a Bottecchia.
Having said all this I would like to add that I have an early 70s Bottecchia that I love to ride. Although its not as nice as other Italian bikes of that era (Masi, Cinelli, Colnago, and Bianchi), I love the way it rides. Its very smooth like an old luxury car. The bike is Team blue with chrome fork and stay ends, headlugs, and fork crown. As a matter of fact, the whole frame was chromed under the paint.
I hope this answers a few of your questions. Although they may not be the best bikes that came out of Italy, they are fun to ride. And isnt that what its all about, ridding them rain or shine!
Since I would never consider myself an expert or even very knowledgeable in vintage lightweights I would like to hear from other list members about Bottecchia bikes from the 60s and 70s
Take care,
Richard Robinson Jacksonville NC
> [Original Message]
> From: Jeremy Lieberman <jeremylieberman@earthlink.net>
> To: classicrendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Date: 1/24/04 1:25:07 PM
> Subject: [CR]Bottecchia ebay
>
> What looks to be a nice and cheap Bottecchia on ebay? Any one know much
about these? (tubing?)
> Jeremy Lieberman
> NYC
>
> Jeremy Lieberman
> jeremylieberman@earthlink.net
> Why Wait? Move to EarthLink.