In a message dated 11/7/2004 7:03:31 AM PST, jeremylieberman@nyc.rr.com
writes:
Just saw this very nice Olmo deluxe
http://ebay.com/
Does anyone here have any experience with Olmo's of this vintage? Were such Olmo's considered right up there, if not with the very finest tier bikes, with the better Italians of the time, like Frejus, Legnano? Of note is that the seller has the weight of this bike at 25lbs, which seems rather heavy compared with other top racing models of that time, such as Frejus or Cinelli? Does this have more to do with the parts or were Olmo Deluxe frames a lot heavier? Thanks, -------------------------------------------------------- Jeremy- Couple of things go through my mind. I do have experience with this vintage bike and it is very similar to a vintage OLMO found in VBQ from about 6 months ago. This particular one is Not 70s vintage as seller is stating (more about seller below). It is more likely a 64, 65, or 66 model. Many parts on the bike have been replaced with different vintage ones. For instance, the 80s vintage Rally rear derailleur, the Suntour 6-sp FW, and the 144 BCD Campy crank. But overall, I think the rest of the bike is OEM for its era.
This particular bike has one of those paint jobs that is really just a thin coat of some semi-transparent lauquer allowing the chrome beneath to come through. There is a proper name for this type of paint technique, but I don't know it. I would only add that this technique appears to be a fore-runner to actual metallic paint jobs that also took off in popularity in the 60s. Then there were the "candy" colors, but I digress. I am pretty sure that the frame is made from double butted FALCK tubing, what designation, I dunno.
IMHO, I definitely rank Olmos on the same par with Frejus & Legnano; all 3 manufacturers made low, mid and high-end bikes. Using my semi-trained eye, I would consider them all of similar craftsmanship.
As far the 25lbs is concerned, I don't really know if that is accurate
measurement or not. The seller, I believe is a good egg and would never purposefully
provide info that he knew was inaccurate. I sense he is extremely prolific
and has chosen ebay bike selling as way to supplement his income.
I understand he goes to all the police auctions in Riverside or LA and hence
his seemingly never ending supply of bikes for sale. However, the seller is
not always the most knowledgeable about bikes, say as compared to the average CR
list member, (hidden compliment in there somewhere). At the same time, I
think that one can get very good deals from this him.
cheers-
Dave Anderson
Cut Bank MT