Pic of the Day 8 April 2005 Coppi's TdF bike, 1952
http://www.wooljersey.com/
Posted previously, but still worth another look, and time to update the caption.
Fausto Coppi's bike from the 1952 Tour de France. Is that an Ambrosio aluminum stem? Universal "Extra" brake calipers. Look how high the shift levers are mounted... were they just trying to clear the Bianchi decal? Thin double straps holding the bottle cage to the frame. First version of the Gran Sport front derailleur with short outer plate (see also next two pictures). No chrome on the fork blades. Metal cable straps on the toptube (instead of bar tape). Dark full-length housing for the derailleur cables, held in place with early Campagnolo metal straps. Felt cover on aluminum water bottle. What kind of chainset is that again? What else have I missed?
Aldo Ross BlueBall, Ohio ETATS UNIS
"Why Is Mummy Crying? - A Children's Guide to Tragic Opera" by R.T. Hemmesfere Available now from Ryder Press http://www.wooljersey.com