Re: [CR]Ebay: 62 Aquila frame

(Example: Framebuilding)

From: "Wspokes" <wspokes@penn.com>
To: <OROBOYZ@aol.com>, <saint09@bellsouth.net>, <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <da.31b77527.30b753a9@aol.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]Ebay: 62 Aquila frame
Date: Thu, 24 Nov 2005 12:46:27 -0500
reply-type=original

Since Dale has surfaced this....

I concur with what I have heard as well. Even though they may have been made in South America...I think they only claimed the euro connection because at that time, it seemed euro sold and euro meant quality. Now regarding the SA quality, not bad at all. Many of the FD and the Aquila bike frames I have seen were not "bad"...meaning...the consistency definitely lacked in having all really nice frames but at the same time, the lugwork wasn't sloppy...the welds were not bad, the bikes were actually built very nicely. In fact, I will say that I have seen some really sloppy Bianchis surface on the lower line Trofeos from the mid 90s as compared with these bikes of yesteryear...I once had a bike ordered for a customer and the downtube shifters were off set and not really aligned with the downtube due to poor shifter boss braze ons...so it just goes to show quality can differ in any area.

And of course, my opinion on this isn't professional....just what I have uncovered along my travels through bike history.

Walter SKrzypek
Falls Creek, Pa


----- Original Message -----
From: OROBOYZ@aol.com
To: saint09@bellsouth.net
Sent: Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:34 PM
Subject: Re: [CR]Ebay: 62 Aquila frame



> In a message dated 11/24/2005 5:46:12 AM Eastern Standard Time,
> saint09@bellsouth.net writes:
>
> << A 1962 Aquila frameset, Ebay #7198172842. Anyone familiar with this
> marque? Any professional opinions on this bike? It has two "small" dings
> in
> downtube, shown in pictures, are these repairable or of concern? >>
>
>
> Hey Fred:
>
> I would be interested in other's response to this query as there are
> indications that the name "Aquila" has been used for Italian bikes and
> South American
> bikes (Colombia?)
>
> FWIW, at least some of the Flying Dutchman frames from once-upon-a-time
> Colorado shop Big Wheel (Jack Van Gent) were made by a firm named Aquila
> (stamped
> in drop outs) and were rumored to be South American (complete with alleged
> fake
> Reynolds & Columbus decals.)
>
> Also, re: this particular frame; Caveat Emptor.. IMO it has some severe
> damage to the down tube, difficult to describe as simply "dings."

>

> Dale

>

> Dale Brown

> Greensboro, NC USA