One of the frames I have never ridden or owned, yet long wanted to, is a Ciocc. I recently saw and immediately purchased one, knowing it was on the borderline small that I could ride. Today as I was cleaning it up in preparation to build it, I noticed the head tube looked smaller than I thought it would. I measured it, as well as the frame, and it is going to be too small for me.
The most unique aspect of this very nice frame and fork is that the rear brake cable housing is routed through two brazed-on loops and in an external channel at 9 o'clock on the top tube. I have never seen this before, but it allows for the rear brake housing to be external to the top tube without being on top to collect rust or being subjected to rubbing. Pretty cool!
This Ciocc frame measures 52.5 c-c, or 53.5 c-t, with a longish for its size 54.5cm top tube. The Campagnolo horizontal rear dropouts (adjusting screws included) measure 126mm and the head tube is 115mm tall.
The frame is painted a very pretty gun metal blue metallic with white Ciocc decals outlined in black. The seat and chain stays are chromed, as is the fork. Ciocc is engraved at the top of the seat stays and on the fork crown and the Ciocc club is cut out of the bottom bracket shell. This frame takes a braze-on front derailleur, and has a pump peg and two sets of water bottle bosses.
Campagnolo headset and bottom bracket are included, but I can't attest to the condition of either one. I did remove the bottom bracket to check out the bottom bracket shell and tubes and it is clean. A Campy bottom bracket cup spins right back in by hand.
There are a few paint chips, but none are large or significant. The chrome on the stays is good, with some scuff and marks from use, time, chain drop, etc. The chrome on the fork is good, with some scuff and some light pitting on the leading edge of the fork. I have treated the entire frame inside the tubes with Boeshield T-9 rust prevention spray.
Overall, this is a very attractive frame and fork with the aforementioned unique rear brake cable housing routing.
$325 shipped and insured to the lower 48 United States.
Pictures will be taken and available later.
Thanks,
Frank Phillips
McAlester, OK