re: [CR] Legnano crankset info request

(Example: Production Builders:Peugeot:PX-10LE)

Date: Mon, 04 Sep 2006 19:31:16 -0400
From: "Harvey M Sachs" <sachshm@cox.net>
To: Mark@bulgier.net, Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: re: [CR] Legnano crankset info request


Mark Bulgier wrote about some cranks, and I have a bit of conjecture that might be helpful?

First the easy part: I'd reckon that Mark is right, and that the 52-40 chainring set replaced a 47-50 or the equivalent.

Now, the question of who dunnit? Although they are not the same model, My Roma came with doubly stamped "2-arm" cranks, with "Roma" near the spindle, like the "Legnano" in Mark's pix; and "Magistrani" on a flat surface that interrupts the fluting in the middle of the arm. I've seen high-quality Italian cranks like these stamped "Atala" and I think with other brands also. the build-up on these cranks at the pedal eye is a dead ringer for my Magis/Romas, or what they looked like before rechroming. On mine, the boss on the back of the crank to receive the third screw is elongated, and not round, which might be another indicator. I can't resolve that in the pix here.

So, who can show it is not presumptively a Magistroni? :-) harvey sachs mcLean va

++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Mark sayeth: I just picked up a rusty Legnano crankset and I think it's a thing of beauty. Anyone know more about it? See 5 snapshots at: http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Parts/Cranks_Pedals/LegnanoCranks/ Or http://tinyurl.com/f3rlp in case the above link wraps.

This is a "two arm" 116 mm bcd 3-bolt crank, where the main crank arm supplies the third chainring mounting point. (In case anyone thinks Campy invented the idea with C-Record...) They look to be forged, with hi-qual features like the fluting and raised platform for the pedal to thread up against.

I have heard of Magistroni cranks stamped as Legnano; maybe Gnutti too? There are no other maker's marks on these. Anyone know who made 'em?

There is a "61" stamped on the back of both cranks - could that be the year?

I doubt the 52/40 steel chainrings in the photos are original. I'm interested in suggestions for what chainrings should be on this crank.

It's not for sale, but if someone needs them for a Legnano resto, let me know and we can work out a trade. (Don't worry, I don't think it's especially valuable, especially in this rusty condition.)

Mark Bulgier
Seattle WA USA