Mark,
I also have a Mockba 80 and have wondered the same thing. I've heard claims that they were produced in 1980 (unlikely), 1983, and 1984. Sheldon Brown's seatpost size database puts the model at 1984, but I'm not sure if he was dealing with an instance of a model produced in '84, or if this is to say that they were produced beginning in '84, or only in '84 (other entries in the chart sometimes show a range of dates). 1981 _sounds_ reasonable. Can you ask the seller how he determined the date?
Not sure how much variation went into the details, but my frame (also gray/anthracite) differs from yours in that the cutouts in my lugs and all the panto'd details are filled in white. Also, my headtube decal shows a heart, spade, diamond, and club in a 4-leaf clover, over a band of world champion colors. Mine is stamped "53" very faintly on the BB shell, but I assume this is frame size and not a serial number. I haven't noticed any other numbering (don't have the bike at hand)--have you? Not much else to add, but I ride mine every day and love it.
Ryan Hildebrand Costa Mesa, Calif.
-------------------------------- Good evening y'all.
I have recently acquired a Ciocc Mockba 80 that is simply gorgeous despite a FEW paint chips. The only photos I have are from the ebay listing which stated it was from 1981.
You can take a look here: http://tinyurl.com/
From trolling around the internet I have learned a bit but am still trying to pinpoint a year of production. Am I silly to think that the Mockba 80 ISN't from 1980? From what I've found, these were put on the market in approx. 1980 and production continued for a few or more years.
My goal of pinpointing a year will help me to figure out which pair of Campy crank arms to mount.
Any help would be appreciated.
Mark Buswell
San Francisco, CA