A lady brought her '70s racing bicycle to my house today and said she just wanted it to have a good home with someone who would appreciate it. I bought it from her and told her I would pass it along to you folks. It is a red Doniselli bike with a 53 cm seat tube and a 54 cm top tube. It had Valentino derailleurs, but the rear has been swapped out for a Schwinn Le Tour (not the really longed caged one). The front one looks a lot like the older Gran Sport with the square back, push rod design and all...might even be the same derailleur renamed. Nervar star cranks, 3ttt 80 mm stem and bars (very nice for all the years they have endured) , unknown make pedals with toe clips and straps, Universal Super 68 brakes...sorely in need of new hoods and, I'm sure, pads. The tubular tires hold air and the back (put on new before storing she says) one looks just fine...the front has somewhat less than might be expected alligatoring...best part, the bike has a lovely set of Nisi rims with that lovely winged logo. The hubs are Campagnolo low flange without oil holes (Valentino ?). Scruffy Avocet Touring saddle. The paint one could live with...especially with a little touch up... and it is a presentable bike...It seems like it could be ridden right now, but after having been unridden for 10 years it should be checked out first. Gene Portuesi imported these bikes from about '71-'74, I am told, for his legendary Cycle Sports shop in Cadillac Michigan and this bike was purchased there new in '73 or '74, or so the lady tells me. I have some pictures of it, but am having trouble with my photo program and unable to downsize them enough to mail more than one or two at a time. Someone just sent me this info on them from Gene's shop...bear in mind that this one has some changes, now. I have added a few comments where I thought I needed to. Model Name- Turchino (I couldn't guarantee this)
Campy Tipo hubs, tubular rims, sew up tires (I am only familiar with large flange Tipo hubs...not sure about these)
5 speed freewheel, probably Regina
Campy Valentino derailleurs (See description above)
Nervar Star Crankset 44-52
Unica Nito nylon saddle (Not anymore)
Straight seat post, alloy I believe
TTT bar and Stem
Colors Red, Blue or Yellow
Price $187.50
Now here is the great part...First one who tells me they'll take it gets it for $225 + reasonable shipping cost. Hard to beat, huh? Put you into a vintage bike really easily...maybe a nice project bike for a youngster or spouse or even yourself. Tom Sanders aka Tom's Bargain Basement Lansing, Mi