Dear list members,
I recently posted some pictures of my 'restored' (renewed?) Legnano and a 'Groene Leeuw' on Wooljersey. Both bikes will participate at L'Eroica next week (the Italian one ;-) ). Some more specs: Legnano tipo Roma Olimpiade, SN FF9380, probably early 60ies. Frame repainted by professional (using Legnano colors and procedure of various coatings). I did the pinstriping and (pretty lousy) logo stencil myself. Parts replaced: Record seatpost 27 mm (was same diameter Record but used and scratched, now NOS); Crank (was Record used 155 BCD with 52 and 47 chainwheels, now Record NOS 144 BCD with 52 and 42 chainwheels) Brake callipers and cables (was universal extra, now NOS universal model 61). Mounting piece of rear brake home-made. Brake levers (was used MAFAC (?), now NOS Universal model 61) Cable clamps (Campagnolo, replaced by NOS) Stem: Ambrosio Champion (was scratched, replaced by NOS)
Derailleurs, BB, Legnano engraved hubs, and headset are original record parts in pretty good shape. Also the NISI rims and heavily scratched handlebar (TTT grand prix) are original; I did not find a suitable replacement in time for the latter.
I am still missing the 'Legnano tipo Roma Olimpiade' decal on the seat tube. Would anyone be willing to share the artwork for that one (I will try to print it myself on decal paper)?
About the "Groene Leeuw": I bought the frame a couple of weeks ago in Belgium. It displays the name of Frans Verbeeck, who was riding for the Watney-Maes team from '74 to '76. I equipped the bike with material I had lying arround. From my visit at the Belgian Cycling museum in Roeselare, and from what I heard from other 'Groene Leeuw' owners, I learned that those bikes were equipped with a mix of french (MAFAC) and Italian components. So I used the set of NR derailleurs, Cinelli Giro handlebar and stem, and a NIB set of gold anodized MAFAC 2000 competition brakes. The saddle is a NOS brown leather '75 Brooks 17. I believe all these components are period-correct, but maybe not the original configuration of the bike when used by Frans Verbeeck. Crankset and chainwheels are Sugino, probably the only part which needs replacement.
Comments and suggestions for improvements are appreciated. I will add more detailed pictures in the coming days.
Rita Van Dingenen
Besozzo (Varese), Italy