I bought this from the second rising of the long defunct Collabo / Karstens Ebay "group" ... and it was delivered well packed and in a timely manner by the person who was handling their recovery at the time, Matthias. Having sat, waiting patiently for me to get to it, it is now being offered to someone else with the time and funds to play. The rear fender is not completely installed ... it's just sitting near the correct position. I wiped down a few key areas, but it has not been cleaned, or gone through in any way, and I believe the bike is as original, other than at least one of the clincher tires, as they are not a match.
Italian Bartali brand City bike from the late 1950s. Chrome stamped dropouts, internal brake cable routing, Campagnolo Sport derailleur with cable adjuster and open-C single sided shifter (braze-on!), brazed on b.b. derailleur cable guide, Gnutti hubs with the not oft seen LIC. CAMPAGNOLO - Gnutti quick release skewers, Gnutti or Magistroni cottered cranks with Gnutti branded bottom bracket, Universal Mignon brakes, Dansi generator light system, full fenders, chain guard, etc.
There are BARTALI and "B" logos found everywhere on the bike. Examples are, Bartali stamped into the rims, hubs, brake calipers, cranks, and BARTALI forged into the headset, and plated on the saddle (twice!), etc. One rear spoke is broken. Not only has this bike traveled around the world to get to the US, it has definitely been around the block too. Lots of paint wear, tape residue, improper touchups, and surface rust on the once shiny chrome panels on the seat tube and some of the other chromed parts. Still, it is a solid and beautiful bike that should make a fine addition to the collection needing such an animal. I think this is a really cool bike, and someone will surely enjoy it.
It should be noted that our dear Steven Maasland has confirmed that Bartali did not make their own bikes ... always contracted them out, and there is no telling who built this one. The serial number on the non-drive side of the seat tube (B 4363) is similar to Atala's style (but with a "B" instead of "A") and placement, but I'm sure there must have been others who stamped there as well.
Here are 44 overkill (as usual) pics to show all the features: <http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/fujifish1/MarksVintage/Bartali50sCity/ >
I would like to sell the bike for $400 plus actual shipping, and of course it will be well protected for shipment. Continental US destinations only I suspect, given the high cost of International or overseas shipping, but if the buyer wants to pay, I'm happy to ship anywhere, in any way feasible. Thanks...
Ciao, Mark Agree Southfield MI USA
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