hi larry,
i've not much knowledge of Chiordas, but I did come across one recently so perhaps I can provide at least a little insight.. mine is later than yours, having late model Campagnolo Gran Sport derailleurs and Universal mod. 61 brakes.. same bars & stem as your bike and the half-step crankset and bottom bracket by Magistroni.
the quality looks to be mid-level as yours, I am not sure if it was built when Record or GS was still campy's top rear derailleur but it certainly post-dates the Record front mech and cotterless crankset yet features none of these.. The frame itself is not high end by any stretch although construction does not seem too terribly sloppy..
the wheels appear to have been relaced with cheap low quality steel rims which I imagine substitute for original tubulars. I believe the old Caimi freewheel and three-piece hubs to be original. They are rather unique, marked 'CIDNEO EXTRA' on the barrels. I could not find any info on this branding. I suspect they were manufactured by FB as they appear identical to that marque but for the lack of a second set of drillings in the hub flanges.. there are, however, faint outlines where these drillings would be. they attach with wing nuts on the front and regular hex head on the rear.
if you are interested, i've uploaded some pictures as found here:
http://flickr.com/
andrei padlowski glen ridge, nj
On Dec 23, 2007 11:04 PM, Larry Myers <curmudgeon1957@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Howdy, All-
>
> Here is the link to pics of the 50's Chiorda that I unearthed at work-
> http://www.flickr.com/
> of the page...
>
> Wheels are not original, so they are not shown- the half-step Agrati
> crank & the Campy Sports single-pulley rear derailleur tell me that a 3- or
> 4-speed close ratio freewheel was probably the original spec, so I am
> looking for tips about about what would have been originally installed on
> this bike. It appears to be a mid-range model; would it have come with
> tubulars? QRs, or wing-nuts?...
>
> The paint & decals are in unusually good condition; chrome is so-so.
> Anybody want to trade for a set of the Vittoria brake lever hoods shown in
> the pics? I'd also like to find some Sheffield pedals, and an appropriate
> seatpost....
>
> You will be able to see this bike (and several other works-in-progress),
> as well as many other vintage rides & parts, at the NAHBS/CR party & show,
> hosted by The Recyclery. This all takes place Feb. 9th, 7pm-?. If you have
> not RSVP'd yet, please do so...we need to know how many kegs to order! Bring
> lots of $ :-), and/or stuff to trade....we look forward to seeing you!
>
> Larry Myers
> Portland, OR, USA