I happen to own two 'real' teambikes: the Splendor-Hitachi (probably 1986) and the ADR-Bottecchia (1989), and its not easy to get some proof of provenance. I bought the bikes from people that didn't have a clue, but I'm pretty sure they are teambikes.
I have send numerous emails to Belgian ex-pro riders, but so far no one has been helpful (either by not replying, or by plain not knowing anything about the bikes they rode). What next?? I really don't know at this point ...
Freek Faro Rotterdam Netherlands
http://www.wooljersey.com/
http://www.wooljersey.com/
2008/1/28, David Ross <dlr94306@yahoo.com>:
>
> How about correspondence from the original builder, checking the frame's
> serial number in his records? I lucked into a cosmetically wrecked but
> structurally sound Yamaguchi track frame a couple of years ago. When I sent
> it back to Koichi-san for refinishing, he identified it as the frame he
> built for Brett Reagan, a member of the US Jr. Nat'l team and the 17/18
> pursuit champion in 1989 (his teammates that year were Mike McKenna, George
> Hincapie, JD Moffitt, Marty Nothstein and Jonas Carney). I understand that
> Mr. Yamaguchi built all of the team's track frames in those days.
>
> The frame now sports the same graphics and decals that adorned it the day
> it first left his shop. Too bad the original finish was gone, as well as the
> parts. But at least I'm pretty sure about the provenance of the frame.
>
> Dave Ross
> Portola Valley, CA USA
>
> Proof of true team bikes may be very difficult to obtain, since many
> such bikes were made in multiple examples and, of course, in most cases,
> the groups, saddles, etc., they sported were also usually made in
> series. In fact, several bikes may have been used by a given rider for a
> single event. Engraving, special decals, etc., may be helpful, but these
> can be reproduced.
> The first form of evidence of a true "team bike" would be congruence
> with known photos or other established examples of this bike-lacking
> this, proof would be more difficult.
> This would be followed by some form of provenance, e.g. a bill of
> sale, letter, etc.,with a hierarchy of such provenance extending from the
> bike's rider to the manufacturer, seller, etc.
> George Hollenberg MD
> CT, USA