I woudn't be so quick to judge this. To start with, if a lightweight bike was built in 1983 or before, it is On Topic regardless of the material of construction. This includes Graftek, Teledyne, Speedwell, and Vitus and ALAN aluminium frames, not to mention French aluminum frames from the 50's and even some from before WWII.
The Garftek frames were I believe only laminated with carbon. And it thought the Vitus and ALAN "carbon" framesets were carbon laminations over aluminum tubes, rather than completely carbon tubes - unless someone can correct me on this. In any case "disposable plastic bike" seems a little strong for this ALAN. I have a 1981, and therefore On Topic, ALAN Super Record which from 20 feet looks almost identical to this bike, although mine is not in fact carbon tubes, only black anodized aluminum ones. Now it may be that the Carbonio version of the ALAN was introduced after 1983, and in fact the components on this one seem to be late 80's or early 90's. But I wouldn't lay money that the Carbonio didn't just squeek in before the CR cutoff.
If the Carbonio version was indeed introduced after 1983, then it would be for Dale to rule whether it is sufficiently different from the On Topic all-aluminum Super Record to render the Carbonio Off Topic. If the tubes are indeed all carbon, there might be a good case that it is indeed Off Topic, but if it is just a Super Record with some carbon fibre overlaid on the main tubes, a case could be made that it is just a later variation of an On Topic bike. Of course Dale can rule however he wishes, even if he chooses to be totally arbitrary - his list after alll.
Regards, Jerry Moos Big Spring, Texas, USA
Eric Burns <theej@mchsi.com> wrote:
Kevin Kruger wrote:
> Just posted photos of the ALAN Team FANINI that I recently purchased at the last Trexlertown swap meet as a bare frame only (less the original fork). My apologies for this post, but hope it qualifies as a lugged KOF frame similar to the 1970s GRAFTEK carbon fiber frame. Sorry Dale!!! List member Tom Dalton educated me on the success of these bikes as demonstrated by the past winner of the US Professional road race, Roberto Gaggioli on one of these machines!!!
>
> If interested, photos may be viewed at the following address:
>
> http://www.wooljersey.com/
>
> Dale's CR site contains photos of a very interesting 1970s TEAM FANINI bike with some of the most outrageously lightened Campagnolo components including "slimmed-down" brake calipers and a drillium crankset --- also check out the handlebars and stem plus the custom brazed-on front derailleur!!! Recommend that this bike be checked out by those who love lightened components --- here's the address:
>
> http://www.classicrendezvous.com/
>
> Regards,
> Kevin Kruger - Grantville, PA
Nice bike Kevin, but personally I don't believe that any disposable plastic bike can possibly qualify as KOF, no matter how much you paid, where you bought it, or when it was made.
Trying to tie it to the Team Fanini bike is kind of a cheap trick too.
Wish you the best,
Eric Burns
Streator, Illinois usa