Hello Mark,
have you considered saving yourself bike transport from the States to Europe by buying a bike over here from a reputable dealer ? In Italy, France, Belgium or whatever. I'd guess the price would be a whole load cheaper than buying Stateside, and you'd be importing new stock to the existing Italian stable.
I'm sure some listmembers would be hapy to point you the way of honest dealers or enthusiasts even, maybe a collector here would be willing to help you.
Having suggested this, most definitely wouldn't myself want to get involved in anything lest I be accused of trying to get a cut or promote seller "x", or a guy goes by the name of Afaik in whose direction I was pointed by a listmember some time back.
Best
Nick March, Agen 47, France
Hello Everyone, I am new to this forum and thought it might be a good venue to help me find the right bike and perhaps to glean some pointers on the L'Eroica event as this will be my first.
A brief intro. I live in the San Francisco Bay area, in my 50's and have been an avid cyclist for the better part of 25 years. My present bicycle - while a "keeper of the flame" is not period correct for this event. Frankly, in spite of the thousands of miles I have logged on it, I keep it in pristine condition and wouldn't feel right about taking it on this event. It is a 1998 Simonetti built by Mike Howard, steel fillet brazed, full Campy (Chorus), Mavic Open Pros, no carbon on it anywhere, rides and climbs fabulous and seems to capture the attention from fellow cyclist's on most every weekend ride. Yes, it is my pride and joy and I am a bit obsessive with it.
But now to move more on topic. I would like to find a new pride and joy that is both functional and collectible. Not a museum piece built up with NOS parts but a decent rider that if still in original condition, could be left that way and still be presentable. Important that it be as complete and period correct as possible and no rust pitted chrome. I do not want to have to get into a full re plating restoration. Some wear and tear, scratches on components etc is acceptable. After all, this will be ridden, on the gravel roads no less.
54 cm frame would be best for me but a 53 or 55 could work too.
First choice would be an Italian made racer of any make say between early 70's to '83 with Campy. I am not so savvy to the differnet groups available for that time period but so long as the components and rims are correct for the year of the frame. If the bike would have come with Universal levers or Weinmann brakes that's cool. I'm leaning less in the direction of a highly sought after Masi or Colnago or the like due to cost but one never knows.
Maybe I am dreaming think the bike described will be available but I needed to start somewhere. I am open to consider whatever presents itself.
Know that if you are considering parting with a prized item of your collection that it will be well cared for and appreciated for the mechanical art that it is.
Thank you for your consideration.
My best,
Mark Micheletti
Foster City, CA USA