Good reading, thanks Robert.
I have one in the shed. Looks late 80's maybe early 90's. Colnago style lattice paintwork, sloping internal lugged crown, cable routing through the top tube. No model type anywhere but a high standard of finish. The only tubing detail that remains is a Columbus Matrix decal on the fork.
Wondering if anyone has similar so I can verify model, year etc.
ciao,
Ben Kamenjas Kensington, Australia
On 05/05/2009, at 11:52 AM, <classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org> <classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org
> wrote:
> Benotto's made in Mexico with the following characteristics:
>
> 1. Made from roughly 1981-82-83 all the way into late 1980s...
> 2. Modelos:
>
> 850
> 1000
> 1500
> 2000
> 3000
>
> 3. The track equivalents in the Modelo 850-3000 range...
>
> With regular use - from as little as a week to as much as a year
> WILL CRACK AND
> SEPARATE WHERE THE SEATUBE MEETS THE BOTTOM BRACKET SHELL.
>
> I know because I used to sell 'em, and my own - a Modelo 2000 did
> the same. A
> dozen in the above model range from various years went out from my
> shop - all
> came back. Every last one...within a year of being sold.
>
> Benotto upgraded their gruppos in 1988 and 1989 - but they did not
> resolve the
> frame issue - Benotto died in terms of its North American
> operations. Dealers
> just dropped 'em - period. Benotto never recovered.
>
>
> The Modelo 5000 SL Turbo made with Gilco/MS was made in Italy and was
> unaffected.
>
> The Modelo 800 made with Hi-Ten steel was made in Mexico and was also
> unaffected.
>
> The Modelo 850-3000 range using Zeta, Aelle, Ishiwata 019 and SL and
> made in
> Mexico were the victims.
>
>
> The Modelo 3500 made using Columbus SLX - up in the air as to the
> above noted
> issue. I did see one that suffered a downtube - heatube separation
> - but could
> not determine whether it was made in Italy or Mexico. So whether
> Modelo 3500's
> - assuming some were made in Mexico - are affected by the noted
> issue is
> inconclusive based upon my experience.
>
> I love Benottos - especially the 5000. My suggestion to those who
> buy those
> Modelos in the affected date and model range - don't ride 'em.
> Pretty them up
> -
> wax 'em - hang 'em up for "oohs" and "ahs".
>
>
> Also, some tips for those perusing eBay and looking at nice Benottos
> that
> appear
> to be alright.
>
> 1. If the seller does not flat out state the "Made In" specs and
> provide a
> photo with the decal to prove it - proceed with caution.
>
> 2. Pay attention to sellers who provide one or two dozen nice
> photos with tons
> of up close details and such highlighting the "WOW!" factor...
>
> ... BUT!!! ...
>
> ...somehow seemed to miss taking photos of the following areas:
>
> 1. Upper front of seatube.
> 2. Lower front of seatube.
> 3. Upper top of downtube.
>
> ..it is deliberate because knowing what I know...they are hoping you
> don't know
> and won't notice in the midst of a nice library of pretty convincing
> WOW!
> photos
> of the bike or frame. That's where the "Made in Italy" sticker is
> supposed to
> be IF IT IS MADE IN ITALY.
>
> One thing you'll notice is that most Modelo's 850-3000s that are
> intact and
> have
> seen considerable use are located in Europe...you'll see quite a few
> on eBay
> European listings. Most of the Mexico production was for North and
> South
> America.
>
> Robert Shackelford
> San Jose, CA USA