Jim-
This is just my opinion, but your bike is an icon of what a classic NR equipped italian bike was/is/should be. While I have been associated with bike mechanics, racing, selling, repairing since about 1973, I never could afford or rode a Masi, Colnago or other bikes that were considered the very "top". From my experience growing up in Colo, watching the Red Zinger Classic and participating in smaller local races, a bike like the icon you have was what populated the ranks of every dedicated racer I saw at the time.
Sure there was other bling bikes around at the time, but when you saw all the top riders back then with a bike like yours, you knew that the playing field was level and the strongest athelete is who would come across the finish lin first (aside from crashers that is). Your bike tugs at my heart strings.
Best Regards-
Nels Cone
Seattle WA
> From: hfbirm@bellsouth.net
> To: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Date: Mon, 8 Jun 2009 12:05:30 +0000
> Subject: [CR] My 1972 Frejus
>
> Edit2: I've been informed my imbedded link won't work on the list, so here it is spelled out.
> http://www.wooljersey.com/
> Sorry for these repeat e-mails.
>
> Edit: with proper sign-off:
>
> I had posted (linkless) a few weeks ago about obtaining a 1972 Frejus in the style matching the site's one with Legnano characteristics. And now here's a link to my before and after pics. This was a recovery project, lots of elbow grease and deck bleach required. But the paint, decals & components are [almost] 100% as acquired by me and appear to be original except for these modifications:
> 1. Derailleur cables - too frayed and short to be cut and reused so they're new.
> 2. I did have to replace some bearings and all fresh grease - can't see that, though.
> 2. Brake lever hoods - not Campy, but at least they're old (on-topic) ill-fitting DC ones.
> 3. Bar tape is some gel/cork Cinelli I had on hand. Send me some NR hoods and I'll change the tape. :)
> 4. Tires. Gommi champions. At least they have an Italian name. That's all I'll say about these.
>
> It rides great.
>
> Jim Carter
> Birmingham, AL USA