Mike,
What do YOU want to do with this bike? That is most important. (Or, if you prefer, what does your Legnano tell you it needs?)
It appears that you can ride it pretty much "as is," rusty parts notwithstanding. I'd suggest an incremental approach.
First, clean/fix it up enough so it is roadworthy and safe, then take your new Legnano out for a few rides and find out how you like it. If it becomes your new "best" ride, then follow your heart in that direction. If you find the ride less appealing and/or decide you want to "restore" the Legnano, then take it one step at a time until either the bike tells you what to do or your inner voice speaks up with directions.
There are many Legnano fans here who can advise you on what particular parts and options are/are not available and where. (I'm not one of them--yet... :-) Take your time and see how this new relationship develops, but especially with some saddle time. All will be revealed to you soon enough...
Enjoy,
Jon Spangler who is about to start working on his Allegro (once again, a fit and a start) on this sunny, pleasant afternoon in Alameda, CA, on the Left Coast of the USA
Message: 14 Date: Sun, 23 May 2010 11:36:56 -0400 From: Mike Rathwell <mikkrat@hotmail.com> Subject: [CR] 60's Legnano To: classic <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Message-ID: <BAY121-W37CEF9AE9B2F21E99AE6FCACE60@phx.gbl> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Hello all.
Fairly new at this collect/restore obsession. Not new to the love of riding. I have been able in a few short years been able to come up with a small collection of nice bikes. 76' and 81' Marinoni, mid eighties Ciocc, 83 Rossin (the rider I like best), Mid eighties Guerciotti, Benotto, Concorde and now a true classic racer, and now an original condition Legnano. Late sixties I believe.
I know of late, this topic has been kicked around and no one answer is correct. However i would like to hear some different opinions. Should I clean it well and leave untouched....replace all the rusted bits, should the chrome bits go for rechrome?, a repaint may be cost prohibitve (single Dad). Not sure at this point if decals are available. The downtube "legnano" appears to have been painted on. How original do I leave it? Tires still hold air at pressure. Replace the bars tape/tires/brake blocks/brake hoods. Where do i stop? This bike i'm told used to belong to a racer. Evidence that supports, the pedals are damaged from leaning into turns...the rust spots on the underside of the top tube and a bag of different freewheels.
Any advice/opinions would be appreciated.
Mike Rathwell Waterford, ont
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Jon Spangler
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