Bumping this thread in the event some new eyes are looking. Still looking for information on the mystery 'Norman' badge.
Thanks, Patrick Murphy Budd Lake, New Jersey USA
On Mon, May 31, 2010 at 12:55 PM, Patrick Murphy <pcmnj75@gmail.com> wrote:
> I recently purchased a vintage lightweight listed on NJ's craigslist. Some
> readers local to NJ may have seen it - poor photographs, scant information
> and not exactly a steal. The seller had no further information about it
> other than the fact that it had been found in the basement of his inlaw's
> home.
>
> The frame is branded with simple 'Norman' decals, located on the head tube,
> down tube, and both front and rear stays. These were not clearcoated, so
> they are heavily degraded. The frame itself appears to be constructed of
> Columbus tubing (the fork steerer has helical splines) and the ends are
> Campagnolo. The rear DO is a Portacatena. There is one set of bosses for a
> bottle cage on the down tube, brazed on top tube cable guides, above-the-BB
> cable guides, and cable stop on the chainstay. The bottom bracket is
> English threaded and has two slots cutout.
>
> Overall, the frame is expertly finished and appears fairly high zoot.
>
> The frameset was built up with Galli Oro Criterium crankset, Stronglight
> Competition BB, Galli Aerodynamic KL front and rear derailleurs, Galli Oro
> Brunito calipers, plastic Stronglight needlebearing headset, Simplex
> retrofriction shifters, 3TTT Criterium seat post, Cinelli 1R stem and 64
> bars, Omas rear hub laced to Ambrosio Elite rim. The front wheel is a cheap
> Trek replacement. Judging by the condition of the components vs. the worn
> paint on the frameset, I speculate the components may have been a later
> addition....although: The bottom bracket shell is stamped with a 'C' and a
> '2', which matches the 'C2' stamp found on the Galli branded Stronglight
> bottom bracket spindle.
>
> Do the decals ring a bell for anyone? Is it possible Norman was a small
> distributor or bike shop in the late 70s or early 80s that branded this
> frame for advertising purposes? Any guesses who or what outfit may have
> constructed the frameset? Is it possible this could this be the product of a
> small custom builder in the NJ/NY area? Any information is gratefully
> received.
>
> I've copied links to photos of the frame and components below. I apologize
> for not providing a link to an album, but photobucket doesn't offer the
> option to make individual folders public with its 'free' membership.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Patrick Murphy
> Budd Lake, New Jersey USA
>
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