On Mon, Jan 24, 2011 at 9:45 AM, John <jtperry330@me.com> wrote:
> Hi Cory and All,
> This subject of city bikes is pretty much not going to go under the
> heading of "acceptable" list discussions as they are not classified as, and
> are not "lightweights".
> However, before we dismiss the subject all together, all should
> understand that their is indeed lots of overlap!
> In fact, as with the famed Gloria Garibaldina, one would be able to
> "switch out" certain parts of a city bike and off her as a racer! Their is
> reportedly (here-say I admit, as I have never seen her) one such "poseur"
> making her way around the World's collector circles!
> Sally and I both ride Bianchi city bikes ( from the early 1960's)
> around town and I will tell you that these types of bicycle's open up yet
> another aspect of cycling. I also have a lightweight Umberto Dei city bike
> from about 1965-70.
> They all have the fully encased chain which makes maintenance an
> every 50 year proposition, save for flat tires. Oh, but when you gotta take
> off that rear wheel, get ready for some strong cuss-in!
> One must be careful, just to point out, that originality is paramount
> as with any other collectible. The Bianchi offered here does not carry her
> original wheels. These seem to be later mountain bike stuff with the
> incorrect type rims for "barchetta" type brakes. The real deal has steel
> hubs marked "BIANCHI". The Bianchi's and Dei's had cranks, hubs, chain
> cases, saddles, brake levers, etc. with their names on um.
> So, the point is, iffin yer gonna jump in, do the research first,
> cause find'n that kind o stuff in the good ol' U.S. of A. ain't gonna be too
> easy!
>
> anywayz, enjoy,
>
> John T.Pergolizzi
> Torino, Italia
>
>
>
There is considerable overlap between city and racing bikes in Italy. Old racing bikes repurposed with fenders, upright bars etc. but still carrying most of their original (usually Campagnolo) equipment are a common sight there. There are also a lot of old city bikes which are somewhere between, equipped with lower end Campagnolo stuff like Sport single pulley derailleurs and steel hubs and Cinelli integrated bar-stem combos.
Here's a Viner "citybike" of this type I noticed in a bike rack in Pisa that even has a first generation Super Record rear derailleur:
http://scrimshaw-globes.com/
http://scrimshaw-globes.com/
I'd reckon even these last type are closer in spirit to racing bikes of the period than say a Schwinn Varsity or even Continental, drop bars on those notwithstanding.
Kurt Sperry
Bellingham, Washington
USA
--
http://scrimshaw-globes.com