I got a vintage Italian bicycle as a gift from my boss, what should I do with it?

An interesting thing happened on Friday: I arrived at work and there is a bicycle sitting in my cube. As it turned out, this was a surprise Christmas gift from my boss.

Here's a little background; my boss has a thing for finding quirky vintage things (typically old cars, motorcycles, and scooters). He likes buying them and fixing them up a bit. Then he likes selling them, trading them for other quirky old things, or giving them away as gifts. The more esoteric said item is, and the harder it is to find in America, the better.

Since I'm not into old cars and motorcycles, but very much into bicycles, he found an old Italian road bike and had a local shop fix it up.

The bike was purchased from its original owner, who purchased it around 1968 or so. It is a Graziella. It's a classic steel lugged frame road bike...but from what little I've learned about Graziella is that they were known for their folding bikes. They were Italy's "Dazon" or "Bike Friday." And while their folding bikes were ubiquitous about 40 years ago. I can find no info about their racing bikes.

This particular bike has seen some component changes over the years, but it has a 170mm Campagnolo Strada crank, Campagnolo downtube shifters, Campagnolo hubs and quick release skewers, a Shimano Dura Ace front derailleur, Shimano Crane GS rear derailleur (Crane was Shimano's top line group set before Dura Ace), generic center-pull brakes ("Universal" is stamped in each brake), what appears to be the original threaded stem (similar in look to a "Nitto"), Dia-Compe brake levers, and a Brooks-type leather saddle made by an Italian company (forgot the name).

The shop was asked to make the bike functional (instead of making it collectible), so they tossed the original rims (designed for glued-on tubular tires), and laced up the Campy hubs with Velocity Aero rims and Conti Gatorskin tires. All the bearings were beautifully repacked, handlebar tape was applied, cables were replaced and adjusted, yada yada yada.

But there is only one problem; I'm 5'7" and this frame was designed for someone who is like 6'3". I haven't had a chance to pull out my measuring tape, but I'm guessing this frame is at least a 60cm (I ride either a 52cm or 54cm depending on brand).

It's a serious bummer because if the bike fit me, it would be really cool as is. And if I was of the mind to personalize it, I could build it up into the ultimate bar hopper. The frame has those elongated angled rear dropouts (with individual screw-type adjusters), so I could run it as a single speed without needing a chain tensioner.

I'd bet few are still reading by this point. If you are, you are definitely a bike nerd, and here is my question: what the hell do I do with this thing?

Do I hang it up on the wall and make it "artwork?"
Do I put the seat all the way down and ride it?
Do I find a smaller frame (and hang the other frame on the wall)?
Where can I find an old lugged Italian steel frame?

Your opinions are greatly appreciated!

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ed on December 21, 2008 at 12:08am

What a great gift!

Universal is brand of brakes that were a competitor of Campy in the 70's, not as expensive, but I beleive they are also Italian. I even have a later Universal side pull brake that had been on a Colnago.

For more info on Gazelle bikes do a search at www.bikeforums.net in the Classic & Vintage forum.

I would keep it and over time replace the newer components with period correct parts. It will make a great wall art.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by chainwhipkink on December 21, 2008 at 7:43am

well, i think that was a great gesture from your boss, but if i were you this is what i would do. since bicycles are meant to be ridden and since this bike hasn't got an entirely original set up, you should strip the bicycle for the parts. you could use those parts you need on a new frame that fits you. it sounds like you have some decent components and if you are mechanically inclined you could set yourself set up with a sweet ride with a new frame.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ron on December 21, 2008 at 3:12pm

send this fellow an email. billydavid13@comcast.net
He specializes in early european cycles. He's one on the best around, for which you seek.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by J on December 21, 2008 at 4:07pm

These were from the Treviso region, and one of the brands that came out of the Carnielli factory, as was Bottecchia. Can't say much to the frame's collectability without seeing it, and I can't really speak to the ethics of regifting -- but obviously it wouldn't be too fun to ride. Carnielli really innovated with their small wheeled bicycles and mopeds. The coolest thing they ever built was the Motograziella:

He obviously put care and thought and a significant amount of money into the restoration. The wheels alone are quite valuable and useable. Keep the frame as wall art and rebuild on another vintage frame if that's your style.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Brett Ratner on December 21, 2008 at 5:57pm

I really appreciate everyone's input! I agree this was a very thoughtful gift.

To me, it really would be a shame to hang the bike on the wall considering the restoration, new rims, new chain, new bearings, fresh tires, etc. And like a few of you implied, it would need original, or at least period correct parts to make it "wall worthy." It's really better suited for riding.

As generous as I'd like to say I am, re gifting isn't an option.

I could probably sell or trade the frame in an effort to find a suitably sized frame (and yes, switching the parts over would make for a fun winter project).

Since one or two of you expressed interest in the frame, I'll get some measurements when I visit her at work tomorrow. I'll also take a pic to post for those of you curious to see what the thing looks like.

If anyone has an old lugged road frame/fork they're looking to sell...I need about a 54cm top tube, a 52-54cm seat tube. I'm a dead on size 54 Colnago frame.

I also take Ron's advice and email Billy David.

Thanks!!!