A New Old Friend - 22 Pounds of Pure Heaven
 

Gone retro this summer...

I purchased a Pinarello frame as a project and while waiting for it to arrive from Poland, I took a flyer on this 1992 Giordana Spica frame. Pegoretti designed, Billato built, pure Italian with an American flare.

Columbus TSX tubing - size 57 with a 56 TT.

Then I needed parts - so I bought a '89 Bottecchia off Ebay and switched most of the parts over. Full C-Record group including headset, seatpost, hubs and Delta brakes. Omega Strada rims. I added a couple of newer items - Ritchey bars, SLX saddle, Attack/Force tires, Keo pedals.

7 speeds, downtube friction shifters. 53/42 in the front. 14/23 in the rear.

Not the lightest of bikes but that's not the point.

Total cost of the project after selling the Bottecchia frame - less than $1K.

Took it for it's maiden voyage yesterday - pure heaven. Momentum is it's middle name. Can't wait to truly dial her in.

Jakey, I now know that of which you speak.

55/Rad

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Wow Rad, I looked at those pics, and looked again... You've got style man.

Beautiful. How do you feel about the braking on the Omega rims? I have similar rims on a Schwinn Circuit (Shimano Sante components), but I'm not totally comfortable on the braking surface I guess. Could also be the single pivot brakes.

That's beautiful. I'm not feelin' those brakes though, but the frame and everything else looks beautiful. While you're riding around on your classic Maserati, I'm waiting for the Fiat (or maybe an Alfa?) I just won on ebay (Bianchi Veloce) to ship.

The Delta brakes take a little getting used to - it definitely takes a deeper pull to feel their power. Getting them set up was a bit tricky but the Campy Only site was quite helpful.

As for the rims themselves - sure, there isn't a machined braking surface but it wasn't too long ago that this was the norm. I don't have a problem with them at all.

BTW - special shout out to Lotek for being so patient and helping out a ton with his advice. Thanks Marty.

sharp looking bike. I hope my project bike turns out as well. Its a old friend ive had for years and it use to be my primary bike (old 1973 raleigh granprix Im hoping to have it finished by sept 3 to ride in the stomp bicycle adventure this year (metric century).

Frames huge realy its to big for me no clue on the size but the distance between top tube and down tube is bigger than my hand with fingures against each other at the head tube. Take a look at the link in my sig the cdale is about the right size for me (never been properly fitted for a bike so dont know realy).
I jut know some of my best rides were on that huge old raleigh. I remember it handled like a dream quite a snappy handling bike.

Again very very nice bike loves those down tube shifters.

Damn, that thing is oozing w/ class. Love the white hoods and red bar tape combo.

And, just think, if you sell it to me for $1000 you can break even on the project!

Nice.

How did you take the picture? It doesn't look like there's a wall there. What's the background?

Beautiful, Rad. BTW, I've always enjoyed your bike pics, do you have a site where you post them all?
Bob

Very nice. Yes...once you ride an italian steel bike everything else is just...blah. Its like Porsche. Own one and you'll understand.

That machine is begging to be ridden. Absolutely beautiful Rad.

Oh, and have fun keeping those white hoods clean (Lacquer thinner works good). I had a dickens of a time with my old Suntour hoods. I finally gave up. :(

Looks AWESOME! :eek:

That sure is an eye candy, more then the bike i love the way you take your pictures.

ravi

Well, that rig is gorgeous. Sort of an infinitely classier version of my steel steed...I keep trying to relate to it somehow...7 speed friction downtube shifters...check...Cinelli stem...check....ummm...MOMENTUM! Yeah, I can relate. Sigh. I wanna be in Portland and go riding with you guys. Sigh...

Damn. Well done, Rad...

Nice! I wanna ride that thing!:)

Speaking of your pics...when do I get a chance for a photo shoot? My lugged bike is going to be taking a vacation from riding... it will give me a chance to get it all cleaned and purty!

Absolutely amazing bike. Congratulations!

Great! The group and frame are flawless. Was the Bottecchia NOS?

No. It was the proverbial Vette in the barn though. The guy bought it new - spent oodles to deck it out in the best of 1989 - rode it for a few hundred miles, then let it sit in storage for 17 years. I would keep it but it's too small - a 55.

55/Rad

Outstanding example of how style and elegance are timeless.

Are you planning to keep the conti's on it, or are you planning to switch to something like Vittoria's?

Rad; Nice work. I sure do wish that you lived near me. It must be fun to stop by your place from time to time, have beer, talk & work on bike. Enjoy. Bob

What a gorgeous bike! Nice job, great pics… mmmmm…

- Wil

exquisite.