Fiorelli
 

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0a9f67a40c.jpg
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...9366768921167/

I'm going to look at this bike in the morning, but would love to have a better idea what I'm looking at or looking for From the few that have appeared in these forums, I'm guessing it is from somewhere around the 1960, but with such terrible pictures it's awfully hard to tell. Any thoughts would be appreciated, though. Of course, I need a new project, so this one may come home with me regardless of your advice!

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this is one of those classically maddening listings where all of the images are of the non-drive side and in poor light at that

looks to be a mid-1960's model one up from the base sort of machine
estimate ca. 1965-68

it you are familiar with the Raleigh range of this era the cycle may be roughly parallel to the Super Course model

happily we can see no damage

Universal centrepull brakes

Huret Allvit or Svelto gear ensemble

Sheffield model 663 pedals

3TTT Tourist stem & bar set

images too poor to make out the manufacturer of the cottered steel chainset

wheels appear to be alloy wired-ons with large flange quick release hubs
on a cycle of this calibre at this time one might expect the hubs to be Gnutti
given the date they are likely to be 27" rather than 700c

readers will be able to give more information with better photos...

valuation -

think posted price within the realm of reality...although many forum regulars would probably not pay more than $35 for it at a yard sale ;)

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That's super helpful, juvela. Thanks!

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at this era Fiorelli was a co-sponsor of a professional racing team along with Gazzola

their star rider was the Luxembourg champion Charly Gaul

here he is shown in team livery piloting a Fiorelli during the Giro d'Italia of nineteen and sixty-one

possible that when you look at the cycle you may find it to wear a transfer making reference to the team...

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...53d3d4be61.jpg

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My guess would be that the OP's bike of interest is of sixties vintage and probably close to entry level. That is not a comment to be taken negatively!

These older entry level steeds are inexpensive to buy and a lot of fun to restore. This old Torpado would be of similar vintage, or a bit newer, and proved to be a wonderful project and a truly rewarding ride, once the bike was finished...
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0d8ec31a3d.jpg


$150.00 is the asking price for the OP's Firoelli and, were it my size and in my area, I would certainly consider paying that amount. However, it is the asking price. When faced with this situation, I always try to negotiate price by saying - "I like the bike. Would you consider letting it go for a bit less, say $100" (two thirds is usually my offering mark). Say that with respect and chances are good that you will go home with a truly neat old Italian bike that will fill up many hours of your time with entertaining activity and end up being a hoot to take out on the road.

My "as found" Torpado above set me back a few hundred to getting it looking and riding better than OK...
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...af499a0208.jpg

I have a top end Coppi by Fiorelli, in silver. Very nice underappreciated bike. Terrific fork crown.

Saw the bike this morning and ended up passing. Much more rust than you could see in the photos, with chrome peeling away in several places. Bummer.

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chrome -

sometimes on lower model Italian cycles the manufacturer will apply the chrome directly to the steel without the necessary for a good bond intervening copper and nickel layers

result of the practice is a "showroom chrome" which looks good about as long as the machine is in that space and then begins to blister and peel subsequently


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