blowfish89

I am looking at this vintage Olmo 50 cm (I am 5 ft 6) on my local Craigslist (sorry cannot post links or pics yet). Likely from the mid 80s I think.

losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/bik/d/vintage-50cm-italian-olmo/6501306812.html

Does it look legit?
What is a reasonable price range?
Is it a good size for me?
What should I be aware of for maintenance on an old bike?

Thanks a ton!

Bianchigirll 

This one? https://losangeles.craigslist.org/la...501306812.html

I wouldn't mind trying an Olmo and I would love a full Galli bike but I think $750 may be a tad much for this. IMHO it is a bit too small for someone 5'6" you should be on something like a 55-56.

Nice looking bike though.

juvela

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Looks like early 1980's.

IIRC the full Galli road ensemble did not launch until 1978.

Unless you have short legs for your height it is likely too small.

Seller has it overvalued by a good bit; unlikely to sell at this price.

Size and presence of extension brake levers suggest it was a woman's cycle.

The Galli brake levers have the largest reach of any non-aero road levers I have found so they do not work well for the small handed (assuming they are Galli(!)).

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blowfish89

Thanks a lot. As the seller is quite close to where I am, I might go and take a look if the size will fit me. It’s funny how sizing advice is so widespread on bicycles - the Wabi cycles sizing page for instance recommends a 49cm size for someone who is 5’6”.

juvela

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Regarding frame size -

There is a big difference between road and mountain sizes for example.

If you are of roughly average proportions I would think your road size to be in the 52-53cm range.

Happy shopping.

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bikemig 

Vintage bikes were sized differently than many modern bikes. 50 cm is very likely too small for someone 5 ft 6; you might be able to make it work but it will quite possibly mean a new seatpost and stemp.

blowfish89

Thanks for the clarification :-) this one’s a bummer then, will keep looking.

blowfish89

Also really like this Bianchi but it’s 58cm and likely too large for me haha.
losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/bid/d/bianchi-pista-single-speed/6469149219.html

nesposito

I also have a columbus aielle tube frame Olmo Super Sprint. Mine has the Gipiemme groupset. They are great riding bikes. I think the one i have is in better shape so I'll go along with the others who think this one is overpriced a bit. I paid a little less than that a year and a half ago but again mine looks to be in much better shape.

Chombi1 

I'm 5'-8.5" and the smallest bike I can ride is a 52cm. The seatpost is maxed out and the stem is a long 120mm extension, but it feels great!
I think 49cm size is still workable for someone 5'-6"...

T-Mar

This is far over priced for a circa 1983-1984 model with Aelle tubing and a Galli Sport group. In fact it's about $200 over the original MSRP. Regarding sizing, I'd my starting point would be a 52cm, assuming you have average proportions. 50cm is probably manageable but may not be ideal without some changes, likely a longer stem.

Clang

You mentioned Olmo and Bianchi- does it have to be Italian?

1987 Trek 560 - $150 (rowland heights, CA)

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sg...505706279.html

blowfish89

I have not been able to reply due to the 5 post limit/day for new members.

I contacted the Olmo seller asking how tall he was and how the bike fit. He replied that he was 5 ft 6 and the bike fits like a glove. I offered him $500 and he refused. :-D

T-Mar

IMO, it's overpriced even at $500 and I'd be looking elsewhere.

juvela

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+1

Count yourself fortunate seller refused offer.

They are likely to own this machine for the foreseeable future...

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blowfish89

nesposito

if it was REALLY nice i would have paid that but not in it's current condition

xiaoman1 

OP,
It is overpriced at even at 400.00...you can find some nice steel for 500.00.
50 would be fine depending on your inseam, I ride up to 53, which is a stretch/crunch at times!
JM2C's.
Best, Ben

blowfish89

This is interesting. In certain other items (wristwatches for instance), a $500 purchase in the 80s is likely worth over $10k now (much higher than inflation would suggest). For certain other items (maybe a television), a $500 purchase in the 80s is likely not worth $50 now.

nesposito

It's also interesting when a bike is considered WAY overpriced when that difference is about the cost of a good dinner

blowfish89

Haha I agree


Well I have great news - I just bought a vintage Italian bike from a local forum member who had one to sell , I will post a new thread later.

nesposito

Good for you. Load pics. I'll send some of my Olmo

Phil_gretz

but I live in D.C., though...