Atala, unknown year and model
10-24-21, 07:37 AM
#1
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Atala, unknown year and model
Just curious if this would be one of the better Atalas or the ones Sheldon Brown recalls as "downright scary"? I looked through all the catalogues available here and none of the bikes sported this decal design, so I'm guessing either post-80s or pre-70s.
Pic from eBay sale
the only photo I could find showing similar decals - from a dead site, preserved on Pinterest
Pic from eBay sale
the only photo I could find showing similar decals - from a dead site, preserved on Pinterest
10-24-21, 08:02 AM
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Atalas were extremely variable.
the seat stay tops and the lugs push it later 70’s to me.
Atala was strategic and often used Campagnolo ends on down spec frames.
the underside of the bottom bracket - looking for a big transverse weld line.
and seatpost diameter would help to determine.
the seat stay tops and the lugs push it later 70’s to me.
Atala was strategic and often used Campagnolo ends on down spec frames.
the underside of the bottom bracket - looking for a big transverse weld line.
and seatpost diameter would help to determine.
10-24-21, 08:24 AM
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Forged drop outs, chrome fork crown, nice lubs, all suggest this is at least a very decent frame and perhaps a good one.
10-24-21, 09:59 AM
#4
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Atalas were extremely variable.
the seat stay tops and the lugs push it later 70’s to me.
Atala was strategic and often used Campagnolo ends on down spec frames.
the underside of the bottom bracket - looking for a big transverse weld line.
and seatpost diameter would help to determine.
the seat stay tops and the lugs push it later 70’s to me.
Atala was strategic and often used Campagnolo ends on down spec frames.
the underside of the bottom bracket - looking for a big transverse weld line.
and seatpost diameter would help to determine.
here's a closer pic of the bb - lugs look quite rough to me
Forged drop outs, chrome fork crown, nice lubs, all suggest this is at least a very decent frame and perhaps a good one.
I'm only 5'3" so good c&v deals in my size come rare :/
Last edited by Krov9; 10-24-21 at 10:05 AM.
10-25-21, 06:12 AM
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Atala was a full range manufacturer. During the early 1970s bicycle boom they were Italy's largest manufacturer. Consequently, they cover a very wide price range.
It's interesting that it has forged dropouts, top tube cable tunnels and bottle bosses yet lacks lever bosses. This combined with cables routed over the BB shell and a crown for exposed brake nuts. suggests very late 1970s to very early 1980s. It's definitely not a top model. I strongly suspect that this is an entry level model with hi-tensile steel. As previously noted, the seat post diameter is the best indicator of tubing grade.
It's interesting that it has forged dropouts, top tube cable tunnels and bottle bosses yet lacks lever bosses. This combined with cables routed over the BB shell and a crown for exposed brake nuts. suggests very late 1970s to very early 1980s. It's definitely not a top model. I strongly suspect that this is an entry level model with hi-tensile steel. As previously noted, the seat post diameter is the best indicator of tubing grade.
10-27-21, 03:12 AM
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I strongly suspect that this is an entry level model with hi-tensile steel
10-30-21, 07:05 AM
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Personally, I see nothing wrong with that frame. No appreciable rust . just needs cleaning. Ask the seller if he will weigh it for you. If it weighs under 5 lbs , some or all of it is probably Cromo. If it weighs over 5.5 lbs. it is definitely not. Actually there is something to be said for hi ten frames. They are tough , much less likely to get dinged and dented. With aluminum rims and average equipment you can build it up to weigh around 26 -28 lbs. A lot depends on whether you have a source for cheap parts for it. Buy everything new and you will have a few hundred dollars invested which you probably won't recoup if you sell. All those bits and pieces add up pretty fast. At the Bike Exchange I do restorations on frames like this all the time. with care you can make it look like new if you want to. Here is an old Atala I did up a few years ago. Complete it weighed under 24 lb.
10-30-21, 08:24 AM
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I have a mid-70s Atala with Campy drive train and seatpost but Weinmann brakes. Great daily rider!
11-02-21, 08:45 PM
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It has the Tulio tubing decal. That was Atala's own tubing line, which I believe is straight gauge Hi-Ten. I doubt it's at all scary, and it's probably a fine rider, but if you're looking for a high-end Atala, this isn't really it.
