VtwinVince

The story on this one is it was originally purchased in Germany and brought over to Canada by the owner, then it sat in storage for many years. The paint appears original, the top tube has internal routing and the front mech has a braze-on clamp. Parts are 7 speed 105. Decals are not cleared in. Serial number starts with 90. I'm guessing maybe something Japanese, as it's a Tange frame? Drop-outs are not marked.

Chombi1 

Giuseppe Saronni, a famous Italian racer. IIRC, he rode a Colnago, that's why one of the Colnagos I think from the late 70's - early 80's was linked to his name.
This bike looks like something made after he retired. And he got into the bike selling business.....

Lattz

I see such every now and then over here in Germany, some sellers try to get advantage from above mentioned Colnago connection, claiming these are made by Colnago (and asking eye-popping prices), but I doubt that.
There seem to be "legit" Colnago Supers with Saronni decals (or part Colnago/part Saronni) and pantos all over, and Colnago's darker bordeaux color is often referred to as Saronni red... but I don't think these are the same.
Check for example this and decide for yourself. https://www.thespoken.cc/colnago-saronni

Currently our locals are heavier on the Colnago ones, but if you are interested, I'll shoot them over when I see a similar one.

Coming to your bike, based on the decals not cleared in, it could be really anything, But it doesn't mean its a bad bike, the frame looks well made, and that 105 gruppo is a really good set it you would plan to ride it.

unworthy1

My initial thoughts are this just doesn't look like something build from Tange #5 tubing, a bit nicer IMO.
But check the seat post size (#5 is pretty thick-walled so expect something small like 25.8 or in that neighborhood) I bet this takes a larger post.
Then the threading of the BB shell (should have it marked on the BB unit: 1.37 x 24 or 36 x 24 would tell us something).
Lastly check the base of the steerer (fork) for signs of "rifling" inside the base, both Tange as well as Columbus and Ishiwata have distinctive "rifling" so take a close-up pic if you see some.

Bogey Speedwell

Is that a picture of Gabe Kaplan or Juan Valdez without his sombrero on the head tube?

T-Mar

Several Nishiki from the very late 1980s and early 1990s turn up with that format. Based on my current understanding of it, the frame was manufactured in February 1990. That would be 1st year for the Shimano 105SC components, so there's a good probability that they are OEM.

It could be a Nishiki or just another brand contracted to the same manufacturer. In the USA, the 105SC model in 1990 was the International. However, the European models were independently spec'd and often had different names. Regardless, Tange #5 seems too low for a 1990 frame with extensivre chrome, a front derailleur hanger and Shimano 105SC.

clubman 

I think it's Father Guido Sarducci, without the hat.

Bogey Speedwell

😂

madpogue 

Or maybe Eugene Levy as Earl Camembert.

VtwinVince

Thanks for all the tips. Seat tube is 26.8mm. I think I saw another 'Saronni' that also came out of Germany. I see no evidence of previous badging being removed, no halos or other evidence. You would think Colnago would have taken a dim view of their logo being used like this. Also, all the real Saronnis I've seen are panto'd.

himespau 

Interesting bike.

delbiker1 

Zippety-Doo-Da! One of SNL's funniest characters, IMO. The bike looks pretty decent with that nice 105 group.

seypat

Found this info.

https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/saronni.16395/

https://www.carousell.sg/p/saronni-t...ke-1182617844/

Lattz

More info https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...oni-bikes.html if you get past the comments on the Colnago-era Saronnis you can find that sloar found out that the later models were made by Technotrat, (a frame builder subcontractor to many).

non-fixie 

You can ask the man himself this Saturday if you're in the area:

"
BEPPE SARONNI AT L'EROICA 2022 WITH COLNAGO!
Saronni will be at L'Eroica on Saturday 1 October, at the Colnago stand and will be available for photos, autographs and questions"

VtwinVince

Thanks, the bike in the carousel link has some very definite similarities.

Hummer

The Wheeler brand name had bicycles with that format of serial number.

Here is a Wheeler 434:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/133680...57668098525340

VtwinVince

Thanks, that frame is very similar. So it looks like a shop in Germany got some of these frames and badged them up as Saronnis. That's weird.

Hummer

Could be so.