Now. I've wanted a Gios for years. Literally. That lovely blue, the straight to it, simple but beautiful aesthetic that is a miles away from the showy Colnago pantographing, but the Italian built craftsmanship and heritage...
So, when I stumbled across this a month ago I was a little taken aback. Once I convinced myself it is indeed a 1986 Gios Compact Pro, I wanted it enough that I overlooked the fact that not only is it a few cm larger than is ideal, but also... Gold. Yes. I've seen them, white, blue and even red, but never Gold. And its original, though since I promptly bought it at what was a pretty bargain price I have not been able to find out anything about it.
Now, I can't decide what to do... after taking it out for a long ride I got used to the compact geometry and really liked the feel of it, as although large I could ride it comfortably enough with a lowered saddle and slightly shorter stem, so I stripped it down to get it re-sprayed the Gios blue I want it to be.
Thing is I can't bring myself to do it, as although the paint is not mint, it is original and I hate to re-clothe it just out of vanity when a few small touch ups would do, but I never figured I'd be the Ron Jeremy of the Gios owners club. To make choices harder I finally got my much abused Colnago fixed and overhauled for a fraction of the price I thought it would be, which is making this bare frame look like it could be in storage for a while.
What to do? Anyone know anything about this golden phenomenon?
http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad29 ... CF2118.jpg
http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad29 ... CF2123.jpg
http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad29 ... CF2122.jpg
http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad29 ... CF2119.jpg
So, when I stumbled across this a month ago I was a little taken aback. Once I convinced myself it is indeed a 1986 Gios Compact Pro, I wanted it enough that I overlooked the fact that not only is it a few cm larger than is ideal, but also... Gold. Yes. I've seen them, white, blue and even red, but never Gold. And its original, though since I promptly bought it at what was a pretty bargain price I have not been able to find out anything about it.
Now, I can't decide what to do... after taking it out for a long ride I got used to the compact geometry and really liked the feel of it, as although large I could ride it comfortably enough with a lowered saddle and slightly shorter stem, so I stripped it down to get it re-sprayed the Gios blue I want it to be.
Thing is I can't bring myself to do it, as although the paint is not mint, it is original and I hate to re-clothe it just out of vanity when a few small touch ups would do, but I never figured I'd be the Ron Jeremy of the Gios owners club. To make choices harder I finally got my much abused Colnago fixed and overhauled for a fraction of the price I thought it would be, which is making this bare frame look like it could be in storage for a while.
What to do? Anyone know anything about this golden phenomenon?
http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad29 ... CF2118.jpg
http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad29 ... CF2123.jpg
http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad29 ... CF2122.jpg
http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad29 ... CF2119.jpg