60s Vittorio La Strada

[Elev12k]

Got hands on this 60s Vittorio La Strada yesterday. It was covered with a thick layer of dust, but when I wiped away everything a very nice example in great condition is what I saw Brief specs: Stronglight 49D cranks, Campag shifters and mechs including bronze Record mech, Weinmann centre pulls, Ideale seat. All original and authentic with a nice level of patina and certainly not too much of it: only the cotton tape qualifies for being replaced.

I have been told the bike belonged to a rider who raced it in the Dutch National team. I've been given his contact details, so I will certainly get in touch with him to learn more on the bike's history.

The Vittorio how it was shown in the classified.

 

[bikenut2010]

lovin' that bike!


p l e e e a a s e e dont repaint it... when I got my Bertin I gave it a thorough clean, all the parts polished and lightly touched in any dinks then loads of wax polish...


stunning


Benotto tape??

 

[Elev12k]

Oh... I already started sanding it



No, that is not true! Certainly no candidate for a repaint. Thanks for the kind words.

The new tape will be cotton again, but I am undecided on the colour yet.

 

[bikenut2010]

sanding!...nearly had heart failure :shock:


Black would be pretty chic with black headtube? can't wait for pics

 

[Elev12k]

Yes, black or alternatively orange or blue. There is some blue in the graphics on frame and fork, plus the shift lever hoods are blue.

 

[bikenut2010]

yeah blue would add a nice touch then

 

[Elev12k]

Quick pic after the bike has been collected. I have already taken off:
- seat bag
- pedals
- pump umbrella
- cage with clamps

Of course they will all return, but after the bike got a complete overhaul.

On downtube, seattube and blades you can read 'Super Vittorio'. On toptube and both chainstays the graphics say 'La Strada'. When the cage returns I will try to place it lower on the downtube, so 'Super Vittorio' is fully readable. Alternatively it could be I consider a cage mounted on the bars. Could someone tell me till when you saw bottles placed there?

It is a size 61cm c-t frame.

 

[bikenut2010]

I've got a pair of NOS alloy bottle cage brackets and bolts for frames without braze ons if you need them...

 

[Elev12k]

That's nice ...but I still have the clamps that came off the bike and I think I would like to see them return ideally. Unless I go with handle bar mounted bottle idea.

 

[Old Ned]

Very nice Mel, I like that. Where is it from? With a name like 'Vittorio' I would have said Italy but I expect I'm wrong!

Bar mounted bottles were generally a 50's thing but possibly lasted into the early 60's with some riders. Only singles though, doubles went out of fashion earlier once DT mounted cages became normal.