I have a real passion for Italian MTB’s and I’ve been looking for one of these for ages. Finally I’ve found one.
Initial strip down, very dirty, but most of a nice Deore Mt-60 groupset, crankset, front and rear derailleurs, rear hub with UG 6-speed sprockets, brakes and pedals, all of which I believe to be original, and I think dates the bike to 1988 /89.
Columbus Chromor Tre Tubi, lugged, much patina, but very strong and straight with no dents, and as it will turn out very responsive and comfortable to ride.
Incorrect BB spindle fitted for the FC-Mt60, 117.5mm. Threads are Italian, and I have been unable to source a correct 122.5mm cup and cone BB, so I have installed a NOS UN-55.
I have been keeping a very nice XT M-730 groupset for just such a project, and thanks to one of our Italian RB members I was able to acquire a period correct FIR MS29D / XT wheelset, so decided to go down the XT route. Seat post and qr are period correct Kalloy, and I have added a well-used suede Cinelli Unicantor saddle.
Good clean and polish, so time to commence assembly and look at some potential stem / bar combinations, starting with this ITM King Size setup. Looks too modern with 31.8mm bars I think!
Eventually I settle on this combination of a Cinelli Grammo Atb Titanium stem and Italmanubri Super Alloy Bars.
Headset stripped down, cleaned and re-greased. It has no identification whatsoever, but I think it is a dia compe type. Shimano-canti cable stop added.
Initial build up, and I’m brightening up the rather drab Military Green frame colour by adding some details picking up the yellow colour of the graphics. Shark fin added as chainstay protection.
Elite Ciussi cages and Jagwire cabling. The oversize diameter of the Bl-M730 levers requires a change of barrel adjusters to Jagwire M7 to accommodate the modern cables. One negative consequence is that the rubber hoods don't sit very well, so leave them off for now. NOS Sl-M730 6 speed thumbshifters fitted.
Cabled up, and starting to take shape.
And finally finished.
http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t381/JSJMP/Rampichino/20150923_144828_1.jpg[img]
[img]http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t381/JSJMP/Rampichino/20150923_144941.jpg
I'm thinking about some more period correct tyres, I’ll have to have a look about and see what I can find.
It rides really well, taught but compliant and smooth, drivetrain feels fabulous, indexing is as good as anything modern I have experienced.
I have a number of other Italian projects on the way, so if there’s any interest let me know and I’ll post more as they develop.
Thanks
John
Initial strip down, very dirty, but most of a nice Deore Mt-60 groupset, crankset, front and rear derailleurs, rear hub with UG 6-speed sprockets, brakes and pedals, all of which I believe to be original, and I think dates the bike to 1988 /89.
Columbus Chromor Tre Tubi, lugged, much patina, but very strong and straight with no dents, and as it will turn out very responsive and comfortable to ride.
Incorrect BB spindle fitted for the FC-Mt60, 117.5mm. Threads are Italian, and I have been unable to source a correct 122.5mm cup and cone BB, so I have installed a NOS UN-55.
I have been keeping a very nice XT M-730 groupset for just such a project, and thanks to one of our Italian RB members I was able to acquire a period correct FIR MS29D / XT wheelset, so decided to go down the XT route. Seat post and qr are period correct Kalloy, and I have added a well-used suede Cinelli Unicantor saddle.
Good clean and polish, so time to commence assembly and look at some potential stem / bar combinations, starting with this ITM King Size setup. Looks too modern with 31.8mm bars I think!
Eventually I settle on this combination of a Cinelli Grammo Atb Titanium stem and Italmanubri Super Alloy Bars.
Headset stripped down, cleaned and re-greased. It has no identification whatsoever, but I think it is a dia compe type. Shimano-canti cable stop added.
Initial build up, and I’m brightening up the rather drab Military Green frame colour by adding some details picking up the yellow colour of the graphics. Shark fin added as chainstay protection.
Elite Ciussi cages and Jagwire cabling. The oversize diameter of the Bl-M730 levers requires a change of barrel adjusters to Jagwire M7 to accommodate the modern cables. One negative consequence is that the rubber hoods don't sit very well, so leave them off for now. NOS Sl-M730 6 speed thumbshifters fitted.
Cabled up, and starting to take shape.
And finally finished.
http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t381/JSJMP/Rampichino/20150923_144828_1.jpg[img]
[img]http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t381/JSJMP/Rampichino/20150923_144941.jpg
I'm thinking about some more period correct tyres, I’ll have to have a look about and see what I can find.
It rides really well, taught but compliant and smooth, drivetrain feels fabulous, indexing is as good as anything modern I have experienced.
I have a number of other Italian projects on the way, so if there’s any interest let me know and I’ll post more as they develop.
Thanks
John
