Hi Retro Bikers... Gold Plated 50th Anniversary Benotto

[robertyyz]

I've owned this Benotto for just under 20 years now. It was purchased at a bike shop in Kensington Market area, Toronto. The sales people did not have much info except to say it was a consignment. Does anyone know the model name?

The tubing is Columbus Air (aero profile). The Campagnolo Super Record components seem to be 1981 era (crank has 170 strada with "1" inside a circle which means it was manufactured in 1981). It has a Cinelli Italia handle bar and NISI Moncalieri rims.

I believe all the components were new with the bike.
Research here and on other sites suggests that it is made in Italy. Does anyone in the RBR community have any insights to share? I'd appreciate them.

It is very close to the Benotto 5000/profil bike mentioned in an earlier post, but not quite.

 

[Midlife]

Hi, not seen one before so can't help but couldn't help noticing where the front brake is

Shaun

 

[robertyyz]

Re: Brake

Yes, the front brake is behind the head tube to cut down drag. My bike came with the Campy brake where it should be

 

[robertyyz]

Updated photo of bike

Hi to anyone following this thread. Here is an updated image of the bike after stripping the old lacquer and cleaning up the components. I used a "green" furniture stripper to remove the clear coat. Worked well. Then I used CLR rust remover on the couple of spots where one would expect rust after 45 years: bottom bracket, chain stays, back of seat tube, etc. That worked well especially when followed up with a baking soda polish.


Aero seat tube

That process went well, but the crank was on another frame (unused for ten years or so) and the BB cups had frozen onto the bottom bracket. I had to put the bike frame into a shop vice to be able to get enough torque to remove them. Needless to say, the cups are toast. Otherwise the gruppo is in good shape. All original SR 1981 vintage (although I have my doubts about the wheel hub axles... is titanium magnetic?).