Biciclette Completate

   There are some projects that have been hanging around in my shop longer than these two Italian builds, but these were the closest to completion and required only a small collection of parts to finish them off. As the Giro d'Italia came to a close last week, I wanted to be able to show off these two machines.

   First off was the Wilier Triestina Le Roi bicycle in the Lampre team colors from 2008. As explain last time around, I matched up the sponsor logos for the respective parts selections. I had the Campagnolo, Ritchey and Selle Italia parts and just needed the Fulcrum wheels and Vittoria tires before final assembly.

                 

   I had attempted to sell the Tommasini Super Prestige SLX bicycle in its former Campagnolo triple setup, but had no takers. I expect a traditional double crankset arrangement will be more popular, so I equipped the bike with a mix of Chorus and Athena parts that I had on hand. I also exchanged the 9-speed Mavic/Campagnolo wheelset for very similar set with an 8-speed hub, as the spline arrangement for the two respective freehubs (and cassettes) is different.

   Although the Selle Italia saddle was at one time an excellent product, it had seen plenty of use and was looking pretty ratty, so I installed a new one. I think tan wall tires look better on vintage aluminum rims, so I slapped on a new pair of Michelins. The final touch was some new Cinelli tape to go with the bars and stem by the same company.

   The Tour de France starts in a little over a week, and I am contemplating a French-themed project, though it might be more of the long-term variety. I currently have rafters crammed with finished bicycles and would like to thin out the stock before building more.