1974 Legnano Gran Premio, completato!
Here it is, the finished project. It came out pretty much as I envisioned it, mostly original but with other components spec’d for the intended use and in a retro style. Form and function were equally important on this bike because of it’s intended use in the L’Eroica event later this year where a challenging course is ridden on historical bikes. As discussed in part 1I chose to preserve the paint in its existing condition, only taking measures to prevent further damage from rust. It retains the patina of age without the worry of further deterioration. The original components were thoroughly cleaned and reinstalled but also retain their blemishes. Other parts that were not original also show their age but are in good mechanical condition. Cables, chain and tires are new but were necessary to assure good performance.
- Campagnolo Tipo high flange hubs
- 36 hole clincher rim, could be Mavic or Araya (no label)
- Campagnolo Nuovo Gran Sport derailleurs
- Regina Extra 5 speed freewheel, 14/28
- Ofmega headset
- 3TTT bars and stem
- Universal Model 61 brakeset
- Ofmega bottom bracket (not original)
- TA Specialties Crankset, 48/37 (not original)
- Gipiemme pedals (not original)
- Gipiemme Seat post (not original)
- Ideal leather saddle (not original)
- Continental 28c tires
- Woodys fender set with homemade leather flaps
- TA Specialties bottle cage
- Mopha tool roll
The Gran Premio has been test ridden and fine tuned and I think it is ready for service. Of course more rides will be required to get things just right, and then there will be some preliminary events to do on it as well. When it has been thoroughly road tested by repeated events then I will feel it will be “L’Eroica ready”. The Legnano looks heroic and when I ride it I feel like Gino Bartali. It only needs to be taken home to the hills of Tuscany to show what it can do.
previous posts on this build:
1974 Legnano Gran Premio, Part 1
1974 Legnano Gran Premio, Part 2
1974 Legnano Gran Premio, Part 3
1974 Legnano Gran Premio, Part 4
The Utah Randonneur 
March 15, 2016 at 9:54 pm
I’m riding a 64 Legnano which I’ve had since new. It was my old race bike. I’m doing the Eroica California in April, and just changed the gearing to a 14-28 6 speed rear. I’ve been running a 14-26 5 sp for the past 15 years. I have a Gran Sport RD that I’m sure is older than yours. I had to back out the dropout screws all the way to get the chain to go between the big gear and the idler pulley. I see that your wheel is pretty much centered in the dropouts. If you’re doing California, it would be great to see you. My bike is blue with white stripes. I’m still running the original Campy crank 52/43, which replaced my old 53/45 though I may be sorry on the hills.