Sometimes it is hard to categorize a unique type of bicycle. This Girardengo in all likelihood began life as a proper Italian city bike, probably 5 speed, with fenders and an upright riding position. Not a race bike by any means, rather a very civilized and practical means of transport. I have however re-invented it into another category altogether!

I baffi di Costante

Now, I have never seen a photo of Costante Girardengo with a moustache (baffi) but I have given him one here! Moustache bars offer a compromise between the racier position of a typical drop handlebar and the more casual swept back bars for upright riding. They are just perfect for the “mixed use” style of riding that I envision for this bicycle.

Corridore di percorso

I have always been a little fond of the idea of the English “path racer” category of bikes. The very name evokes the image of a sporty outing on the bike, probably in mixed use public areas and likely scaring women and children in the process! Traditionally though in the phrase “path racer,” path referred to a cycling track, so path racers were essentially early track bikes. As often happens nowadays modern sensibilities have begun to redefine the term into a more romantic version. This new interpretation of “path racer” probably better represents what I thought this bicycle could be. Corridore di percorso is the rough translation of “path racer” to Italian.

The frame is an early 1960’s Girardengo, probably originally a 5 speed with internal cable routing. There is nothing particularly special about the bike and it has been repainted at some point. It came as a frame and fork set but with no other components to help further establish a date of manufacture. The frame number of 59678 is of no particular help since there is no definitive pattern that I am aware of to Girardengo frame numbers. The head-badge shape indicates that it is definitely 1960 or later, and by the mid 60’s Girardengo’s usually had a second badge on the seat tube so this is prior to that feature.

 

When you review the mix of components this bike starts to look like a bit of a franken-bike. With Italian frame and gear mechanism, French Crank-set and brakes, Japanese post, bars and stem, US made spokes, English saddle and German Rubber on the road! I prefer to look at it as more of “world bike, one that uses a stylish and unusual grouping of parts to get the job done!

Component spec

  • Stronglight 99 Crank-set
  • Campy Gran Sport bottom bracket.
  • Campagnolo Gran Turismo rear derailleur
  • 14-34,  5 speed freewheel
  • Campy Gran Sport 5 speed down-tube shifter
  • CLB GL brake set and levers
  • No name “Made in Italy” hubs
  • Araya 27 inch rims
  • Wheelsmith spokes
  • Continental Touring tires
  • Nitto Moustache bars
  • Dia Compe Stem
  • Brooks saddle
  • Sakae seatpost
  • Reproduction frame pump

Obviously, I am not trying to accurately recreate anything that was actually sold or existed back in the day. This bike is more of an exercise in re-imagining what might have/could have been while using mostly vintage parts from the 60’s and 70’s. I have built quite few “period correct” bicycles in the past and may well do more in the future. This one was fun to build though because it is an “incorrect” bike and I just like the thought of that!

Link here to this bike as I received it.