Entry level racer

This Girardengo is an early to mid-60’s intermediate level frame and probably just the sort of bike that a beginning racer might ride. Not top shelf but still good enough for local competitions and a pretty good performer overall. A bike like this would have been the envy of many aspiring young bike racers on a Saturday morning back in the day!

My plans for this bike are to return it to being a no-nonsense rider without being too worried about it being “period correct.” The Campagnolo Gran Sport parts that I used were available from the 1970’s so they are not too out of line for this bike. The Stronglight Crank-set is early 80’s but is the sub-compact type which has the wider gearing range that I prefer. The Universal Model 61 brakes would be typical for this mid-60’s bike originally. Still, overall the result is that of a pretty traditional entry level racer.

Frame numbers are located under the BB, which read A135 are of no help in identifying this frame. The best clues for date come from the head and seat tube badges. Girardengo only seemed to use badges in both locations in 1962 up to 64 and the head badge is definitely post 1960. Without further information there is no way to further identify this frame.

Girardengo used Campagnolo drop-outs on these mid-level frames but with an unknown tubing type. I have not yet seen a brand or type decal or any catalog reference to the tubing used on Girardengo bicycles. Like so much else about the marque there remains an air of mystery.

The paint is probably not original, silver with blue lug lining but with some minor surface rust coming through. My treatment of it simply included giving it a good scrub, using Evapo-rust where needed and then a satin finish clear coat over all to preserve the paint and protect from further rust issues. A reproduction vinyl decal was overlaid on the clear coat. There currently seems to be no source for replacement Girardengo logos other than what I had made for this. These bikes used very few graphics or other embellishment like striping, multiple paint colors or chrome, perhaps in an attempt to keep costs down. The end result is that most Girardengo’s give the impression of being a little plain or just not flashy. Perhaps understated would be a better description, somewhat like the man himself.

Components

  • Campagnolo Nouvo Gran Sport high flange hubs
  • Femco rims
  • Wheelsmith spokes
  • Campagnolo Nouvo Gran Sport Rear derailleur
  • Campagnolo Gran Sport front derailleur
  • Campagnolo Nouvo Gran Sport shifters
  • Regina 5 speed 14/28 freewheel
  • 3TTT stem
  • Cinelli Giro d’Italia handlebars
  • Newbaum’s cloth bar tape
  • Universal Model 61 brakes and levers
  • Stronglight 99 Crank-set
  • Campagnolo Veloce sealed BB
  • Lyotard pedals
  • SR Laprade seatpost
  • Brooks Swift saddle
  • Vittoria Randonneur 28c tires

This is a no frills bike, just a solid basic performer. The Campy Gran Sport drive shifts nicely with a very light touch required and runs very quietly. The Universal brake-set also works quite well but the levers are not particularly ergonomic. The final riding weight without toe clips, pump or bottles is 24 pounds. The Vittoria Randonneur tires are not known for their light weight but are quite durable and should serve well.

I now have 4 Girardengo bicycles in my stable of riders. This one should see some light duty riding occasionally but probably won’t be considered as a favorite.

The original post on this bike is here.