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Guerciotti Dream - Bike of the Day

"Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Guerciotti - this bike is something special. It's everything an Italian road bike...loves to be. Right down to the vintage die in the chainring. See it? Here's a link to more photos http://bit.ly/uaC2Y4 Take some time, love your ride. Why not make it an expression of what moves you?" (from Elephant Bicycle)

I ran across this Guerciotti (Gwer Chi Otti - takes a few tries to pronounce it, but then it's fun to say!) today on my way to the LBS. The owner loves it and gracefully obliged me as I took photos and asked him a million questions. He said he was messing with some dice in the chainring just for fun and one got stuck. Nice! How about that paint job? Personally, I love Italian bikes more than any others. They're just so beautiful. And, this one just reeks with style. Everything fits like a glove. It's lightweight, fast, and a conglomerate of several different brands of components. You don't have to keep your bike stock if you don't want to. It's not a sin. Of course, if you want your bike to be a "collector's item", all original components makes a difference. But, why not make it just what you want? That's what this artisan bike dude did. Check out the set I posted on Flickr: http://bit.ly/uaC2Y4

Got a bike you love? Post it here on the Bike Zoo and share the joy. We're having a good time. Did you doubt?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tim Kinney on October 26, 2011 at 9:36am

It's a beauty, and well used, not just an ornament. One of these days, I'm going to get up the nerve to try one of those two-tone paint fades.

Permalink Reply by Michael Levin on October 26, 2011 at 1:30pm

Tim, this bike stopped me in my tracks. The owner was nearly as interesting...but, that's another story! I wonder if our friend Lex at Villin Cycles could help do one of those paint jobs? I shouldn't wonder, because I know he could! Did you rad the piece about the visit to Villin Cycles? http://www.zoobird.com/xn/detail/2129360:Topic:6509 Amazing!

Permalink Reply by 132ucoza2aq98 on October 26, 2011 at 12:54pm

Nice frame, but a mish-mash of parts. Love to see it all done in Campy..... Interesting Stronglight crank, and could be beautiful polished up. Missing its rear drop-outs adjustment screws.

Permalink Reply by Michael Levin on October 26, 2011 at 1:38pm

Craig, Funny, you have such a keen eye! I am looking at avery old, worn Bianchi (these days....it's turning into a long, enjoyable journey!) and it's missing the same screws, as well. The Stronglight crank is gorgeous, I agree. The camera on my iPhone makes two copies of each photo-one "layered" and one normal. I think the one you see is layered, enhancing the lovely, worn aspects of the crank. You can see the patina well, yes? If you like, I'll send you a link to the photos of the Bianchi I'm chasing...and, speaking of Campagnolo, do you know of Bill Ward Cycles, 17152 Cedar Rd., Lake Oswego, OR? My friend Barry Dykes sourced many of the Campy parts for his unbelievably beautiful 60's vintage Ciocc from Bill Ward Cycles: http://www.zoobird.com/group/bikezoo/forum/topics/cioecc-a-beautifu...

Permalink Reply by Tim Kinney on October 26, 2011 at 2:04pm

I've bought those rear dropout chain tensioning screws from Bikes and More on NW 6th Street. I can't find them online, probably because I don't quite know what to call them. But, Paul will fix you up with some and they're surprisingly affordable.

Permalink Reply by Michael Levin on October 26, 2011 at 2:36pm

Thanks, Tim. I'll send you a link to a set of private photos of the Bianchi I am "chasing" for your expert opinion on what year it is, value, what it'll take to make it road pristine, etc... Healthy obsessions are good! I hear Bikes and More is a welcoming spot for bike lovers. Have heard it for a long time, first from our (possibly) mutual friend WJ from Mother Earth grocers (he's on Zoobird, BTW, in case you know him). This Bianchi has my attention for some reason...

Permalink Reply by Tim Kinney on October 26, 2011 at 3:03pm

Bikes and More is one of my favorite LBS. Paul has been so incredibly generous with tips about wheel building, sharing things that most people would consider closely guarded secrets. Chandler Otis was my LBS guy 30 years ago when he was at Peddlers on University Avenue, and he's still going strong.

But mostly, I stop in to pet Mrs Snuggle Britches:

http://bikesandmoregainesville.com/?page_id=309

Permalink Reply by Michael Levin on October 31, 2011 at 1:26pm

I have heard that from so many people, WJ said so first (worked at Ward's - know him?, has so many friends in G'Ville), for starters. Got the Bianchi, BTW. Rough, but has potential. Shimano 105 throughout. Shifters look broken, but it's a lugged frame and I will find out all the history on it. Stay tuned for a story on it. What are you working on? Post it as a Discussion here on the Bike Zoo, my friend!

Permalink Reply by Tim Kinney on October 31, 2011 at 1:43pm

Can't wait to hear more about the Bianchi. I happen to think that the 105 group is the sweet spot in the Shimano lineup; a good compromise between cost and quality.

I just finished rebuilding a 1995 Trek ATB for my nephew. I haven't taken pics yet, but I will soon. I painted it in "Camaro Gold" which is kind of retro looking. It's the first frame I put decals on after I painted. I got the decals in brown and clear-coated over them. I've been riding the Trek for a few days, and so far, I'm pleased. The original Altus derailleurs shift perfectly, and the original canti brakes work fine, although they are a little bit ugly. I'd like to add some nice fenders and racks, and turn it into a real touring bike.

Permalink Reply by Michael Levin on October 31, 2011 at 9:24pm

Likewise, Tim. I had a gold Camaro when I was a senior in HS: a '70 SS 396! This Bianchi has broken Shimano 105 paddle shifters, so I am about to become an expert. I actually am tempted to say the Shimano 105 brake action is better than what I am used to with the Campy gear. I put a seat post and a well-proofided Brooks saddle on tonight, adjusted the headset (may need bearings) and fixed the chain on one gear. I found a Campy Veloce triple chainring/crankset on EBay. This bike may be on it's way to being a Veloce again. Let's put it this way, I am waiting for the headlight batteries to charge because I want to keep riding / giving out goodies while the Halloween kids drift by...fun!

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