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1960 Girardengo 60334

Girardengo's are not well known so a bit on Giradengo (from the Girardengo Barn https://utahrandonneur.wordpress.com/the-girardengo-barn/). Costante Girardengo was blessed with a great natural physical talent, a talent which manifested itself in his first year of racing as a professional cyclist, 1913. He was known for his dominating his fellow competitors, often having time for interviews before his nearest rival would finish the race. Constante was the original Campionissimo or Champion of Champions, a title bestowed by Italian cycling fans of the era. Only two other riders have ever shared that honor, Alfredo Binda and Fausto Coppi! Girardengo bicycles was founded by Constante and his two sons, Luciano and Ettore in their hometown of Novi Ligure. Their bicycles first appear in 1933 and they are a co-sponsor for team Maino/Girardengo-Clément. Maino likely collaborated with Girardengo on production of the bicycles since he had raced for them for many years and they apparently had a long relationship. Maino, no doubt also hoped to prosper from the association with the Campionissimo. Sometime in the late 50’s Giovanni Maino died and his companies assets were sold to Atala. At this time, it is likely that Girardengo was entirely independent from Maino in their production. It is said that assembly of the bicycles was moved to the prison in nearby Alessandria in the 1960’s though manufacture of the frames may have been done elsewhere.

Frame:
Seamless Columbus tubing, Campagnolo dropouts

Fork/Headset:
Seamless Columbus tubing, Campagnolo dropouts

Crankset/Bottom Bracket:
Campagnolo Gran Sport 3 Arm

Pedals:
Union alloy

Drivetrain/Cog/Chainring/Chain:
Campagnolo 6speed/14-26/52-42

Derailleurs/Shifters:
Rear, Campagnolo Gran Sport (early steel pulley) Front, Campagnolo Record/Campagnolo Record

Handlebars/Stem:
Belleri/3TTT Panto

Saddle/Seatpost:
Wright/3TTT

Brakes:
Ballilla 61 Center Pull/Ballilla 59 Levers

Front Wheel/Hub/Tire:
Weinmann/Campagnolo Record Hub/27 1/8 Panaracer

Rear Wheel/Hub/Tire:
Weinmann/Campagnolo Record Hub/27 1/8 Panaracer

More Info:
The crank is a bit newer than the frame. The original was most likely a Girardengo cottered crank made by Magistroni. The Campy GS crank is a logical upgrade for the 1960s. Paint is original. I may repaint it in the future, but for now, it is only original once. In 1961, my grandfather hauled me around the San Fernando Valley (in a 1956 Buick) to kill time, while my parents Christmas shopped. We stopped at a bicycle store (in Woodland Hills, where he had once been a merchant) and bought an inner tube for my 24 inch kids bike. In the window was a beautiful 10 speed bike; the first that I had seen. It was Italian, very shiny, and had a head badge with a bicycle racer on it. My grandfather described it as a "professional racing bike." After that experience, I lusted for a 10 speed bike. Just think, with it I could beat any kid in my neighborhood! Looking back, the head badge indicates that the bike may have been a Girardengo. When I saw this early 1960s Girardengo frame, my mind went back to that day. it looked right, was the right age, and (according to its frame decal which read : “Jas. C. Jones & Sons, 21140 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, DI-7-1038.”) came from a Woodland Hills bike shop. Maybe, just maybe it's the same one; there aren't very many. Even if not, it's close enough.

Added about 8 years ago by OldRoadieTehachapi. Last updated 12 months ago.