FINDING THE BOTTECCHIA PROFESSIONAL

The Bottecchia Professional was purchased as a frame set, fitted with a single component - an Italian headset that would have been original to the Giro d'Italia.  Few "as found" pictures of that frame set exist and I, those that do, I did not take.  However, the pictures, taken by the previous owner, are included in this article for information's sake.  Thanks go to the previous owner for the pictures and the frame set.

I frequently spend time at a website called Bicycle Forums, focusing my attention on the Classic and Vintage section.  While perusing that forum one day, I came upon a thread discussing the Bottecchia bicycle.  During the course of that discussion, one of the forum members mentioned that he had two Bottecchia top dogs, one too small and one too big.

I sent a private email to the Forum member, expressing interest in the smaller of the two frame sets.  The two of us started working our way towards a trade.

At the previous owner's request, I sent a set of Campy NR brakes, a high flange black anodized Dura-Ace rear hub, a 27.2 Campy seat post and perhaps something else that I cannot recall.  For that box of bits and pieces, I received what must be a late sixties, or very early seventies, Bottecchia frame and fork, held together with a very antiquated appearing chrome plated head set.  For what it is worth, it was the presence of that head set, coupled with a surprise find that cropped up at the same time I received the frame, that caused me to go with the Giro d'Italia build, as opposed to the Professional.  What was the surprise?

The day the frame set arrived at my front door, so too did a Peugeot Super Competition, in very Frankensteinish condition, but fitted with a highly collectible crank set.  Just the set I would need to sway my build decision, for the Bottecchia build.  The cranks, fitted to the Peugeot, were just the one thing I needed to go for the Giro.  Were it not for the, same day remember, Stronglight 49d crank set fortuitous find, the Bottecchia would have turned Pro.  At least my intentions for the bicycle had become clear.

NEXT - TEST BUILDING THE GIRO d'ITALIA