THE LEGNANO and the COMPETITION

Deciding to keeping the Legnano presented quite a dilemma.  Having recently acquired two top of the line Italian steeds (Masi & Tommasini), in as many months, I would have to dig deep, to justify keeping yet a third Italian road bicycle.  Remember, the focus of my collection is supposed to be top of the line or special issue Canadian made vintage road bicycles.  However...

Though I tried very hard to do so, I could not manage to fit the 1971 Masi to my body size.  Having a "ride-em-or-sell-em" policy, I let the Masi go to a fellow in the US.  His father did, and I believe still does, own an old Masi.  With that in mind, I could not think of a better place to send the bike.  And that sale, made room for the Legnano.

Though I am still unsure that the bicycle is a keeper, I will at least make a pretty decent effort to build it up.  Additionally, the build will proceed as inexpensively as possible.  For the fun of it, the Legnano (if it is finished in time) will compete in the Bike Forums "Velo-Cheapo 2010 Build Off" Contest.  The Bike Forums is a great place to interact with others who share an interest in vintage bicycles.  It is also a great resource.  Many of the very knowledgeable members are quick to help with advice and direction when it is asked for.  There are a great many advantages to joining a forum and becoming a contributing member.  Back to the contest...

There are no prizes for winning this or that or anything else in the contest.  The contestants are held to their honour to compete with-in the guidelines of the contest rules and the reward is having the opportunity to do so.  The object is to have fun, salvage a bicycle or two, and come up with creative ideas to help keep costs down.  An example of such creativity might be some house hold product that could be used for handlebar tape.  Perhaps twine covered with shellac.  Or a home made saddle bag...  Or...?

With the contest in mind, I set out to build the Legnano as inexpensively as I could without sacrificing safety or dependability.  Keeping the bicycle absolutely original in the components fitted department would not be a goal.  Rather, components would be selected that would emphasize the vintage appeal of the bicycle without running up the cost to build.  So...

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