This Legnano Bicycle was made in Italy in 1948 and it is very similar to the bike that Italian bicycle racer, Gino Bartali used to win the 1948 Tour de France. Professional cycling teams in those days were expected to use equipment from their home country. Bartali turned up to the start of the Tour with a Legnano bicycle fitted with a Campagnolo Corsa Derailleur. To change gear with the Corsa, the rider had to back pedal, reach back tot he longer of the two levers mounted on the seat-stay, twist the lever to release the rear wheel, move his hand to the smaller lever, select the required sprocket, re-lock the wheel with the longer lever and then pedal forward again. All these contortions needed to change gear didn’t prevent Bartali from wining the Tour again. (Related: Watch this video of Mike Barry the Cambio Corsa derailleur).
Specifications
- Made in Italy
- Serial Number: CM532 on seat lug
- Size: Seat Tube: 56 cm, Top Tube: 56 cm
- Steel Frame with Paris Roubaix Drop-Out type
- Stronglight Cottered Crankset 170mm, 49T chainring
- Universal Brake Levers
- Brakes: Front Super Vermasc, Rear Super Luddo San Giorgio
- Campagnolo Corsa Derailleur
- Ambrosio Stem Champion 10cm
- 4 speed freewheel 16-22
- Sheffield Sprint Pedals
- Chercho Fiamme Rims 32H Front, 40H Rear
- Campagnolo hubs, rear Corsa hub, Rear hub width 120
- Brooks Pro Saddle
- Challenge Paris Roubaix Tires
- Seatpost: 26.8
This bicycle was restored in 1980 and repainted. It has not been ridden since.
This bicycle is available for sale in our Bicycle Specialties eBay store. Buy now >>
Bonjour;
What is the price, please? I’m really interested.
This bicycle is sold.
Thank you for this.