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Bianchi Folgore 1948

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Ah! So that's where those levers came from. Seeing that at least one previous owner lived in France, it reinforces my suspicion that that's where they came from.

Pretty bike! I'd keep the mudguards. So very Italian.
 
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Headset tip -

In case you have occasion to service the proprietary Bianchi integral headset it requires the use of two horizontal pattern pin tools as made by Park or VAR.

Do not attempt to hold or turn either the adjustable race or the locknut with pump pliers or similar tools, even with cushioning. This will only gall up the finish, as we can see someone has already done to the locknut knurling in this photo:

2pt5szt.jpg


The VAR pin tool Nr. 13 is a handy one to have in one's kit as it handles both horizontal and vertical pin holes. Its pins are made replaceable.

4kk4ep.jpg


jl3yj8.jpg


1zveh6g.jpg


An acceptable alternate tool for adjustable races is the VAR Nr. 78 headset plier. It jaws a specifically designed not to gall finishes.

2eg8bnn.jpg


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This headset employs 1/8" balls.

Bearing cups are pressed in to the ends of the head tube. Their inside diameter is nearly identical to that of the inside of the head tube making them difficult to knock out in the usual manner. If one has the Campag head cup removal tool, or similar, one can wedge a socket into its open end such that the tines will gain purchase on the edge of the bearing cups for removal.

11i2rzm.jpg


Beginning sometime in the latter 1950's Campag started offering a headset in this Bianchi pattern. It is found on Specialissima model cycles of the 1960's era. Had occasion to service one - smoothest turning headset have ever encountered.

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FOLGORE is Italian for lightning or thunderbolt.

During the second world war Macchi designed and built a fighter aircraft of this name.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macchi_C.202

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Headset tip -

In case you have occasion to service the proprietary Bianchi integral headset it requires the use of two horizontal pattern pin tools as made by Park or VAR.

Do not attempt to hold or turn either the adjustable race or the locknut with pump pliers or similar tools, even with cushioning. This will only gall up the finish, as we can see someone has already done to the locknut knurling in this photo:

View attachment 917927

The VAR pin tool Nr. 13 is a handy one to have in one's kit as it handles both horizontal and vertical pin holes. Its pins are made replaceable.

View attachment 917928

View attachment 917929

View attachment 917930

An acceptable alternate tool for adjustable races is the VAR Nr. 78 headset plier. It jaws a specifically designed not to gall finishes.

View attachment 917931

---

This headset employs 1/8" balls.

Bearing cups are pressed in to the ends of the head tube. Their inside diameter is nearly identical to that of the inside of the head tube making them difficult to knock out in the usual manner. If one has the Campag head cup removal tool, or similar, one can wedge a socket into its open end such that the tines will gain purchase on the edge of the bearing cups for removal.

View attachment 917973

Beginning sometime in the latter 1950's Campag started offering a headset in this Bianchi pattern. It is found on Specialissima model cycles of the 1960's era. Had occasion to service one - smoothest turning headset have ever encountered.

---

FOLGORE is Italian for lightning or thunderbolt.

During the second world war Macchi designed and built a fighter aircraft of this name.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macchi_C.202

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Good info. Thanks to Google translate I am picking up some Italian! When I go the I hand tightened the headset using a rag. Before I actually ride the bike I will invest in the proper tools and make sure it is set up properly. I am currently in the process of tracking down the correct parts and am awaiting some overseas parcels. I may have to throw a set of interim levers on it. I have a deal done on a set of Universal Model 39s but it will be April before the guy can get them to me. If anyone has a set in the meantime I'm interested--spare parts are not a bad thing! V/r Shawn
 
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Stem binder bolt appears a replacement...as in hardware store.

Would not be surprised if it checks out as fractional.

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Is the Campag hub barrel marking of the winged wheel variety?

In any event, actual manufacturer was Fratelli Brivio (FB) of Brescia.

http://www.classicrendezvous.com/Italy/FB.htm

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Au sujet de la potence -

Nothing amiss with your excellent researches! ;)

As you suggested (via PM) the stem does indeed seem to be a product frankish.

Have located three other machines fitted with them, all were of French origin and all were roughly 1950's era. The firm evidently produced both steel and alloy stems and bars.

Here is one being worn by an Automoto dated by its owner as ~1950. Appears same model as thine:

2lksp00.jpg


Discussion thread on the machine located here:

https://forum.tontonvelo.com/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=24838&p=268275&hilit=potence+EMR#p268275

1950's era Broune berceau fitted with one is discussed here:

https://forum.tontonvelo.com/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=38236&p=395181&hilit=potence+EMR#p395181

This Terrort mixte ca. 1950 wears a steel welded E.M.R. stem/bar set:

https://forum.tontonvelo.com/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=14536&p=165111&hilit=potence+EMR#p165111

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Since you have established that stem is from a French manufacturer there is a good possibility that it will be of metric/french size, i.e. 21.9 or 22.0mm outside diameter. The bicycle's Italian dimension steerer is designed for a stem of 22.2mm diameter.

Stem's clamp , if unmodified, is likely to be the 25.0mm size.

Stem's original binder would likely have been produced by ALGI.

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Plausible stem for the machine would be a steel Ambrosio Champion. Two alternate makers would be Schierano and Varese. If alloy preferred Ambrosio did make alloy I-beam pattern stems at least as early as late 1930's. It was common in this era for sports/road cycles to be fitted with steel stems and alloy bars.

Edit, images added:

Ambrosio Champion steel stem a) .jpg


Ambrosio Champion steel stem b) .jpg


Ambrosio Champion steel stem c) .jpg


Ambrosio Champion alloy bar .jpg




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Here are what the correct bars and stem for my bike look like. I believe these were made by Ambrosio for Bianchi. The ones shown below are on EBay Italy now for $500--I'll keep what I have until I can find a more modestly price set. Actually I believe I just need the stem and if anyone has one they would sell please contact me. V/r Shawn

Bianchi stem and bars.jpg


Bianchi stem and bars1.jpg


bianchi stem and bars3.jpg


bianchi stem and bars4.jpg


bianchi stem and bars5.jpg


bianchi stem and bars6.jpg
 
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No shortage of outstanding researches on your part Shawn!

Stem looks to be an early or proto Champion, lacking only the more commonly seen "AMBROSIO CHAMPION" markings on the side. This is the first Champion pattern stem have seen with the flat head binder. All the other examples have worked with or seen online have had the domed/bullet head binder as seen on the chrome stem posted above.

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