Really nice piece of Italian cycling history; frame/tubing, lugs, components, etc. I had to add it to my list of Italian brands because I had no record of it in the 100s (maybe 1000s] of marques I have documented.
Wish I had seen it earlier as I am familiar with the Libellula logo and could discern it from the decal remnant. Frame tubing stamp confirms it.
I would certainly date it post 1930s since there was not a Cambio Corsa product available to my knowledge; more likely mid 40s-50s with the "newer" lever design. Personally, my most reviled of Campagnolo mechs; the fact that someone won a race with this design only shows how strong a rider he was, not how well designed Campy's product was, especially considering what was available at the time. Chances I have had to buy the system and/or frame I have passed on because I want to enjoy my ride without all the hassle. I sure it will be interesting to use it; but fun, not in my opinion.
I know I have seen many bike frames with internal routing in the 50s; can't remember a 40s frame with that design. My guess it that it is a later '40s frame.
Thanks for the story behind the shop. I look forward to hearing if Sig. Vecchi replies.
Thanks for your insights
@Jesper.
I feel you are not wrong re. the "fun" factor of the riding experience, but only when changing gear.
In fact, a friend who owns a set of the levers, rear hub and dropouts, has decided not to build up a frameset, after hearing of me bemoaning of its difficulty in use. He has decided subsequently to sell said parts!
Other than that though, it is a beautiful bike to ride, as long as you don't want to change gear too often. The frame really is a joy to ride.
The guy who sold it to me has subsequently tried to sell me two more examples of bikes with this system.
This is one of them.....
How 'Bartali' won that race using it makes me realise just how phenomenal a rider he was.
I would love to know how often he changed the gear cluster to suit the topography of various stages? Also, what size gearing he used?
As the 'Cambio Corsa' physically limits the larger size of rear gears, presumably he used much smaller chainrings on some stages.
I'm glad that you have been able to add to your list of Italian manufacturers. I would love to see your list posted for all to use as a resource as there seems to be less information available on this front, compared to information available on machines from the UK or France for example.
Sadly, I'm still waiting to hear back from Sig. Vecchi. I will try writing a letter in the new year, as I feel my email went straight into the 'spam' box.