For sale here is an Italian racing bicycle, manufactured by the rare company 'L.Ranzini' in around 1948/1949. Very little is known about this manufacturer from Milan and we have only ever seen one other bicycle manufactured by them (currently in our collection). The frame measures 23.5" and has a Steel lugged construction with chromed (now unfortunately slightly pattinated) lugs. All the transfers are still visable and readable - with slight fading along with the frame paintwork.
The bicycle is fitted with Campagnolo's early Cambio Corsa deraileur gearing system. This works by one lever releasing the quick-release of the hub, allowing the wheel to slide up and down the rear slotted drop-out, taking up the slack from the chain as it is shifted from one sprocket to another by the other lever. The rear sprocket cassette is a 4 speed 'Caimi super-sport' fitted to Campagnolo early pattern Gran Sport small flange hubs, featured both front and rear, with the early (nutted) matching Quick-Release squewers.
The original Ranzini cottered chain-set is still present, with 6.1/2" cranks fittied with chromed quill pedals and Christophe toe clips, with the chrome showing age and pattination.
Other original features include the Cinelli handlebar stem, stamped with the very early and rare stamp of where their business first started in 'Firenze' (Florence). Not many Cinelli stems have this early mark, as they soon moved to Milan in 1950. The Brooks B17 'Champion' may not have been fitted to this bicycle to start with but is certianly correct to a bicycle of the era, and is in very good condition with few creases or folds in the leather.
This bicycle has been later fitted with Vittoria 'Competetion Normal Cross' tubular tyres front and rear, which although not in like-new condition still hold air and have minimal perrishing. Universal model alloy brakes are fitted to both front and rear with blocks having hardly been worn, and red cables still in good condition. The bicycle also comes with a duel handlebar mounted bottle cage holder, with one aluminium bottle still present, locked in by the sping clips.
Here is your chance to own a very rare, early, and high quality Italian racing bicycle, with highly original components - all still in ridable condition.
NOW SOLD
