Initial flight of the Concorde....

Bored = check
Internerd connection = check
Money that should be spent on Christmas presents = check
Cyclingtips article on the new Campag groupset = check

Result? I've just bought this. It's marginally too small, which is a great start. It's also has a 120mm spaced rear end, for which I don't have any hub's that'll fit. Again, not ideal. So on that basis thus begins my first ever retro build. Only it won't be because I'm a luddite and don't get on with vintage group sets and I've got a pair of shallow carbon tubs that need using.

Inspired by the bike in the cyclingtips article half way down the page here https://cyclingtips.com/2016/12/campagnolo-potenza-mid-range-groupset-review/, I'm hoping to build up something similar. Merlin don't have the Potenza groupset in stock yet and if I'm honest I'm not altogether sold on Campag anyway, certainly not the cheaper stuff. I also need to work out if I can 'cold set' the rear end to 130mm (or thereabouts) so that I can use later gearing. 6 speed doesn't really appeal.

Other stuff - I've got bars and seatpost already and the wheels as mentioned. I need a headset and notice that you can still pick up a 1 inch King in various colours. I want everything black if possible but we'll see if that's achievable keeping in mind the 'issues' with the frame.

I really need to stop going on ebay whilst at work...

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But is nice doe.

120mm sounds a bit narrow for that era frame. You can pull out 120mm to 130mm. It's a stretch, but it will go.

Well that was what I was wondering. The ad stated 120mm but, well - I know nowt about older frames. The big decider for me is whether it is in fact 120mm or they had a typo in the ad. If its 126 or 130mm then I'll go for a geared roadie build. If it's 120mm then I might just build it up fixed instead.

Hmmm decisions. At least its an english bb #brexit

If I do go gears, then I think it'll be this group set

There is a lot of scope to get it wrong when opening the rear out by 10 mm. But I bet it's 126 mm or 130 mm.

hate to say it, but i am sceptical thats a concorde, especially since it says 120mm, making it older then before the brand got into flight (get it..?).

they were built by ciocc, hence the italian flag thingy. generally pantos, and, the seatstay caps are distinct. they were then shipped to belgium and awesomely sprayed.
your frame doesnt have any of these features, no columbus sticker, and i am afraid its not a concorde because of it.. do report back with some close-up pictures once you get it!

Not all Concorde frames had the Italian flag on the TT and certainly not all were made by ciocc.
The lack of Columbus striker is odd along with the fork shape (the latter just being entirely based on what I think is seen).
Details like seat tube diameter and BB threading would be a good indicator.

The forks struck me as odd too: older than the frame.

If the OLD is 120mm, then it certainly wasn't originally. The rear derailleur cable routing is under the BB, which post-dates 120mm road bikes.

And I'm quite sure the forks aren't original to the frame: that much rake dates them to the Seventies or earlier.

Personally, I'd be returning this to the seller.

Yeah, the forks has a very low curve.

I would definitely be asking for the seat tube diameter, BB threading and if the seller can tell you what model it is.
I really could just be inaccurate reading of the spacing and changed fork, but worth checking.

Well, what a surprise - it looks like I've bought a duffer! It's been dispatched now and is on its way to me, who knows if it'll turn up this side of Xmas. I've dropped the seller a line to see if he has any proof it is what they say it is. I'll report back with my findings.

As it stands I'm loathed to spend much money on it until I know what it is. I nearly bought a Colnago Master but got this because a)its not a Colnago and b) it was 10% of the cost of the Master.

Anyway, appreciate all your help with this. Will keep you posted as to the outcome

Oh, and to answer the questions above, it has an English BB thread and the post is 27.2.

On the positive side, it isn't ugly and the apparently recent respray would probably cost more than you paid for the frame. A little more seatpin and a somewhat longer stem than normal is an instant cure for 'marginally small'.

Yeah, it very much sounds like you've been got. Sorry about that. Still a nice looking frame.

They normally have Italian BB and (afaik) 26.8mm seatpost.

Interesting.....I bought it of these people http://www.ebay.com/usr/velosaloon-com?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

who seem to do quite a few 'vintage' frames with some pretty decent feedback. Knowing my luck, this is the one that slipped through the net.

Again, appreciate the heads-up. I'll maybe have it as my 'man-about-town' bike and save the groupset for something else.

Had some time and spare wheels yesterday...

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Nice wheels and tyres. But please tell me you still have to drop the saddle and install a longer stem

Please don't.

Ha! It was just built up like this because I wanted to see whether the wheels (with Dugasts) would fit in the frame. Turns out they do which is a bonus.

Now on the look out for a groupset, possibly Campag.

(Post will be dropped and longer stem on order)