Cucchietti

A few years ago - about 7 years ago in fact - I was staying in a hotel in Radda in Chianti, prior to L'eroica. Another guest at the hotel was riding one of the most beautiful bikes I have ever seen, a Cucchietti.

Turns out, said Cucchietti belonged to London's famous Rob Sargeant, and was on loan to a cycling journalist Stu Bowers:

https://sargentandco.wordpress.com/2012/11/25/sargent-and-co-wins-the-leroica/

Anyway, since then, I've kept half an eye out for a suitable Cucchietti frame to add to my collection. A few have come and gone. I remember a nice silver one coming up a year or so ago for cheaps. It's still available, although no longer for cheaps, at Pedal Pedlar:

https://www.pedalpedlar.co.uk/products/58cm-cucchietti-columbus-sl-vintage-race-frame?_pos=1&_sid=b7450ff1a&_ss=r

A couple of weeks ago, a Cucchietti came up on t'Bay in my size at a very reasonable price, so I decided the time was right.

Here's a crap photo of the frame:

It's beautifully constructed, with some nice details, here's some nicely scalloped, badly photographed seat stay top eyes:

I suspect this project will drag on for quite some time, not least because it will involve a re-paint and re-build. Thankfully, the chrome looks pretty good.

Cucchietti are still in business, and part of me wants to take this frame back to them for the re-paint. However, I'm not convinced that's such a good idea, so for now I have just ordered a replacement decal set from them.

Will update this thread when something happens.

Looks beautiful. I once had a Pavone, made by a guy called Spencer Peacock. I still miss that frame, it went like stink that bike. Really chuffed for you with the decals.

I've got mail ;)

Took this for a short spin this morning, which was pleasant.

Subsequently stripped the majority of the components off the frame, and gave it a gentle clean. I reckon the chrome might be salvageable, which is good news.

The bottom bracket, predictably, is proving difficult, so I’ll save that for another day.

Now need to start thinking about painters and paint.

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Belatedly got round to dropping this off in Crayford just now.

I've gone for a light-ish blue metallic.

Looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

What's the plan for this one wheels and components wise? Should look great post-respray.

Not 100% Sure yet.

I am thinking of taking the vintage record kit off my Gios, which I never ride, and turning that into a MGOOF bike.

The kit off the Gios can then go on the Cucchietti.

Just about to send this off to Belgium for ‘improvements’.

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Nice find. Can't wait to see it built up.

Is it Columbus sl tubes?

Ta.

Not sure of the exact tube set (Cucchietti still exists, so I could ask them).

Back from paint:

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Do you have a colour code for that pls?

No, sorry.

I don't think it will have a colour code. When I took the frame in, Dave had mixed up some paint for a couple of Raleigh Choppers, and I really liked the look of it.

No worries.

Looks great

That’s minty fresh

Looks great. Old Record will definitely suit this.