1) 1982 Benotto 850 Paris-Roubaix (59cm)

SPECS

Status:  Sold
Made in Torino, Italy
​Size: 59cm
Frame & Fork:  Columbus Zeta
Groupset:  Shimano 600 Arabesque
Wheelset:  Araya rims with Shimano 600 hubs and Michelin Dynamic Classic 25c tires
Other:  Original Benotto leather saddle and Shimano 600 pedals

BEFORE

This was my first bike restoration.  Facebook put this as Today's Pick and I just couldn't believe my eyes.  A classic, Italian bicycle right here in Kelowna!  I couldn't believe it!  I wasn't looking for a bike, but I just couldn't resist.  It was in pretty good shape and Natalia was happy with my offer.  I had an ear to ear grin all the way home with my new Benotto on the roof rack.

At the time, I didn't know that I was going to make a habit of restoring vintage steel bikes and I certainly didn't know that I would be blogging about it.  So, I didn't take too many before pictures with this one.  Everything on the bike was original and in excellent condition.  It had a full Shimano 600 Arabesque groupset, the original seat and the original Benotto cellotape bar tape.  

​When I looked under the seat,  I found a red name tag.  I looked up Terry on Facebook and found the original owner of the bike.  He bought it from Fresh Air Experience in 1982, a year after they opened, for about $800.  He didn't ride it much because shortly after buying it, he got into mountain biking.  He sold it at a yardsale about 4 years ago and Natalie bought it from the next yardsale a couple years ago.  

The Facebook Ad

After I got it home

Full Shimano 600 Arabesque groupset

The only before picture that gives a hint of the filth and some of the paint damage.

Purchased at Fresh Air in 1982

The famous Paris-Roubaix!

Name tag found under the seat

I was hooked!

AFTER

I had so much fun working on this bike.  It satisfied so many things that I enjoy.  I love making sad looking things beautiful again.  I love solving problems.  I love using my hands.   I love vintage steel bikes, especially the old Italian ones with the beautiful lugged frames.  I was hooked!  Let the insanity begin!