Post by oldroadietehachapi on Jul 27, 2016 20:10:27 GMT
In the very early 1960s, (maybe even 1960) my grandfather hauled me around the San Fernando Valley (in a 1953 Henry J) to kill time, while my parents Christmas shopped. We stopped at a bicycle store (in Woodland Hills, where he had once been a merchant) and bought an inner tube for my 24 inch kids bike. In the window was a beautiful 10 speed bike; the first that I had seen. It was Italian, very shiny, and had a head badge with a bicycle racer on it. My grandfather described it as a "professional racing bike." After that experience, I lusted for a 10 speed bike. Just think, with it I could beat any kid in my neighborhood! Looking back, the head badge indicates that the bike may have been a Girardengo.
When I saw this 1960 Girardengo frame, my mind went back to that day. it looked right, was the right age, and came from a Woodland Hills bike shop. Maybe, just maybe it's the same one; there aren't very many. Even if not, it's close enough, I LIKE IT! Having Campy dropouts, it should be the top line frame. I just had to have it; it arrives in a couple of weeks.
A bit on Giradengo from the Giradengo Barn at utahrandonneur.wordpress.com/the-girardengo-barn/:
Costante Girardengo was blessed with a great natural physical talent, a talent which manifested itself in his first year of racing as a professional cyclist, 1913. He was known for his dominating his fellow competitors, often having time for interviews before his nearest rival would finish the race. Constante was the original Campionissimo or Champion of Champions, a title bestowed by Italian cycling fans of the era. Only two other riders have ever shared that honor, Alfredo Binda and Fausto Coppi!
Girardengo bicycles was founded by Constante and his two sons, Luciano and Ettore in their hometown of Novi Ligure. Their bicycles first appear in 1933 and they are a co-sponsor for team Maino/Girardengo-Clément. Maino likely collaborated with Girardengo on production of the bicycles since he had raced for them for many years and they apparently had a long relationship. Maino, no doubt also hoped to prosper from the association with the Campionissimo. Sometime in the late 50’s Giovanni Maino died and his companies assets were sold to Atala. At this time it is likely that Girardengo was entirely independent from Maino in their production. It is said that assembly of the bicycles was moved to the prison in nearby Alessandria in the 1960’s though manufacture of the frames may have been done elsewhere.
In the late 60’s there seems to be a lapse in the Girardengo timeline, though there are examples of Girardengo bicycles that can be found through the 1970’s, even some later mountain bikes have sported the Girardengo name. It is likely that in the mid 1960’s any proprietary production ceased and the name was licensed to other manufacturers, which marked the end of the era for the Girardengo marque.
I am posting one small composite photo as space is at a premium. Check out the cool head badge!
Cheers
Jim
When I saw this 1960 Girardengo frame, my mind went back to that day. it looked right, was the right age, and came from a Woodland Hills bike shop. Maybe, just maybe it's the same one; there aren't very many. Even if not, it's close enough, I LIKE IT! Having Campy dropouts, it should be the top line frame. I just had to have it; it arrives in a couple of weeks.
A bit on Giradengo from the Giradengo Barn at utahrandonneur.wordpress.com/the-girardengo-barn/:
Costante Girardengo was blessed with a great natural physical talent, a talent which manifested itself in his first year of racing as a professional cyclist, 1913. He was known for his dominating his fellow competitors, often having time for interviews before his nearest rival would finish the race. Constante was the original Campionissimo or Champion of Champions, a title bestowed by Italian cycling fans of the era. Only two other riders have ever shared that honor, Alfredo Binda and Fausto Coppi!
Girardengo bicycles was founded by Constante and his two sons, Luciano and Ettore in their hometown of Novi Ligure. Their bicycles first appear in 1933 and they are a co-sponsor for team Maino/Girardengo-Clément. Maino likely collaborated with Girardengo on production of the bicycles since he had raced for them for many years and they apparently had a long relationship. Maino, no doubt also hoped to prosper from the association with the Campionissimo. Sometime in the late 50’s Giovanni Maino died and his companies assets were sold to Atala. At this time it is likely that Girardengo was entirely independent from Maino in their production. It is said that assembly of the bicycles was moved to the prison in nearby Alessandria in the 1960’s though manufacture of the frames may have been done elsewhere.
In the late 60’s there seems to be a lapse in the Girardengo timeline, though there are examples of Girardengo bicycles that can be found through the 1970’s, even some later mountain bikes have sported the Girardengo name. It is likely that in the mid 1960’s any proprietary production ceased and the name was licensed to other manufacturers, which marked the end of the era for the Girardengo marque.
I am posting one small composite photo as space is at a premium. Check out the cool head badge!
Cheers
Jim
