New-Old-Stock Guerciotti G55 Road Frame and Fork (60 cm) with Gray Enamel Finish

Description: New-Old-Stock Guerciotti G55 Road Frame and Fork (60 cm) with Gray Enamel Finish Thank you for your interest in this item and please visit our store for other offerings. We have very reasonable shipping terms and combine orders to save money (for customers) on shipping costs. We also maintain customer friendly return/refund/exchange policies. Product Description: Listing Update...We are getting some questions regarding availability in different colors/sizes. To this I can confirm the small lot of Guerciotti frames/forks we acquired did not include any duplicates. In other words, this particular Guerciotti G55 frame in the 60 cm size and yellow finish represents the only one we have with these specs. In fact, I was only able to acquire two (2) of the G55's in any size finish...this one listed and another one that is smaller in a blue finish (that has already sold). Original Listing... This offering is for a top-end new-old-stock Guerciotti G55 road frame and fork that is painted in a gray enamel and includes integrated (wishbone style) carbon fiber seat stays. When we say top-end, we are referring to catalog placement and old retail price sheets that position this model at the top of the Guerciotti offerings for a frame and fork that incorporates both steel and carbon fiber in it's design and production. I understand the near $3,000 suggested retail price for this particular frame/fork does not mean much in today's market, but a listing of such prices for all Guerciotti frame/fork models does still help confirm a pecking order for old stock offerings, and that is what we have done here. Additionally, there are no stamped markings on the underside of the bottom bracket shell (other than a "60" which we believe indicates frame size, as this is consistent with our measurement). Although, other frames in this small lot have marking that indicate a late 2002 or 2003 production date. Catalog references also indicate this model and color scheme was available during the 2003 and 2004 model year window, so we believe this unmarked Guerciotti to be of the same vintage. According to the same catalog, the frame is made from high-end Columbus steel tubing and carbon fiber (the latter referring to the integrated seat stays alluded to above). More specifically, the Columbus steel tubing is referred to as their model Ultrafoco...which is considered a high-end (lightweight) butted tube set for racing. Although, this also means thinner walls (so not as durable as other vintage steel tube sets that are heavier)...and the Columbus carbon fiber is referred to as their "Carve" brand. The carbon fiber fork is also Columbus "Muscle" branded and includes a titanium mesh. The frame tubes are lugged and some of the tubes have manipulations that make them somewhat unique. In other words, this frame is not built with all uniform circular shaped tubes, but instead we see precise variations/manipulations that are undoubtedly the result of an accumulation of years of research and development. The same can be said for the hourglass-shaped carbon fiber stays and the matching curved-bladed carbon fiber fork...as the fork blades have been manipulated to achieve a distinct look that presumably has some additional functional benefits. A final note on the fork specs is the steerer diameter measures 1 1/8" in diameter and the section extending above the integrated headset measures about 7.5 cm and appears to have been cut. I found it interesting to read the Guerciotti company originated in the mid 60's when a couple of accomplished riders (and brothers) decided to open a small bicycle shop in Italy. From this point...nearly 50 years ago...the company has moved around a bit (although staying within Italian borders it appears) and continues to work at it's craft, while competing against much larger bicycle companies. We do not see very many Guerciotti frames in the US market (at least relative to some other brands that appear more firmly entrenched and popular in North America). I'm not entirely sure why this is the case, but maybe it has something to do with the company desire to maintain local control of the Guerciotti brand by maintaining their presence in Italy. As compared to some other traditionally European brands that have moved production to much larger facilities outside of Europe. This is not to say that production locale has anything to do with quality, but it may partially explain the numbers game...and why Guerciotti frames/forks are not as readily available in the US market...because there are probably not as many being produced in their smaller production facility in Italy. Again, this is mostly speculation on my part, because I find the Guerciotti frames to be a top-shelf offering...so I would've expected more traction in the US market. We happened upon this small lot of Guerciotti frames/forks from a dealer that was closing his doors 10+ years ago. We generally have not dealt in newer frames, but we made an exception here, because we did not see that many of these Guerciotti frames/forks in the US market. So fast forward to today and we are finally getting to the crates that include these new-old-stock frames that rolled out of production over a dozen years ago. We were provided some catalog information on our Guerciotti frames and have included this information in the specs. listed below. Please also understand that while some of the measurements below are not factory specifications, we have tried to be as accurate as possible using the various measurement tools available to us (i.e., calipers, protractors, rulers, tape measures, scales, etc.). Some of these specifications include the following (and please note all length measurements are center-to-center): Frame size (seat tube length): 60 cm Weight (frame and forks): 5 lbs 1 oz (or 2.30 kgs) Rear dropout spacing: 130 mm Top tube length: 58 cm Head tube angle: 74 degrees Seat tube angle: 73 degrees Wheelbase: 100 cm Chain stay length: 41 cm Fork rake: 40 mm (least amount of confidence in the accuracy of this measurement to the nearest mm...so probably an error factor of +/- 5 mm) Head tube length: 20.5 cm Head tube inside diameter (for headset): Not applicable in the traditional sense, as this frame includes integrated races. I can also confirm the Columbus branded integrated headset visible in the pictures is included with this offering (except for the dust cover that seats over the top of the fork steerer tube...so this small piece will have to be acquired elsewhere). Fork steerer outside diameter (for threadless stem): 28.6 mm (threadless) with integrated headset included, as noted above. Seat tube inside diameter (for seatpost): 27.2 mm (measured by inserting a seatpost sizing rod and noting the first visible marker above the seat tube) Seat tube outside diameter (for clamp-on front derailleur): 28.6 mm (but this is not applicable, as this frame includes a braze-on front derailleur bracket) Bottom bracket shell: 36 mm x 70 mm (Italian threaded) Braze-ons: Mounts for dual control brake/shifter lever cable stops on the down tube (for cable routing when dual-control levers are used...and the cable housing stops pictured are included), brake cable housing stops on the top tube, shifter cable housing stop on the right chain stay, water bottle cage mounts on the down tube and the seat tube and the aforementioned front derailleur bracket Other notes: Semi-vertical rear dropouts with built-in derailleur hanger, recessed brake caliper mounting holes, a stamped/pre-drilled hole on the underside of the bottom bracket shell for cable guide block and an integrated seatpost clamp (but I don't have the binder bolt) We understand there are other frame/fork measurements or characteristics that impact ride qualities and performance, but the above specifications should provide for a good starting point. We also ask that you scan our notes that follow, as we have attempted to provide some general commentary that supplements/supports the above information. Please understand we are only trying to make some very basic observations. We understand our comments may not hold true under all circumstances and that we barely touch on a couple of topics...but we still hope our notes provide some assistance when considering this offering. Angles... We believe most would agree that head tube and seat tube angles have a fairly significant impact on ride qualities...with the emphasis on the head tube angle. These angles may range anywhere from 68 degrees to 75 degrees. The shallower the angle, the more stable and comfortable the ride should be at lower speeds, while steeper angles promote a more responsive/rigid feel that generally handles better at higher speeds (but is usually less comfortable). Please note this offering has rather steep angle measurements, so while the ride may be responsive and handling may be fairly good at higher speeds, the frame may also be somewhat unforgiving...i.e., not as comfortable as a frame with shallower angle measurements. Other measurements... The wheelbase measurement also appears to impact ride qualities. A general rule of thumb is that a longer wheelbase results in a more comfortable ride at lower speeds (similar to the shallower angle discussion noted above), while a shorter wheelbase will promote a more responsive/performance oriented feel that generally handles better at higher speeds (but the drawbacks are predictable in that improved high-speed handling qualities generally result is less comfortable overall ride characteristics). In an attempt to provide some basic guidelines, wheelbase measurements generally range from around 100 cm (or less) to nearly 110 cm...with ride qualities described above dependent on where a measurement is positioned on this continuum. The chain stay measurement is a component of the wheelbase, so it's not surprising to note a consistency between the two measurements. In other words, a shorter chainstay measurement will shorten the wheelbase and generally translates into more responsive/performance oriented ride characteristics with better acceleration and climbing qualities. The drawbacks (to a shorter chain stay) are consistent with the discussion above in that such positive handling qualities at higher speeds will generally result in a less comfortable ride at lower speeds. A longer chain stay measurement, similar to a longer wheelbase measurement, will usually improve overall ride comfort, while conceding some of the high-speed responsiveness achieved with shorter dimensions. Lastly, in an attempt to provide some additional guidelines, chain stay measurements generally range from around 40 cm to 45 cm (or possibly longer) with ride qualities described above dependent on where a measurement is positioned on this continuum. Fork rake, like the chain stay measurement, is a component of the wheelbase...but to a lesser degree. A longer fork rake, as in the case of a steel touring fork with exaggerated curves, will generally provide fairly significant road dampening qualities. From our own personal experience, we always noted the way a touring-style fork will literally bounce up and down around the dropouts, absorbing the bumps in the road, but this feeling never made it up through the steerer (or at least to the degree noted at the dropouts). We realize there are other factors at work here, but we still wanted to provide one example of the impact fork rake may have on ride comfort. Another thought regarding fork rake is it's impact on the "trail" of a bicycle. This could turn into a lengthy discussion by itself, but the general concept is the "trail" measurement of a bicycle significantly impacts the stability of the ride, or said another way, the bicycle handling properties that promote straight ahead steering. Generally speaking, the longer the "trail" the greater the inherent tendency the bicycle will track in a straight line. A shallower head tube angle and a shorter fork rake are probably the most significant contributors to a longer (and preferred) "trail" measurement. Our general assumption here is that frame manufactures have long since incorporated the preferred "trail" measurements in their frame and fork designs, so the fork rake and head tube angle should compliment one another in this regard. Please note the dimensions (wheelbase, chain stay, etc.) on this particular offering are fairly short, so consistent with the angle measurement discussion above, this frame should be fairly responsive and perform fairly well at higher speeds, but it probably will not be as comfortable (relative to a frame with longer dimensions). We do not view the fork rake as having a significant impact on the ride qualities of this particular offering (in the sense that it will not influence handling or performance to the degree of the other noted specifications). Materials... We are not going to do this topic justice, but will still try to provide a few general/basic observations. Most vintage frames were made with steel tubes and although there were different brands/types...this was the preferred material for many years. Steel is generally the heaviest of the material choices, but some still prefer the ride qualities of a steel frame. Generally speaking, steel frames may retain several desirable high-speed ride qualities...responsiveness, good acceleration, etc...while the inherent dampening qualities of steel help to alleviate some of the rigid/uncomfortable ride characteristics that usually accompany high-speed performance. Maybe the most significant historical advancement made with respect to steel frames was the idea of butting the tubes. The motivation behind this concept was to maintain structural integrity of a frame by reinforcing the tubes with thicker material at stress points (i.e., the joints of a frame), while reducing overall frame weight by thinning the tubing walls at lower stress areas (i.e., the tubing sections away from the joints). Butted steel frames are still going to be heavier (in most cases) relative to frames made with other materials (aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber, etc.), but weight differences are generally not as significant when butted tubes are used. Like just about anything however, too much of something is not always a good idea. In the case of butted tubes, we've noted some examples (especially in larger frames) where the tubes become so thin in lower stress areas that a frame will literally begin to "wobble" at higher speeds (and this can be especially unnerving on descents). I am sure there are several factors a work here, but this undesirable characteristic seems to be more prevalent with lighter (and larger) frames that have possibly taken the butted concept to extreme limits. Please understand, we still much prefer a well designed/manufactured butted frame over a straight gauge frame, because the ride qualities are not compromised and a lower overall frame weight is still attainable. Aluminum frames were probably next to achieve some level of commercial appeal...and while it's a lighter material, aluminum frames are generally stiffer and provide a harsher ride (relative to a similarly constructed steel frame). Having said this, aluminum frames generally retain many of the high-speed ride qualities and superior climbing qualities (due to their light weight) desired by more competitive cyclists. Some would also note that aluminum frames are generally a good candidate for lighter riders, while heavier/stronger riders that generate a lot of torque may want to look at other material options. Another design feature that gained popularity, while the aluminum frames were being introduced, concerned the idea of oversized tubes. The underlying motivation here was similar to that of butted tubing noted above...maintain structural integrity and desirable frame characteristics, while further decreasing the overall frame weight. This was accomplished by increasing the size (diameter) of the frame tubing while also thinning the tubing walls. As most will attest, this concept can be taken to the extreme (similar to the butted discussion above), which may also result in undesirable frame qualities. Although, well designed and oversized frame tubes in just about any material are still widely accepted and available on many current frame offerings, which lends support to the merits of this underlying concept. More recent frame materials gaining popularity include carbon fiber, titanium, or some combination of various frame materials (and regarding the latter...an aluminum frame with carbon fiber seat stays and a carbon fiber fork has become a popular option that is still somewhat affordable by today's standards). While frames made with these materials are generally more expensive, there are many that believe their basic properties (in addition to their light weight) help to achieve the most desirable combination of ride qualities (i.e., high-speed performance/responsiveness, while still maintaining comfort and low-speed stability). We believe there is merit to this claim, especially when considering the resources frame manufacturers are dedicating to research and development. Having said all of this, please note this particular offering is a butted and thin walled steel frame with integrated carbon fiber seat stays and a carbon fiber fork (which appears to be one of the more popular designs for reasons noted above...light weight, responsiveness and road dampening qualities). In other words, the frame geometry and steel tubing contribute to the frame's light weight and responsive handling, while the carbon fiber seat stays and fork help to offset what might otherwise translate into a harsh ride...to something more tolerable over longer distances. We should also note this G55 model appears to be the top-end Guerciotti frame/fork from this era that incorporates the integrated seat stays. Condition... All of our Guerciotti frames/forks are new-old-stock (although a few were previously built-up as demos, but never sold)...and came to us bulk packed with some cardboard dividers and packaging to help preserve their cosmetic condition. As a result, we are still seeing some blemishes (scratches and scuffs) on each offering. We will do our best to point out the more significant cosmetic flaws, so there are no real surprises, but please keep in mind there are going to be some shopwear-type marks on each of these offerings. As we inspect this particular frame/fork, we are noting some light shopwear (as there are some light surface scratches on the carbon fiber stays and fork, as well as some light scratches/rub marks on the steel sections of the frame. Although, I don't believe this offering has ever seen any road time. The underside of the bottom bracket shell and down tube are clean, and I just don't see enough evidence that this frame/fork was ever built-up into a complete bike. Some parts may have been installed at one time, but I honestly doubt this effort approached a complete build. Regarding cosmetic blemishes that do not fit the shopwear category...so more like some sort of factory finishing blemishes...I see a few cosmetically rough finishing sections in the steel tubing that was likely never properly prepped for painting, or maybe it's a painting problem where the enamel was not evenly applied. Whatever the case, I see a few of these areas (the most visible of which is probably near the top of the seat tube...and just under the top tube. I see some other small finishing blemishes on the bottom side of the down tube and in a few other areas, but you have to really inspect the frame to notice these smaller factory blemishes. So overall, this frame/fork is in nice cosmetic condition (and probably as nice as any we have sold or have left in stock). Terms and Conditions: You may visit our store by clicking on this "Store Home Page" link and please note the product categories on the left side of our "Store Home Page". Note to domestic customers regarding oversized package shipping... For domestic packages (within the continental US), FedEx Ground or FedEx Home Delivery Service generally offers the lowest shipping rate for oversized packages (frames, wheels, etc.). Unfortunately, our experience also indicates these FedEx services are generally among the slowest of the shipping options. As a result, we will include USPS Priority Mail service as an alternative, as this service is usually faster within the continental US (but more expensive). Finally, for those that live outside the continental US (i.e., Alaska, Hawaii and the US Territories), USPS Retail Ground, Parcel Select Ground and Priority Mail services represent the best value (with Priority Mail offering the fastest service). Note to international customers regarding oversized package shipping... International shipping requirements vary for larger packages (including size limitations from country to country). As a result, international customers should contact us before purchasing larger items (frames, wheels, etc.). We are then able to research shipping options to determine if we are able to ship a particular oversized item to your country and then provide an accurate shipping quote. This way we will avoid any confusion or misunderstanding with respect to international shipping of oversized packages. Note to international customers regarding customs... We also apologize to those that feel their country import taxes, duties and brokerage fees are excessive. As a small US business, we are required by customs' laws to declare each order as a retail sale. Additionally, the declared order value must be equal to total store purchases and/or winning auction bids (less any shipping costs, as these are not considered in the declared value). As a result, each customer will be responsible for paying his/her own country taxes, duties and brokerage fees, which will be collected upon delivery. Again, we aplogize for these additional costs, but we cannot afford the penalties and fines that come with breaking customs' laws...so we have to strictly abide by them.

Price: 799.99 USD

Location: Argonia, Kansas

End Time: 2025-01-02T21:36:46.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD