Cycling News has been scouring the Internet for cycling information, and this time we found something truly beautiful. [It was built for and raced by Italian legend Gino Bartali, who won the Giro d'Italia three times, the Tour de France twice, Milan-San Remo four times, and Il Lombardia three times, and if you have just under $100,000 to spend, you can own a great piece of cycling history.
Bartali's career was interrupted by World War II, but after the war ended and racing resumed, he competed in the Giro and Tour once each, winning his third Giro in 1946 and his last Grand Tour in 1948 at the Tour de France.
The bike listed on eBay was built for Bartali in 1947 by the famous frame builder Bianchi Ugo of Legnano, who also provided documentation.
"The bike was certified by Bianchi Dino (Bianchi Ugo's son) about 10 years ago, before his death," the seller wrote. Bianchi Dino was a great expert on his father's Legnano bikes and was world famous for his Alfredo Binda toestraps." The frame number of this bike is 4716, where 47 is the year 1947 and 16 is the serial number of the 'reparto corse'"
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The bike was reportedly purchased by a fan after the 1947 Giro, where Bartali finished second to Fausto Coppi for the stage win, and remained in the box for the next 60 years. According to the seller, the bike is in original condition and has only been used "a few times."
"The bike was found with the original pump holder and the original Silca pump," the seller wrote. The Silca pump was one of the first models, as can be seen in this photo of Gino Bartali with his wife and two sons Luigi and Andrea." No one has disassembled the bike or any part of it. There is an original Brooks toestrap, a Brooks saddle, a Gara stem, Campagnolo hubs, Universal brakes, and FOM pedals."
The bike also has Bartali's trademark two left axle caps. Bartali, who lost the 1940 Giro to upstart Fausto Coppi due to serious axle cap problems, preferred this precaution.
Bartali not only gained fame and notoriety for his bicycle and his epic battles with rival Coppi, but also for his little-known role in helping Italian Jews during World War II.
Relying on his reputation as one of Italy's most famous cycling champions, Bartali was given unrestricted freedom to train and travel. Although the bicycle was built and used long after those terrible times, it is a remnant of a time when many people stood up against the evils of the time.
The gold paint is chipped and faded here and there, and the front has a single chainring. It is wrapped in pink "Giro" bar tape, and the brake levers are taped, as Bartali preferred. It is a one-of-a-kind piece of cycling history and, at least in theory, could be yours.
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