WILIER Triestina Campagnolo Cambio Corsa, 58cm (early 1940s) – SOLD

Wilier was founded in 1906 by Pietro Dal Molin in Bassano del Grappa (Veneto, Italy) and is one of the best known names in Italian cycling. Following WWII Wilier formed a professional cycling team led by Giordano Cottur of Trieste. In 1945, the name of the brand was changed to Wilier Triestina, and the distinctive copper colored finish became a trademark of Wilier Triestina. The great Italian cyclist Fiorenzo Magni won the 1948 Giro d’Italia upon a Wilier Triestina , in 1952 the factory ended production and left cycling. However, in 1969 the Wilier Triestina marque was reconstituted  and once again entered the world of pro- cycling. In 1985 and 1986 Claudio Corti won the Italian national championships, riding one of the most beautiful racing bicycles ever to grace the pelotons of professional cycling – Wilier  Triestina Cromovelato ”Gioiello Ramato”  (”Copper Jewel”).

Wilier is an acroynm for Viva l’Italia Libera e Redenta (Long live Italy, liberated and redeemed). A copper finish is one of the most recognizable frame colors in cycling and is easily identified with Wilier as celeste is identified with Bianchi. The beautiful, copper finish or Ramato (Ramato means copper plated in Italian) was obtained through a long and complex process called cromovelato in which copper laquer was applied over the chrome finish.

Back in late 1930s, Tulio Campagnolo stood on a cold mountain top, and couldn’t unscrew the wing nuts on the rear wheel of his bike because his fingers were frozen. He enhanced his products while constantly seeking cutting-edge solutions. He invented the quick release hub and revolutionary gearing system called Campagnolo Cambio Corsa called also Campagnolo ”due leve” (two lewers) gearing system. To change gear the rider would:

1.Reach back to the seat-stay and turn the higher mounted lever to release the rear wheel (The lever was in effect a extended quick release).

2.Back pedal.

3.The lower  lever with a cage mounted over the chain is enabling the rider to select the sprocket he wanted by turning the lever.

4.Once the chain was engaged on the correct sprocket the rider would stop backpedaling and turn the higher lever back to it’s locked position. This action would lock the wheel and release the changing fork.

5.The rider could then pedal forward again and go on his merry way.

Happy to present another legendary Italian steel beauty – Wilier Triestina Ramata which dates back to early 1940s. Beautiful frameset  is made of steel tubing, Campagnolo drop-outs, featuring beautiful lugs and fork crowns with Wilier head badge on the headtube. Equiped with legendary and original Campagnolo Corsa ”due leve” gearing system, original Wilier crankset, Universal 36166 brakes and levers, original Cinelli steel stem&handlebar, original BROOKS saddle… No much words needed.

With this vintage masterpiece you can get an incredible experience how cycling heroes rode back in the golden era of cycling history or just to get a lot of attention at any historic cycling events.

Very special piece for any vintage bike collector. This bicycle participate at L’Eroica in the past. Fair price.

Frame & Fork: Willier Triestina Cambio Due Leve (frame no. 8187 )

Size:

– seat tube (c-t): 58 cm

– top tube (c-c): 55.5 cm

– headset tube: 13.4 cm

– standover: 80.5 cm

Crankset: Wilier by Magistroni

Bottom bracket: Magistroni

Gearing system: Campagnolo Cambio Corsa – ”Due leve”

Brake Levers: Universal 36166

Brakes: Universal 36166

Stem: Cinelli (steel)

Handlebar: Cinelli (steel)

Hubs: Campagnolo Corsa

Rims: CB wooden

Freewheel: Everest (4s)

Seat: BROOKS (original)

Pedals: Sheffield

Toe cage: Ballila

Handlebar Tape: cotton

Air pump: Silca

Tubulars: Challenge (new)

Condition: Used, but great condition. Refubrished several years ago. No cracks, no dents, not bent. Original set-up. All parts are in good condition and are working fine.

Era: early 1940s

Price: SOLD (June 2021)