Dimensions are: 56.5
c-c seat tube; 55 c-c top tube; 82 stand-over height.
Gios has unusual geometry
in that the top tube is relatively short (55 top tube for a 56.5 seat
tube, on this bike). You might think the bike would be cramped or
twitchy, but it is not. It is really amazing how comfortable yet
responsive this bike is.
The paint and decals are
original, and in really outstanding condition. There are a few
small spots that I have touched up with original Gios touch-up paint,
which is a perfect match, and makes the touch-ups nearly invisible.
The suede leather Selle Italia Criterium
saddle is pretty, is comfortable, is NOS, and is period correct.
I had the seat post milled
to extend the flutes (thanks Gary!), and then I polished it.
All the decals are complete
and in excellent condition.
The Gios bar-end plugs are a
mid-80s upgrade, but I believe the Bike Ribbon bar tape would be
period correct for 1979-80.
115mm Cinelli 1-R stem with
alloy binder bolt, polished of course.
The same person who milled
the seat post also milled the stem - nice work, huh?
The gum hoods are top quality reproductions (thanks Robbie).
I modified the Super Record
levers by drilling the existing holes, adding a few more holes along the
sides, and then countersinking all the holes.
Another mid 80s period
upgrade is the Cinelli 64-44 handlebar, which has a medium drop and is
the widest bar available at the time. (BTW, the bar does not have
any grooves for aero cable routing.)
The 44cm wide bar is more
comfortable than the older, narrower bars. (In case you are
wondering, the Cinelli "flying C" logo came out in 1978 or 79.)
The Record calipers are
original milled from the late 70s to early 80s. The brake shoes
are alloy (as compared to chromed steel which are prettier but heavier).
I polished the caliper arms
to a high shine.
Those are the original Gios
"coins." Modern replacement coins have a gold finish.
The rims are cool and
ultralight Mavic GEL 280, 36 holes, laced 3-cross with 15-16-15 DT
spokes to small flange Record hubs. I chose 36 holes rather than
32 to compensate for the lightness of the rims. These are
ultralight wheels, but strong enough for a heavy rider on most roads
(maybe not Paris-Roubaix though).
The tires are the early 80s
version of the legendary Clement Criteriums, in like-new condition
(never ridden, never glued).
Distinctive and attractive
fork crown.
I cut and filed the shifters
myself. I left a little "meat" on them so they would be lighter
than stock but not fragile (the ones that are completely hollowed out
are pretty but they make me nervous).
Classic graphics, in great
condition.
Light alloy, period correct
Cobra water bottle cage, in new condition.
My proudest work on this
bike, a Mexico-style crankset with drilled ring. I filed the edges
of arms to give them a round profile, I hollowed out the spider arms,
and I polished the the whole thing. Then I drilled the large ring
with a combination of small and large holes, and assembled them with
black anodized alloy chain ring bolts and nuts.
I also lightened the front
derailleur by filing the clamp, front and back, and the top of the body
too.
I used the mid 80s Regina SL
chain, with hollow pins, for its light weight, its good looks, and its
performance - it shifts very well.
The large ring is NOS, and
the small ring is like new.
A lot of work went into this
crankset, and I think it came out very nice.
I drilled and polished the
pulley cages on the Pat. 80 rear derailleur.
Note the drilling on the
dropouts (original Gios factory detail), and the correct spiral steel
cable housing, with correct ferrules (it's all about the details...)
The freewheel is a 6 speed
Regina CX (13-14-15-17-18-21).
In these two photos (above
and below) you can see the re-profiled crank arms in more detail.
By the way, the bottom bracket is (of course) a Campagnolo Record.
Note the rear of the
derailleur clamp
Just a nice photo.
The caliper arms polished up
very nicely, and all the hardware is in great condition.
The bottom bracket shell is
stamped "58." The measurement is taken to the tippy top of the
seat lug. (The center-to-center measurement is 56.5.)
The underside of the frame
is in excellent condition as well.
Old-school wooden dowel in
the fork steerer.
The Super Record headset in
beautiful condition.
Unique shape of the seat
stay caps.
Even the Columbus SL decal
is intact.
I used an Allen-socket alloy
bolt for the saddle clamp assembly (this is the type of bolt that was
used with Cinelli VIP sets).
Aluminum head badge - note
the original brass rivets.
I will include this vintage
Gios bottle (by Mariplast of Italy), and the small bottle of Gios touch
up paint (with integrated brush) that I bought from Excel Sports.
I'm including this outdoors
photo so you can appreciate how beautiful the Gios blue paint looks in
natural light. Artificial indoor lights don't always do it
justice.
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Gios bikes are iconic, but
they can tend to look all the same. This one is setup
in a unique way but it still retains its classic character. I hope
you like it. Thanks for looking.
Ray Dobbins