Based on the online registry posted by Peter Brueggeman, this Olmo Competition frame dates to 1982 based on the serial number 8579. The frame has just arrived from Köln, Germany, making it’s way through the barrage of Christmas packages to begin a new life.

The frame has its original pearl white paint and it is in excellent condition with only a few very minor scuffs and scratches. The frame measures 56cm center-to-center or 57cm center-to-top (BB stamped 57), the rear wheel spacing is 126mm and the tubing is Columbus SL throughout. The only parts that came with the frame are the Campagnolo seat post bolt and the axle stops in the Campagnolo rear dropouts. So the build is on.

And it is probably ‘the build’ that was the reason for purchasing this frame although I have long since given up any attempt to justify ‘another bike’. That said, the frame is in pristine condition and it’s a classic Columbus SL build. This same momentary lack of self-control at some point in the past also resulted in a complete 1st/2nd generation Dura-Ace group that needed a home. And now it will have one.

The 7100 series Dura-Ace group introduced in 1973 predates this Olmo by nine years, the Dura-Ace 7200 EX series that included a 6-speed setup was introduced in 1978, so everything is close enough in my book to suit this 1982 Olmo.

To compliment the vintage Dura-Ace group, I have ordered the stem, bars and seat post from Nitto. The forged Nitto Pearl stem and handlebars owe their DNA to the Cinelli 1A stem and Giro bar set, and the Nitto finishing is equal to the Cinelli benchmark. The Nitto 65 seat post is a classic one-bolt design that is mirror polished ‘to the nines’, and every bit the equal (or more) in my opinion to the Campy Super Record post of the era.

Update of October 18, 2020

This project has sat waiting for the better part of three years but it finally made it to the bike stand along with several other projects as we all find ourselves with more time on our hands during this worldwide pandemic.  That said it has been a lot of fun finishing up this build. Every hub and bearing from the bottom bracket to the headset greased and set. New gear and brake cables. Everything spinning perfectly. Rides like a dream.

Here is a blueprint of the finished bike:

Model:   Olmo Competition
Year:   1982
Serial No:  8579
Colour:  Pearl White
Frame Size:  56 cm (ctc)  57.0 cm (ctt) bottom bracket stamped 57
Total Weight: tbd
Tubing:  Columbus SL frame and fork
Dropouts:  Campagnolo 1010/B w Portacatena mounting holes
Crankset:  Shimano Dura-Ace 7100 series – 39/50T (nos)
Bottom Bracket:  Shimano Dura-Ace 7100 series
Pedals:  Kyokuto ‘Pro-Ace’
Toe Clips:  Christophe Special (nos)
Toe Straps:  Christophe (new)
Front Derailleur:  Shimano Dura-Ace 7100 series (EA-100)
Rear Derailleur:  Shimano Crane (DB-100) Dura-Ace 7100 series group
Shifters:  Shimano Dura-Ace 7100 series (nos)
Freewheel:  Shimano 6-speed 14-28T (new)
Chain: Shimano GF40 Silver (new)
Front Hub: Shimano Dura-Ace 7200 EX Low Flange 36H (nos)
Rear Hub: Shimano Dura-Ace 7200 EX Low Flange 36H (nos)
Rims:  Mavic Open Pro 36H High Pressure Clincher (new)
Spokes:  DT double-butted polished stainless (2.0/1.8/2.0)
Tires:  Veloflex Pavé (new)
Handlebars: Nitto Mod.55 42cm ctc (new)
Handlebar Stem:  Nitto Pearl (new)
Handlebar Tape:  Cinelli cork black w Olmo branded bar end plugs (new)
Headset:  Shimano Dura-Ace 7400 series
Brake Levers:  Shimano Dura-Ace 7100 series (nos)
Brake Callipers:  Shimano Dura-Ace 7200 EX series
Seatpost: Nitto 65 (new)
Seat:  Sella Italia 1980 Turbo (new re-issue)
Water Bottle Cage:  Blackburn (nos)

This bike was passed along to a new owner in April, 2021.

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