I just returned from Italy a few weeks ago and this wonderful 1962 Legnano Mod.02 ‘Condorino’ followed me home, arriving today at my door in an old cardboard box, wrapped in bubble, zip ties and masking tape. I could tell that this was a first time experience for the sender but most importantly it looks like everything stayed in the box and there was no damage during transit. A huge sigh of relief.
The first thing to consider when shipping bikes in cardboard boxes is to make sure there is some solid bracing between the front and rear stays, either some wood blocking or an old axle with pairs of nuts to maintain the spacing. I also prefer to have the bike upside down in the box rather than resting on the dropouts as most handlers will respect large UP arrows on the outside of the package.
Small screws and bolts I prefer to put back in their holes and snug up rather than putting them in a bag that could get lost or fall out of the box if damaged. Lots of plastic bubble and zip ties to keep it all together inside the box and keep any tape well away from paint and decals. And nothing works better than duct tape wrapped 360 around all sides of the box and some makeshift loops of tape to use as handles as they do help to keep the box ‘right side up’ in handling.
Thirty, very satisfying minutes later this is what Mod.02 looks like fully assembled but not quite ready for the road. The colour is almost the same as traditional window putty, a very subtle green cast to an otherwise medium shade of grey with a contrasting head tube in Legnano red and the signature chrome bands on the seat tube that are characteristic of many Legnano Sportivo models through the 1960s.
So what’s next? Restraint mostly as this is my therapy project to ward off ‘cabin fever’ during the long, cold Canadian winter. As I often comment to friends, this activity is much more fun and far less expensive than psychotherapy. In addition, spring comes, sanity in tact, and you have a beautiful vintage bike as a reward for surviving another winter in the Great White North.
I have no intention of repainting this bike as the original paint is in great condition for the years. I will fully dismantle Mod.02 and give her a thorough degreasing, rebuild the wheels if necessary, some careful hand compounding and a good coat of wax on the frame, repack all the bearings, polish up the chrome work and then every so slowly put her back together while I gaze out the window at the snow drifts and enjoy some hot chocolate.
More to come in the spring!
condorino 
There is a nice bike on Ebay (like this but newer) but it has Huret Derailleurs. Are these original? Or did the bike come with Campy Derailleurs?
See: http://www.ebay.com/itm/301936308657
The Condorino Sportivo that is currently posted to eBay (above photo) is from the 1970’s. Like all Italian makers at this time, Legnano was working hard to stay competitive particularly with their mid-range road bikes and city bikes. There is a possibility that the Huret derailleurs are replacements however I think they are original to this particular bike given that everything else appears to be completely original. Had the setup been Campagnolo it most likely would have had Valentino derailleurs and shifters.
Thanks for responding. It would be the first Legnano I’ve ever seen with factory Huret Derailleurs. I would think it was shipped with Campy Valentino or Nuovo Valentino, or whatever the “cheapies” were. It would be nice to know for sure, because if they were “factory” I’d leave them be, but if not, I’d have to switch over to Campy.
Hi, I’m Paolo from Rome. Congrats for your interesting blog. I’ve been looking for information on my Condorino since its purchase in late 2013, especially a correct construction year. I asked to many experienced sellers and they all replied that is probably a mid-60s, but I believe it is for sure more recent, considering the decals’ font, the seat bolt. I believe that the Huret shift could be factory original. I would be delight to hearing your comments. Here you will find some pics. Best, Paolo.
Ciao Paulo,
Thanks for writing and sending along the photo link of your bike. First of all, a very nice ‘Condorino’ and with the exception of the saddle it appears to be completely original and also in excellent condition considering it is now almost 50 years old. I would estimate the production year to be 1971-1972 and possibly as late as 1973 but not any more based on the Legnano branded components and frame details. Also, in 1970 Legnano changed the graphic style of their logo on the down tube to the format that is on your bike.
I would also say that the Huret rear derailleur and down tube shifter is original as I have seen these components before on city and sport models from Legnano during these years. While derailleurs do wear out and get replaced it would be unusual for the down tube shifter to also get replaced. In addition, the overall original condition of your bike would suggest that it has not been modified.
I can not see clearly from the photos however it appears that the hubs are from Maillard if the skewers are branded M.M.Atom (?). The pedals are from Way-Assauto and were used for many years by Legnano on the condorino. It is also great that the original stainless steel fenders are in excellent condition and with the bike . . . and these are most likely made by INOX.
I would recommend that you leave the original factory paint as it is still in very good condition and will enhance the value of this bike over time. Thanks again for writing and enjoy your treasure! Very nice.
Saluti,
Mark
Dear Mark,
Thanks for your reply.I can confirm the pedals by way-assauto. Regarding the hubs, I have to check.
I will definetely leave the paint as it is, since, after a decade in collecting (motorbikes), I am now a huge fan of conservative restorations.
paolo