Questions can be sent to: info@condorino.com
I receive many requests from readers asking to date the production year of their Legnano and I am happy to help with as much information as possible. However it is increasingly difficult to come across a Legnano that is completely unchanged from the day it rolled off the assembly line. In some cases as many as 70+ years may have passed and parts may have been replaced due to normal wear or perhaps the original owner’s desire to improve the performance of their bike as new products came available.
As an example, I came across a Roma Olimpiade recently from the early 60’s that was being sold by its original owner however the Universal 61 brake callipers had been upgraded to the Universal 68 model when they were released in 1968. I have seen similar upgrades with Campy brakesets when they came available to complete the ‘gruppo’ on Roma models from the early to mid 60’s. Wheels also came and went, particularly on road bikes that were raced competitively. Chains and freewheels are two other components that are commonly not original on most vintage bikes.
Keep in mind however that bicycle parts or components were not changing up every year or two as they are today and many parts stayed in production for decades with little if any change beyond a production date stamp (in some cases). So it is best to keep this in mind when dating vintage bikes and acknowledge it may only be the frame that can be truly dated to a production year, and even then it is not an exact science.
A number of years back I decided to begin compiling a list of Legnano serial numbers that I am posting here as reference for anyone trying to date a Legnano frame. The Legnano serial numbers presented in the link below have only been included if supporting photography of the bicycle was available, including an image of the serial number. The objective was not to question anyone but rather to ensure as much authenticity and accuracy as possible. As they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words” and also much more interesting than just a long list of numbers.
LEGNANO SERIAL NUMBERS This listing is current as of December, 2017
If you have a Legnano that you would like to add to the listing, photos including an image of the serial number can be sent to info@condorino.com. In addition to the serial number listing, I am adding the supporting photo documentation for each of the bikes to this website as time permits. This will provide an interesting visual history of the various components and companies that Legnano worked with over the years in building their bikes.
A special work of thanks and acknowledgement to the RSC or translated the ‘Historical Cycles Registry’ of Italy for providing the background on the Legnano serial number sequences, and also to Dale Brown and the Classic Rendezvous website that has maintained a voluntary listing of Legnano serial numbers for many years. In addition, a personal word of thanks to both Dale and the RSC for returning emails and helping this effort.
According to the RSC registry, Emilio Bozzi S.p.A. used a common or shared sequence of serial numbers for all three of their brands: Legnano, Wolsit and Perla. This is understandable as all three of the Bozzi brands were produced in the same factory. Legnano was also the last of the three brands to be acquired by Emilio Bozzi, originally founded by Vittorio Rossi in 1902. As an aside, Legnano’s long time rival Bianchi was founded in 1885.
The RSC registry shows that the Bozzi serial numbers began in 1920, about the time that Emilio Bozzi acquired the Legnano brand, and were ‘reset’ or redefined in format at several points in time. Here is how it all plays out.
Legnano Serial Numbers Stamped on the Head Lug: 1920 – 1938
1920 – 1924: five numbers only stamped horizontally on the upper head lug (e.g. 31017).
1925 – 1934: one letter followed by four numbers stamped on upper head lug (e.g. M5767).
1935 – 1938: four numbers followed by a letter stamped on the upper head lug (e.g. 5521S).
Legnano Serial Numbers stamped on the Seat Lug: 1939 – 1966
1939 – 1941: one lower case letter followed by four numbers (e.g. a2729)
1941 – 1966: two upper case letters followed by four numbers stamped vertically, reading top to bottom ((e.g. AB2367 in 1941, EX3632 in 1961). All Legnano models except the Tipo Roma and Roma Olimpiade models.
1941 – 1966: two upper case letters followed by four numbers stamped horizontally on the back of the seat lug for Tipo Roma and Roma Olimpiade models only (e.g. BO5289 in 1946, EB1056 in 1958, FS1113 in 1966).
The Association RSC states that the two letters were dropped and only the four numbers were stamped on Roma models produced for Legnano teams and sponsored competitors from as early as 1937. Above is Roma Frame number 4621 that was built by Bianchi Uno (Bianchi Dino’s father) for Gino Bartali in 1946, the year he won both the Giro and the TdF.
Lastly a word to those readers that may have a Legnano bike that they know was purchased post-1966 and carries a two letter, four digit serial number on either the side or back of the seat lug. Consider that Legnano bikes imported from Italy could have remained in the hands of the North American Legnano distributor or the local retailer for some time before being sold. Although bikes today change up paint paint schemes on a yearly basis to define model years and entice customers, this was not the case in the 1960’s. Also, bike shops in the day would sometimes strip an imported bikes of its components, particularly if they were Campagnolo components, to service a good customer if their part inventory was low and/or to realize a little extra revenue. So potentially a Legnano Roma Olimpiade that was manufactured in 1966 may not have been sold until 1968 or even later.
1967 to early 1970’s: Two digit numbers on the seat lug are not serial numbers (Updated September 2018)
The two numbers stamped on the back or side of the seat lug on Legnano frames after 1966 were not serial numbers and by no means should they be confused with ‘team bikes’ or representative of the year the frame was produced or the size of the frame. They also do not reference the Legnano model as I have found the same two digits on both city bikes and road bikes alike.
After many years of looking for an explanation, I have learned that these numbers were referenced to the specific ‘production unit’ within the Bozzi Spa factory that produced the frame. In other words a tracking reference for QA purposes and perhaps also to monitor the overall productivity of the production unit.
Above is an example of the two digit production code on the right side of a 1969-1970 Gran Premio model (horizontally on the back of the seat lug for Roma Olimpiade models only). These two digit numeric production codes were used for only a few short years between 1967 and the early 1970’s based on my findings.
Legnano Serial Numbers after 1967+
First a word to those readers that may have a Legnano bike that was purchased post-1967 and carries a two letter, four digit serial number on either the side or back of the seat lug. Consider that Legnano bikes imported from Italy could have remained in the hands of the Legnano distributor or local retailer for some time before being sold. Although bikes today change up paint schemes on a yearly basis to define model years, this was not so much the case in the 1960’s. Also, bike shops in the day would sometimes strip imported bikes of their components, particularly if they were Campagnolo components, to service a good customer if their part inventory was low and/or to realize a little extra revenue. So potentially a Legnano Roma Olimpiade manufactured in Italy in 1967 may not have been sold until 1969 or 1970 to a customer in North America.
Legnano Roma Serial Numbers on the Bottom Bracket after 1967+
In the late 1960’s, Legnano began to build some Roma Olimpiade frames with Reynolds 531 tubing as well as Columbus SL tubing. Through to the early 70’s the Reynold’s production had the serial number stamped on the underside of the BB followed with an upper case ‘R’ as can be seen in the photo below of the 1969 Roma Olimpiade that is in this collection. During these same years, some Roma frames built with Falck tubing can be found with the letter ‘F’ below the serial number. By the mid-70’s Legnano suspended the use of serial numbers altogether.
I recently acquired a 1967 Roma Olimpiade that is built from Columbus SL tubing. This Roma also has the serial number stamped on the underside of the bottom bracket but without the use of a letter designation. To date, this is the only Roma that I have come across that is built from Columbus tubing however I am sure there are many others out there.
Serial Numbers on Left Side of the Seat Tube 1970+
The other Legnano serial number format that I have run across is on the left side of the seat tube just below the seat lug. This format shows up on the 1972 Gran Premio that is a part of the collection, serial number 32142.
Another Gran Premio owned (at the time of writing) by Paul Page in the UK has the serial number 32072 stamped in the same location (fyi . . . both bikes have their original paint). Until more bikes show up with this serial number format it is difficult to say when it actually began, how long it lasted or if it was used on models other than the Gran Premio.
In summary, this is the Legnano serial number saga as best as I have been able to determine. I hope this account is helpful to people working to date their Legnano bikes and also a bit of deterrent to those trying to ‘pass off’ Legnano bikes from the golden era that may not be quite so golden. I will provide updates to the Legnano Serial Numbers listing as I continue to document these wonderful bikes.
condorino 
Hello, I am writing you about a Legnano Olypiade Record Speciaissima 55cm with serial #1328 R on the BB. The original owners son said it was bought in the mid 60’s, but the patent # on the rear derailier says 1970?. Bike is all Nuevo Record with Universal 61 brakes, 3t bars Legnano stem and Brooks Pro saddle. Write me back and I will send pictures Thanks Rob
Based on the serial number I would say that the 1970 date would be correct for this Olimpiade Record Specialissima and look forward to seeing the photos. Sounds like a great bike and thanks for posting!
I have yet to locate any serial number on the Legnano frame I pulled from a junk pile. This page is very helpful, and I’ll scour all of the areas you identify where serial numbers have been stamped. But if I’m unable to locate a serial number, would you mind looking at some photos?
Hi Nick,
Happy to help if you want to post one or two more pictures on your FB page. From the image that is currently posted of the seat lug area . . . I would say the frame is a Gran Premio model from the early to mid 70’s. The little threaded boss on the back of the seat lug is to secure the cable stop for a set of Universal 61 brake callipers. Best regards,
Mark
Hi Mark, a few days ago a found a Legnano frame and I would like to send you some pictures because I am finding a hard time figuring out the exact model of the bike, because beside a 2 digit number on the right side of the seat lug I can’t find any other serial number. Thank you, Balint
This is a Legnano Mod.02 Sportivo which was a city style bike fitted at that time with a 5 speed freewheel and a single Campagnolo downtube shifter that would have been coupled to a Campagnolo Sport rear derailleur. This bike, or should I say frame, is from the late 60’s (approx. 1967-1969) when Legnano stopped the practice of using serial numbers. The ’17’ stamped on the seat lug is not a serial number but a production number that supported the workflow in the factory. The Mod.02 Sportivo, as the number would suggest, was one of Legnano’s basic or entry-level city bikes. It was available in blue, grey, a plum red, and green. And the handlebars or ‘manubrio’ as they say in Italian would have been the Condorino style that you can see on this site.
It appears that the only parts that are original to this bike are the single Campagnolo Sport down tube shifter and the headset, and the seat post bolt which you should take care not to loose as they are not the easiest to replace. You can see a small tab with a threaded hole on the right rear seat stay that was used to help mount the chain guard. Hope that helps. Best regards, Mark.
I just picked up an Olimpiade Record Specialissima that appears to be 1973. Its quite dirty, with some surface rust and sun fade (typical AZ) but appears it will clean up nice and is very original. Its Silver, SN 6168R. All Campagnolo except brakes which are Universal Mod 61 (not 68.?). I am thinking 73′ due to triple record Crankset 73′, and Record high flange hubs with 73′ locknuts on Fiamme wheels. Rally touring RD,
Did they make a touring model?
Hello Robert,
Very interesting bike and thanks for posting and sharing the pics. I would agree that the bike was produced as early as 1973 and possibly as late as 1975 based on the serial number sequence and its location on the underside of the bottom bracket. Also, it is only on the early Specialissima models that you find this style of lug work. So if you wanted to pin the year at 1974, I don’t think that anyone could take issue with that date. The frame is also constructed from Reynolds 531 tubing, reflected in the R that is below the serial number on the bottom bracket.
Legnano did not make a touring model in the proper sense that I am aware of. Although I was pretty young at the time, I remember when the Campy triple and Rally derailleur came on the scene. And while it found it’s place for a while with touring cyclists I don’t recall that being the main push when it was launched. The Campagnolo brand at that time was the brand of competition, be that the club scene or professional road racing. I doubt that anyone on the pro circuit every used the Campy triple at the time but keep in mind that the Legnano Roma bikes that were sold commercially where not the same bikes as those ridden by the Legnano team. Close perhaps but not the same.
There is the possibility that the triple crankset and BB along with the Rally rear derailleur were swapped out when the bike was purchased or possibly a change that the owner made after a year or two. Take a look at the top of the rear seat stays to see if there is any marking on the paint that might suggest the original owner had a rack mounted for some light touring. And there is the possibility that this Roma was originally fitted with the triple and Rally derailleur, Legnano wanting to take advantage of the newly released Campagnolo products to maintain their sales numbers.
Keep in mind that the bicycle scene was really heating up at that time with the introduction of the first Shimano Dura Ace components, and customers were starting to look at alternatives to the Italian benchmarks and particularly Campagnolo. Regrettably I do not have a Legnano catalog from this time period which would help to answer this question a little better. Having said that, if you wanted to refit the bike with a ’73 or ’74 Nuovo Record derailleur and standard NR double crankset, I am quite certain the Specialissima model was produced in that configuration.
Enjoy your new find and thanks again for posting.
Mark
Hello, I am very much a beginner with bikes and have recently bought a vintage Legnano road bike. The seller said it was from 1978 and I wanted to make sure it was but I can’t seem to find any model name or serial number on it. The only embossed thing I could find was on the top of the seat tube and it was 72 and a small “c” next to the top part of the 2. Can somebody help me with my dilema?
Thanks for the post. I will need some photos of the bike to help you out with the dating. I will send you my email address if you would like to send along some pics and I will do my best.
Regards,
Mark
I am not sure about the 1978 dating that the previous owner provided to you as I would put this Legnano at early 80’s based on the Legnano decal on the down tube that changed from a trapezoidal shape to a more modern lower-case word mark in 1980.
This Legnano is a sport model based on the lug work, brazing details, components and the mounting bracket for a kick stand on the underside of the chain stays close to the bottom bracket. I wouldn’t invest any serious money in vintage components beyond what is required to put the bike in good working order. Should make more a great daily ride or light weekend touring. Enjoy your new find!
Forgot to mention, the ’72s’ that is stamped on the left side of the seat lug is not a serial number. Could be some form of a model number that they used to keep track of the frames in the factory before they were painted and assembled.
Just for clarification when you say it’s a sport model does that mean it was meant for racing or something more casual?
Regards
No, this bike is not a competitive model for racing. Most Italian bike makers had two top models, one for top competitors and one for club racers if there pockets were not quite so deep. In the case of Legnano, the top competitive model was the Roma Olimpiade . . . followed by the Gran Premio with a couple of the Campy components detuned and a little less finishing of the frameset. Your bike would have sat more in the middle of the Legnano model range for daily or weekend sport and recreational riding.
Thank you Mark. I have broken the bike down and there are indicators that the cranks were added later. There were no marks for a rack. I am doing a soft restore and will leave as I found at this point. It much nicer than I anticipated and should come out looking quite nice.
Not sure you want links here (feel free to remove) but thought you may want to read it. I will be cleaning it up and rebuilding in the next week or two.
http://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/1079035-another-faded-az-bike-legnano.html
Rob
Thanks for the BikeForum link Rob, and I may hop on this thread for a couple of comments as the contributions by ‘juvela’ are particulary insightful. And in general it speaks to the ‘originality’ of old bikes that we sometimes want to believe more than the reality. There is a possibility that the hubs may be original to the bike, not counting the rear skewer, and I would not go looking for Legnano branded Campy HF Record hubs for this bike. Campagnolo cross branded their Record hubs for Legnano, Frejus, Bianchi, Atala and many other top Italian brands. However this service came to an end in the late 60’s as Campagnolo ramped up their own branding efforts. It was also about this time that Campy also mandated that sponsored riders used only Campagnolo components with a full ‘gruppo’ in place as of 1968. Some Legnano branded Campy hubs may been fitted to 1969 – 1970 production bikes based on lingering inventory in the factory but that would have been the latest timeframe from my research and wanderings.
Absolutely, if you wish, please add any insight you have. I have a decent collection of bikes and typically do my restos on there as I like to detail every part. Any comments you have would be much appreciated.
I have a Legnano, SN #31907, repaibtwd and rebuilt around 1980 in a touring bike style (as I understood it) by Frederick Neitsche of Cates Cottage in Columbia, SC. That’s about all I know of its provinence. I’d like to find out more. Any ideas?
Many thanks for the post. Can you send me some pics including the serial number to info@condorino.com svp. On the surface, I would think it is a Gran Premio model from 1971-1972 however the photos will help to determine things better.
Regards,
Mark
Hi, excuse me for my english. You jave a nice page. For your serial number list, I have a Legnano Olimpiade Record Speciallissima No. 31468 with all Campagnolo parts, exept the brakes (61). I saw in any interner page that this is 1969 year.
Thank you
Rafael Vettorazzi
Guatemala
Hello Rafael and thanks for writing. A Legnano in Guatemala, now that is a first. If you have the time, I would enjoy having a few photos of your bike (including a photo of the serial number) for the registry. You can send photos to info@condorino.com Many thanks and I am happy the website has helped you out. Mark
Can you give me any info on this model? Is this bike special in regards to it being in such great shape and not having a scratch or knick on it? Serial number is behind the seat post on the frame reads E03192 I will send you photos to your email
Hello Nick. Yes, you can send photos of your bike to info@condorino.com Sounds like a really nice Legnano from your description. Best regards, Mark.
I have a legnano Rental cycle?? or something I am having trouble finding information on it anywhere. I am only finding 2 of this model online one in Canada and the other in Scotland the serial number is
modello depositato
N. 23170-B-83
Any information would be helpful
Please send me a photo of the bike and a detail photo of serial number to info@condorino.com and I will do my best to help out.
Pictures sent
Hi Mark. I’m Stefano from Milan. I bumped into your blog just trying to understand the serial of my Legnano and I love what you made! This is really awesome! I own a “should-be” ’65 Legnano Mod. 02. The serial number is one upper case letter followed by four numbers stamped vertically on the left side of seat lug. Do you know anything about it? Thanks!
Ciao Stefano,
Thanks for writing and your kind words. If you can send me a picture of your bike and a detail of the serial number I should be able to help you better. The email address is info@condorino.com.
Saluti,
Mark
Hi Mark did you receive my email? Thanks!
Hi there from Holland, great site! i am new here and became a Legnano fan a few years ago. A few weeks ago i found a legnano frame on EBAY in a very odd pink white color combination but in the size i was looking for. The number is written horizontal on the rear of the seatpost lug.The number is : EP1443. i was wondering what the age of this frame is, it does not have the little bolt hole for the centerpull universal brakes under the frame number and it was sold to me as a 1960,early 1961 frame can you tell me more?
Also the frame came without the decals, can you recommend a suplier for high quality autentic (water) decals i plan to rebuild the bike the way it was ment…
Help would be appreciated.
Keep up the good work on the site,
Kind regards. Rob.
Thanks for writing. Send a few photos of the frame including the serial number to info@condirino.com and I will let you know what I can. Regards, Mark
Pictures send,
Kind regards Rob,
Hi Mark, you received the pictures from me?
Tomorrow i will ask the paint shop if they can make the legnano lizard green, think this is gonna be not so easy. every tip is welcome, as for the frame number and adress for the correct high quality decals hope to hear from you.. cant wait collecting the needed parts..
Kind regards ROb,
About 1960 I bought a used Gran Premio #EP5697 in San Luis Obispo CA and have used it for occasional (wonderful) riding through the years. The only things not original are the tires. The greatest sign of wear is the blue paint and a little rust on the chrome. It has lived in California and Colorado, and won a student race at CSU in 1998 when I let an African student borrow it! I’m to old for racing.
Hi Norman and thanks for posting. Would enjoy some photos of your Legnano if you have the time. Pics can be sent to info@condorino.com Regards, Mark.
Hi Mark, did you find anything on the bike yet? kind regards Rob,
Hi Robert,
I did not receive the photos of your bike if you could send again please as I see that I misspelled the email link. My apologies. Here it is correctly, info@condorino.com
regards,
Mark
Hi there Mark, did you receive the foto ‘s this time?
Kind regards,
Hi Mark, i was still curios if you where able tofind out somehing about my frame. I want to start collecting parts but like to do that time correct so from what year you think the frame is?
Kind regards, Rob,
Hi Rob,
The photos have still not come through and I have checked the spam folder several times just in case. Very strange as I have not had any other problems with incoming mail in recent months but there are times with this wonderful technology lets us down : /
If you want to try a different mailbox that I maintain, here is an option: marco@scaleracing.ca
best regards,
Mark
I have just purchased Ser#1630R It is a dark red (Burgandy) colour has Chrome fork ends. Brake ons for brake cables and rear gear cable The paint like the 1973? 1600R one is flaking off in places It has of course the seat post bolt in the seat lug. So do you think think this could be a 1970? has the bands on the seat tube
Hi John and thanks for posting. If you could send me a few pics, including the serial number, it would help (info@condorino.com). Off the top from the serial number I would put the production year at 1973-1974.
best regards,
Mark
Hi John,
I received the photos of your frame, thank you. It looks to be a Legnano Roma Record Olimpiade Specialissima model very much the same as the 1970 model I have posted to this site. The decal on the seat tube should confirm this model designation although I can’t quite read it from the photos. As previously mentioned, the serial number 1630R would suggest a 1973-1974 production year and the R in the serial number references the Reynolds 531 construction. Although the forks have been stripped of their paint, they do look to be original or at the very least correct to the period if they were replaced based on the design of the fork crown. A local Reynolds expert should be able to confirm the fork construction by measuring the profile of the fork tubing if you wanted to take the research a little further.
It’s a great frame and as I have mentioned before, the early 70’s 531 builds are increasingly sought after by collectors particularly those with the signature Legnano seat lug design which was dropped on later Specialissima models in favour of the more common or conventional cluster that put the seat binder bolt at the rear of the seat post.
Based on the colour, this frame was most likely an import to North America which saw these bikes in red, blue and emerald green in addition to the traditional ‘lizard yellow’ colour that did not appeal to everyone on this side of the Atlantic. You also mentioned that the brake set you tested did not reach a set of 700c tubular wheels. Not sure what type of callipers you were trying out however I see a mounting boss on the back of the seat lug suggesting the bike was originally fitted with Universal 61 center pull brakes that were widely used by Legnano on their road bikes. This boss was coupled with a brake cable hanger/stop that I believe was unique to Legnano. They are a little hard to come by now but with some persistence you should be able to find one.
That said, the Specialissima model at that time was typically fitted out in full Campy Record/Nuovo Record components . . . in reference to the word ‘Record’ in the model name. And I have seen these models fitted with the first gen, long reach Campagnolo side pull brakes (sometimes using the offset drop bolt on the rear callipers to get the necessary reach). In these instances the hanger boss was either left empty or it was used to mount a simple reflector rather than leaving it undone to the customer. So both the Universal 61 and Campy brakes would be a correct work up to your build depending on your plans. The Universal 61 brakes will be the least expensive option as the early long reach Campy brakes are not as easy to come by and they are fetching a good price these days when you do come across them. If memory serves, the Campy side pulls were even pricey back in the day which is why many Italian bikes of the time had a full group minus the brakes or optional depending on how deep your pockets were.
Hope this helps get things sorted. Once again a great Legnano frame and it should be a fun build. Enjoy your treasure!
best,
Mark
Did you get the photos? What year do you think this one is? My R1600 has only chrome on fork crown and NO band decals. Otherwise much the same as this one #1630R So would 1630R be later than 1600R do you think?
Mark Thanks for your comments I agree with all. Re 27″ wheels. I have seen a lot of 1970s bikes fitted with 27″ wheels, even those sold in the country of make. Why? (700c used also at the same time). I have a 1970s Follis that was sold in Paris France new, that has 27″ wheels the whole bike is orig and I have email from the owner that he got it that way. England seems to have been the start of 27″ When I started racing i the late 1940s we used 26″ wheels then we all switched to 27″ said they rode better took the bumps better?
I did find the correct forks for my Legnano and what a difference they make to the ride and looks of the bike. I am sure by the damage to the paint around the front head lugs that the bike was in a shunt at one time,But it rides and handles fine so I do not think it bent the tubes or affected the alignment of the frame.It is serial#1630R I also have ser#1600R that is finished differently
Hello, I would like to know the year and model from my father´s Legnano. How can I upload photos?
Hi Jorge,
Thanks for posting. You can send photos of your father’s bike to: info@condorino.com and I will do my best to identify the production year. Please include a photo of the serial number if the bike has one.
regards,
Mark
Buongiorno,
Sotto casa mia è stata abbandonata una bici bianca dal telaio forato contrassegnata con un adesivo trasparente in zona pedali recante la dicitura “modello depositato N. 23170 b-83 ed una scritta LEGNANO sul parafango posteriore. Dopo averla smontata sto per procedere alla sabbiatura per poterla riverniciare e rimontarne i componenti che paiono essere originali. Se qualcuno è interessato a valutarla mi scriva URGENTEMENTE a robyzando@hotmail.com, altrimenti ne farò un modello personalizzato. Grazie
Cordiali saluti e grazie per la passione dedicata a qs forum
Hi Mark, I have a Legnano racing bike in my shed that Ive owned for about 10 years but never researched. On inspection I cant find a ynumbers stamped into the frame. It has alot of Campy parts and 3Ts on bars. Is there any chance you could tell me any more about ot if I sent some pictures.
Regards
Jon Radford
Hi Jon,
Thanks for posting. You can send some photos to info@condorino.com and I will do my best to identify your bike.
best regards,
Mark
I own a Legnano bike serial number EG5188 that I bought in 1961 for £10. I believe the model may be a Roma Olimpiade. Are you able to confirm the model and its year of manufacture please?
Hi Paul,
Thanks for writing. The serial number would suggest 1960 as the production year. If you can forward some photos to: info@condorino.com I will do my best to determine the model and specifics.
Mark
Hi Mark
Hope you’re well.
I’m looking to buy a lovely Roma Olimpiade frame with the horizontal stamp number on back of seat lug
EH5425. Could you confirm this is 1966 or earlier please?
Kind regards
Jakub
PS. I recently bought a Mod 50 Sportivo which is in incredible condition. Will forward photos.
Hi Jakub,
Based on the serial number EH5425 I would date the frame production to 1959. I have a Gran Premio in the collection ser.no. EM9022 that I know for certain is 1959 production. Looking forward to photos of the Roma and the Mod.50 Sportivo when you have the time.
From my research, the majority of the great Italian marques produced a ‘Condorino’ however the Legnano Mod.50 Sportivo may well have been the most popular of them all and there is still a good number from the 1960’s that can be found at a fair price.
best regards,
Mark
Thanks Mark. Your input and expertise always hugely appreciated. I’ll send you the condorino photos separately and the Roma frame if and when I buy it. I don’t need another Legnano, but you know how these things go!
Jakub
Hi I would like to know the period of an old legnano bike. Could you give me your contacts that I’ll send you pictures?
Hello, I have aLegnano; it has the serial number 34 stamped on the underside of the bottom bracket: Could you tell me when this bike was made and Which is the price to sell it?
Hello Claudio,
If you want to forward some photos of your Legnano I will do my best to identify the model and production year for you: info@condorino.com
best regards,
Mark
Hi Mark,
Just letting you know I am having to let go this Roma, that I date to 1951 due to the drop outs-
https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-EARLY-50S-LEGNANO-ROMA/143232015365?hash=item21594b1c05:g:qYoAAOSwAWNcxdnB
Would love to hear your assessment.
Regards,
John
Hi John,
Thanks for writing and letting me know. Very nice Roma, have you had it in your possession for very long? The 1952 dating of the frame is correct based on the serial number you have listed. Someone may or may not want to refinish the frame as it is a somewhat personal decision. That said, repairing the bottom bracket threading would involve some heat and that would either require a local paint touch up if you were not going to undertake a full respray. As you have listed, the wheels have been rebuilt at some juncture and are probably not the originals which is not unusual given that the better part of 70 years have past. Nice treasure : ]]
best regards,
Mark
Dear Condorino.com,
I really appreciate the work you have made about Legnano history and catalogue. It is really a reference for all Legnano lovers around the world!
I’m contacting you, because there is a new interpretation of the two-digit serial number that Legnano used from 1966 to the early 70’s. Almost everywhere it is written that that number is associated with factory production units. This hypothesis seems to me unrealistic and there is no trace in the historical documentation of the brand.
The experience leads to say that the first of the two digits is always a number between 1 and 4, the second digit is always 0,1,2,6,7,8 or 9.
Here is the new hypothesis for the two digits: it is a simple key to go back to the production date, as it was used also on other brands. The first digit corresponds to the production quarter, the second to the last digit of the year.
For example: 27 corresponds to the second half of 1967, 31 to the third quarter of 1971 and so on.
I have collected quite a few examples: no one is in conflict with this hypothesis. Many times the year of production is confirmed by the date inside the crank arm, when present.
We proposed this solution to ‘Biciclette Legnano Fans’ Facebook group: everyone confirmed this hipotesys, based on digit number (someone also knowing the date of purchase of the bike):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/354496545682/permalink/10156691409650683/
I really hope this info can be helpful to you!
Ciao Giancarlo,
Thank you for writing. What an interesting hypothesis you have made regarding the two-digit numbers that Legnano stamped on the seat lug after 1966 when the alphanumeric serial numbers ended. I will go back to check all of my records to see if the hypothesis holds true for me. From a quick check of several bikes in the shop it does appear to work.
That said, the two-digit numbers would provide a quarterly guide to the year of production however it remains essentially a production number and not a serial number per se as many, many different Legnano bikes share the same two numbers.
The exceptions at this time (1967-1971/72) would be some of the Roma models constructed of Reynolds and Columbus tubes that were stamped with a serial number (ie. 1420R) on the underside of the bottom bracket.
Attributing the two numbers to a ‘production unit’ was always a little suspect in my mind. It would serve a QA function . . . however the hypothesis that you have put forward would better address inventory control in the factory that would be equally and perhaps more meaningful.
You mention that your hypothesis was used by other brands. Where these bicycle brands or other types of industry? Let’s see where this leads as it shows great promise. And lastly a word of hope and kindness to all of our brothers and sisters in Italy to be be healthy and take care of one another in this terrible time of crisis. Our hearts are with each of you.
Saluti,
Mark
I have a legnano serial no is 585 underneath the bottom bracket can you tell me what make it is and what colour it should be. Cheers
Hi David,
I would need to see some photos of the frame (info@condorino.com) to make a meaningful assessment, including a detail photograph of the number stamping on the BB. Is there also a letter below the 585 stamping?
best regards,
Mark
Hola me gustaría que me ayudes a fechar y saber el modelo de un cuadro Legnano que pertenece a mi padre cuyo número de serie está colocado en forma vertical del lado derecho del tubo del sillín
e6035
Desde ya muchas gracias
Hola, gracias por escribir. ¿Me pueden enviar una foto del número de serie? Email para: info@condorino.com
Mark
I have a Legnano frame with the serial
number 19612 on the bottom bracket.
Is it possible to tell the age and model
of this frame?
Hi Alan,
Thanks for writing. Is there also a letter above or below the number sequence on the bottom bracket? Is the frame a Roma model or another? The number itself would indicate 1972/73 . . . but if you want to send a long a photo or two (info@condorino.com) I could do a better job of confirming things for you.
best,
Mark
Hello I have a legnano pista with serial number DS1207 in the right side of the of the seat lug. Can you tell me in what year was made? Thanks.
Hi Marcos,
Thanks for writing. Legnano pista production was small in the overall scheme of things so it is difficult to be ‘exact’ with the dating of the serial numbers however my records would indicate this frame was produced in 1955. I would welcome some photos of your bike for the registry if you have the time. They can be sent to: infor@condorino.com
best regards,
Mark
Mark – what a great site! Just chiming in (finally) as I have an Olympiade Record Spec. with s/n 1010 R, acquired with some rust issues a decade or so back.
I had always thought it was newer due to the braze on cable guide on the BB shell, but here I am learning that this is not the case!
Hi Francesco,
Yes that s/n would date your Roma to approx. 1970. For whatever reason, the braze on mounting of cable guides and down tube shifters on the Roma and Gran Premio models didn’t appear until about 1969/70 however Legnano was employing them on their city and sportivo bikes going back to the late 50’s or earlier as all of the related fitments were available from Campagnolo. Thanks for writing and best regards.
Mark
Hi I have a Legnano bike with S/N FB9031.
What’s the Model of this bike.
Looks as Corsa or Roma, but I would like a opinion from you.
Thanks
Hi Francesco,
The serial number would date the bike to 1962 however the Legnano serial numbers were not specific to a model type beyond the team bikes per se. If you want to send along a few photos of the bike (info@condorino.com) I should be able to help you out in determining the model.
Best regards and thanks for writing,
Mark
Hi Mark:
I just discovered your website and I think it’s fantastic. By the information on Legnanos that you’ve provided, I have a Roma Olympiade with Columbus tubing and serial number 167 at the bottom of the bottom bracket so I’m not sure if it’s a 1967 or a 1969.
I really enjoy reading your website.
Thanks,
Bruno.
Hi Bruno,
Thanks for writing. If you have time to pass along some photos of your bike (info@condorino.com) it would be very welcome and I am sure that readers would be very interested. All the best.
Mark
Hi Mark.Just sent you 16 photos in 4 separate e-mails.Only the frame, forks and the red brake cable housing are original.Everything else was changed due to wear and tear and upgrading due to my racing it from 1980 to 1986. I purchased it in 1980 at Bloor Cycle in Toronto where I worked for the summer. I would like to know what year the frame is and any other information you may have about it.Thanks very much.Bruno
Hi Bruno,
Thanks for writing. FYI . . . the photos were not received. Did you send them to info@condorino.com? Regrettably the website does not receive photos directly from the comments section. Hope this helps.
Best regards,
Mark
Hi Dave lynch here here is a picture of my legnano I have this bike since I was 16 years old I am now 60 long time. I am not sure what date the bike isSent from my Galaxy
Hi David . . . and thanks for writing.
The photo our your Legnano did not transmit successfully . . . if you want to send it along to info@condorino.com I will do my best to date the bike for you.
best regards for now,
Mark