(07-05-2020, 08:58 PM)ajsommer Wrote: Thanks a ton for this super in depth reply! I think I will contact the seller and see if I can go back and take a closer look. Just to clarify, do you think it is original paint or has it been repainted? The seller claims the owner was extremely meticulous and after every ride would put the bike in the stand and clean it... Also, was able to get this photo from the seller...
For some reason the whole bike profile picture did not load when I was viewing your post. Due to the condition of the paint, the matching color crankset and seat post flutes, as well as the red lug piping and lug cut-out fill-in; I would assume that the bike had been repainted. There does not seem to be any remnants of frame decals, usually the headbadge is still there due to that part not being used to handle the bike. The Columbus decals look nearly new. The previous owner may very well have been meticulous in caring for the bike, but was he indeed the original owner of it from brand new?
The general dates for the parts would indicate 1978 or later ('84 at the latest). The Nuovo Record front derailleur with 3 holes in the cage was introduced in 1978, the brake calipers with the "domed"/rounded release lever were introduced in 1978, the Super Record rear derailleur was introduced in 1978, and the Super Record seat post was supposedly introduced in the early '80s. Generally, the bike has a mix of Campagnolo Super Record, Nuovo Record, and Record parts. It is hard to tell which are which with the photos provided except: Super Record: headset, chainrings, rear derailleur, seat post; Nuovo Record: front derailleur; other parts may be any of those groups due to minor differences in features. The brake pads/holders are not original, nor are the pedals and saddle. I would be curious as to what the date codes are for the crank arms and the rear derailleur just to see if they are consistent with each other and to get an idea of the year of the frame with the "star" lug cut-outs. A note about the crank arm date codes; a single digit in a circle indicates 1980-1984 (e.g. "circle 4" = 1984); if two digits in a circle, it's 1985 or later ("11" = 1985, "22" = 1986, "33" = 1987, etc.). I doubt that this bike is post 1984. Just curious; what is the asking price on it, and is it your size? Looks to be about 58 cm using a seat tube measurement from center of the crank axle to the centerline of the top tube and seat tube intersection. Also, if you are getting this bike I would adjust that bar stem down a 1/2 inch or more; it is probably nearly at or above its maximum height. Possibly to give an older rider a more upright riding posture; but it could be dangerous and crack or break off if you really got on the bars for a climb and/or sprint. Look at my Viner height; it's not as high as it can go, but it wouldn't be much higher.
If you do get this bike, you will still have a classic in very good condition, with what would appear to be a nice mix of Campagnolo's two highest levels of components. I know I'd be interested in it if was in my area.
I still haven't figured out when they used the "stars" but I have seen late 70s frames that do not have them, essentially similar to my frame (circa '74) with "heart" like lug cut-outs.
My final guess is '79/'80 ('82 at the latest) without seeing those component date codes. Please fill me in with any further information you can glean. As a fair price without being able to test the bearings, etc.; but assuming everything functions fine (good looks doesn't mean good operation, unfortunately): I would say about $400-$500, partly due to the presumed repaint (although nice), missing decals, unknown rims (which appear concave, "non-aero"), and lower end (or possibly even cheap) replacement pedals. If everything was "correct" and "original" more like $700-$800. That's a little bit with me liking it overall, but I think $300 or so would be a steal if it is in good working order.
Take care,
Jesper