Jez Speed’s 1950s Olmo

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With the Iowa Caucus behind us, I’m feeling my definition of an “old crappy 10-Speed” can be as broad as their definition of an “old crappy Republican”.  So with that, comes a notso-10-speed 1950s Olmo. It’s just a couple of derailers and freewheel away from running for office of the OTSOTM. And just as we’re an unfortunate two party system, Jez is faced with the old-bike-liker’s equivalent: Conservation vs. Restoration! Let the comment debate begin! (Who should we get to moderate it?)

Hi from England, i have just come across your site searching for old Olmo cycles when i came across ‘Dans Gents Olmo’. I thought you might be interested in seeing my old Olmo. If you have the time i would like to know your opinion on what you think i should do with it (conservation v restoration) as i would like to ride it. I have many more photos should you be interested.
Regards Jez Speed

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  • BeaterRezQ

    Jez,
    that my friend looks like a bit too much work for me, not to mention time and money.
    It can be done; many have tried and succeeded.
    If it was my bike, I might make it roadworthy/ride-able as cheaply as possible just to get the feel for it–then decide whether or not to proceed after that.
    Good luck if you decide to go forth.
    To note: I have the same shifter on a 1974 Schwinn Collegiate, but on the stem.
    Also, I have a vintage Campy shift group: front and rear derailleur and two down tube shifters that would make a great addition to your project. Campy Valentino-great condition circa 1960’s.
    BRQ

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Mark-Alan-Anderson/1136972183 Mark Alan Anderson

    Nice! Love that old Olmo!

  • MikeD

    I can’t help but think how good that would look hanging on my shop wall – just as it is!

  • john h

    Wow, checked out his link, this bike is just the tip of the iceberg.

  • Trailer Park Cyclist

    I see a shifter that I covet; I see what appears to be a broken shifter cable; I see a head badge that I would remove and restore and wear on a chain around my neck. What I don’t see is a derailleur. My vote swings with MikeD: Wall Art.

    Politics, Cameron? Really? Why not religion? Or heck, go for broke and bring up helmets.

    TJ

    • BeaterRezQ

      lol TPC, I feel your pain brother!
      Is there nothing sacred in this world?
      Politics, Cruisers…what’s next BMX bikes?
      Cameron/OTS, you know the routine–” Sorry blah, blah…..”
      I love you man!
      *my perverted interpretation of a BMX Cruiser–for the little boy that outgrew his little toy.
      BRQ

  • Javaride

    In my humble opinion, I firmly believe the best thing you can do with this particular steed would be to send it to me for further evaluation and appreciation. In return I would promise to love it and care for it, to clean it and paint it, to tune it and respect it, and keep it only to myself, til death do us part . . . or something like that

    • BeaterRezQ

      We now pronounce you man and bike…
      (Dude, is Java a guy?)

      • Javaride

        Java is indeed a guy, so I would hope the bike is of a female persuasion . . .

        • BeaterRezQ

          lol

  • Arksmaleng

    Tickles me Olmo.

  • Ryan Surface

    I like the BeaterRezQ approach make it ride-able for as little as possible to see if its worth the, probably considerable, $$$ to restore. Either way- Bellissimo!

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_NOTNRKOLRNBHFQHM5MC2GHMP2Q Mark Padgett

    I SEE PAST THE RUST, CORROSION & ROTTEN TIRES.
    I SEE A TROPH PIECE ONE TO BE RESTORED TO ALL ITS ORIGINAL BEAUTY & GRACE, A RIDE TO BE WORSHIPPED AS UNIQUE AS EACH 10 SPEED IS

    • BeaterRezQ

      Mark,
      what a beauty!
      All it takes is a man with a vision; money, time–well, let’s not sweat the insignificant and petty.
      FILLEDWITHENVYBRQ

  • Ryan Surface

    For reference it might come out looking something like this
    http://www.classicrendezvous.com/Italy/Olmo/Olmo_Aldos_bike.htm

  • http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/XD2RFUZ4LM5477365S6VEQXVWM Mark

    Looks like a Democratic budget to me.

    (Hey, the o.p started the political jokes)