1950 Olympia Campagnolo Cambio Corsa 53cm Italian Performance Racing Bicycle

1950 Olympia Campagnolo Cambio Corsa equipped road bike.  Complete and ready to ride

This bike has original paint although rough, it has been as well preserved as possible. It represents a sympathetic restoration making the bike rideable and functional for many years to come. The Campagnolo drivetrain shifts great!

Campagnolo early generation low flange front and rear hubs.  These hube are laced with original spokes to a 36 hole Fiamme Italian rims

Original Italia leather saddle is in tact but quite hard.

Ambrosia alloy Handlebar  Ambrosia steel stem 90mm.  The cloth cotton handlebar tape is shellacked to the Ambrosio bar.

The NEW tubular tires are Vittoria Corsa 28mm

Universal Extra side pull long reach brakes with original brake pads that stop!

Pela Brake levers with reproduction gum hoods in perfect condition.  A friend of the shop famed bay area framebuilder and bike racer Peter Johnson machined the missing brake lever adjusting barrel to complete the project.

Olympia 170mm steel cottered crank set. 46t ring with matching pedals

Christophe Toe Clips with Alfredo Binda leather toe straps

Olympia decals were added a few years ago to reflect the marque and age of the bike.  Initially we were going to repaint it and decided to preserve the frame, preserve the chrome and label the bike back to its original glory. 

Olympia is the second oldest Italian bike maker behind Bianchi.

About Campagnolo Cambio Corsa

The rear triangle is specifically shaped for the usage of Campagnolo's first shifter - the rod operated Cambio Corsa.
The disadvantages of this system like reaching to the rear while pedalling backwards were countered by a chain being under strong tension and thus being less prone to jump of the chainset. The latter was a huge plus in races on rough roads with cobbles and potholes. This chain tension was partly responsible for Fausto Coppi's Parix-Roubaix victory (though with an improved version of this shifting). And with a bit of training, some riders mastered the Cambio Corsa to a degree, where changing gears looked absolutely flawless.
Gino Bartali won his second Tour de France with this shifter in 1948.

About American Cyclery

510 Frederick Street, San Francisco, CA 94117

We have been selling Schwinn Paramount bicycles for over 80 years!

Originally established in 1941 by a Six Day Track racer Oscar Juner & his wife Gay. American Cyclery is the oldest full service bicycle shop in San Francisco and continues to offer a world class selection of bicycles, parts, accessories & unique cycling ephemera.  

We sell a full range of bicycles from hand-built custom bikes to kids bikes and commuters. As one of the oldest bike shops in the United States, some very special bikes have rolled through the doors and we strive to provide the best professional service for our customers! 

As well as selling brand new bikes we are passionate about cycling history and culture. The shop is home to an ever growing collection of cycling ephemera & bicycles. Please check out our listings and add us to your saved seller list! 

Come Visit us at our location in San Francisco next to Kezar Stadium and Golden Gate Park.