This bicycle is almost identical to the one ridden by Fausto Coppi to win the 1950 Paris Roubaix and was built with Campagnolo Paris Roubaix drop-outs to accommodate the Campangolo Paris Roubaix Derailleur. Purchased in London, England in 1954 by Mike Barry Sr.  He had it repainted in about 1958 with decals purchased from Italy.

The Campagnolo Paris Roubaix derailleur was a beautifully made piece of equipment although somewhat difficult to use, as it was operated from a lever mounted on the seat stay. Not only was Coppi able to reach back to change gears while his bike and body bounced over the horrendously bumpy cobbles but he also finished the race at just under 40 km/h average speed, which is remarkable. Current average speeds for the race are much higher but modern race conditions are easier, tires are wider and all of the equipment and clothing more technically advanced.  

SPECIFICATIONS 

• Serial number 286673
• Seat Tube: 55cm
• Top tube: 57cm
• Finish: Celeste with Chrome head, seat lugs, & fork crown
• Paris Roubaix Drop-outs
• Headset: Bianchi Steel
• Hubs: Campagnolo Gran Sport QR
• Rims: NISI Alloy Sprints: 40T rear, 32T front
• Tires: Clement Paris Roubaix Tubular (dry and need to be replaced before riding)
• Crankset: Bianchi 3 pin cottered steel and fluted inside axle has “B” for Bianchi
• Rear Derailleur: Campagnolo Paris Roubaix
• Shift lever: Rear stay
• Chain: Regina ½” x 3/32”
• Freewheel: 5 speed 3/32
• Brakes: Universal Extra BREV 453949
• Brake levers: Universal alloy, small with no hoods
• Cables: Celest with Campagnolo brake cable top tube clips
• Saddle: Brooks Professional
• Seatpost: Bianchi steel, straight, no setback
• Handlebars: Ambrosio Champion 38cm
• Stem: Ambrosio “Bianchi” 11 cm
• Tape: White cloth
• Pedals: Sheffield Spring with alloy cage and steel barrel Christophe clips and straps
• Accessories: Silca celeste coloured pump and chrome steel pump clips
• Condition: In very good condition, but paint has some chips and marks.  Please refer to photos.  

Original Campagnolo Paris-Roubaix Brochure: The Campagnolo literature of 1950 listed the following great advantages of the Paris-Roubaix derailleur:

• The mechanism and function is very simple due to the lack of cables, derailleur pulleys and chain slack.
• When shifting from one cog to another the wheel moves automatically in the dropouts, towards the front on climbs and towards the back on descents, therefore giving the bicycle the maximum efficiency and stability, especially on wet roads.
• The absence of gear levers and other parts projecting from the frame assures functionality. Broken pieces or worn parts are eliminated due to rain, heavy hits taken in crashes or during transport.
• The chain tensioner in other derailleurs causes an abnormal elongation of the chain, which increases friction, especially in sprung derailleurs, this increases the load on the chain by about 2 kg: with less chain tension the inconveniences are eliminated and the efficiency of the bicycle is conserved.
• When the rear wheel is removed the bicycle can be placed on the rear dropouts without damaging the gear mechanism.
• Even after several violent pedal strokes the chain will not skip: even more, all dangerous friction is eliminated, as the chain tension is always ideal. And, as there are fewer moving parts in the chain it will last longer and oiling is less frequent.
• Ratios of 14-26 teeth can be used without a problem and without use of a double chainwheel. If a fixed cog is used it is not necessary to remove the gear mechanism.
• With the Campagnolo gear mechanism and a Campagnolo quick release hub for the front wheel, both wheels can quickly removed and replaced in the dropouts with automatic centering and can be fixed more securely than with wing-nuts, which are cumbersome and inefficient. Bike equipment has changed since 1950. No parts more so than the derailleurs. Todays are super efficient and easy to use but those old ones have a certain charm. At Mariposa/Bicycle Specialties we have a good knowledge of vintage bikes and equipment and can restore old bikes to their original condition ready for any of the multitude of retro bike events available today or just to hang on your living room wall. For more information, contact us at