Wilier Triestina Classic Road Bicycle 1948

One of the oldest and most prestigious Italian bicycle brands still existing, Wilier Triestina, was founded in 1906 in Bassano del Grappa, northern Italy.
Its name is a patriotic statement, referring to the claim W l’Italia LIbera E Redenta. (Meaning: Long live Italy, free and redeemed).

This Wilier Triestina dates to late 1940s and it is a very refined piece indeed. When one thinks of a bike which is now around 70 years old, it's not "aero" what first springs to mind. Well, this Wilier proves us wrong. The braking cable is routed inside the top tube and the shifting one enters the frame just below the shifter and emerges on top of the right chain stay.

With the special derailleur hanger, this bike is suited for Simplex shifting, which is the Tour de France 4-speed model in this case. The rest of the equipment is also worth a mention. The Supersport brakes are branded by Wilier and so are the crank arms. Then there are the Universal brake levers, Ambrosio Champion cockpit, FB hubs laced with Nisi rims or the Sheffield pedals with Cornez cages.

This rare Wilier road bike is certainly a great piece for a cycling collection. Classy and the high tech of its day.