Giuffredi Paris-Roubaix Classic Road Bicycle 1951

Cicli Giuffredi was based in Parma, Italy and it belonged to a long list of excellent Italian frame builders during the mid-century times. The very high point for the company certainly was the year 1951, when Gianni Ghidini won the amateur world championships held in Varese. On the way to victory he rode a Giuffredi bike equipped with iconic Campagnolo Paris-Roubaix derailleur. Just like ours.

This Giuffredi classic road bike stems approximately from 1951 and it is still in original condition. The frame is a classic example of a racing road bike of that time with beautiful lugs and relatively modern geometry.

It is equipped with mostly original parts like Gnutti crankset, Magistroni bottom bracket, Ballila brakes, Record saddle, Cinelli steel stem or Nisi rims. The true highlight of this bike is the gear shifting though. It is equipped with iconic Campagnolo Paris-Roubaix, an updated version of the Cambio Corsa. This new rod operated derailleur has just one lever instead of two and a very clever mechanism built into it. The shifting required reaching back to the seat stay, back pedaling, turning the lever clockwise to loosen the quick release, selecting the right sprocket and tightening the quick release again. Not the easiest of tasks, but wenn executed correctly, it brings certain satisfaction.

Introduced in 1949, this system was renamed after the triumph of Fausto Coppi in Paris-Roubaix 1950. Coppi managed to cover 247 km of rough and cobble roads in 6h and 18min averinging 39.12 km/h using the "Una leva" Campagnolo derailler. Stunning.

There is also Simplex Competition front derailluer and double chain set - combination which you can see on more Giuffredi bikes from that time.

This classic beauty in original celeste paintjob is definitely a right choice for classic bicycle collectors.