Biemmezeta Roadbike - bought it....

[Razer]

Hi There

I am looking at buying a supposedly 20 year old Biemmezeta bike with Shimano 600 AX parts.

It looks very nice - but i have never heard about the brand before. A quick internet search did not reveal much besides something about Biemmezeta being a italian factory that built for other brands and only in small quantities under own name.

Nothing on Sheldonbrown or classicrendeveouz either.

The frame is branded "Biemmezeta" on the headtube and "BMZ" on seatstays.

Does anyone have some info regarding Biemmezata ?

 

[fiks]

I would guess "Biemmezeta" is how "BMZ" is pronounced in Italian: bi-emme-zeta, similar to Gipiemme (GPM).

 

[Razer]

I would guess "Biemmezeta" is how "BMZ" is pronounced in Italian: bi-emme-zeta, similar to Gipiemme (GPM).

Yes, you should be right about that i reckon.

I bought it as it looked like a good deal, eventhough i have no clue which tubeset has been used, no decals on the bike at all. But it has a nice colour and for 130EUR it cannot be all bad.

Lugged steel frame, Shimano 600 AX components and Shimano Aero stem/handlebar.

And it is in very good condition, it nearly only needs a rubdown, a bit of oil and realignment of the handlebartape. Then I should be go to go (ride)

Pictures now on first post - what do you think ?

 

[Senri]

I think you bought a nice bike there! It doesn't change anything, but keep in mind that the 600AX set is probably not original if you would pursuit the frame history, as you might have noticed by the little cable stop onder the chainstay close to the dropouts.
Congratulations!

 

[Razer]

Yes, i think you are right. Also the headset is a Campagnolo and the crankset is a newer version 600 too.

The AX brakes look cool, but as far as i have tested them by now : they brake like c...

So i am considering moving over my Dura-Ace 7400 brakes and levers together with some older DA derailleurs that i have lying around too.

I will call the previous owner to check the history and what he has changed from the original version. He might know the tubeset type also.

I think you bought a nice bike there! It doesn't change anything, but keep in mind that the 600AX set is probably not original if you would pursuit the frame history, as you might have noticed by the little cable stop onder the chainstay close to the dropouts.
Congratulations!

 

[Cab]

Sure is a nice looking bike. You may be able to give a clue about an old frame I've got: that ax rear mech, is the cable guide part of the mech, or does it mount to holes in the frame like these?

Though Old Ned already gave this advice:
If the rear drop-outs are Campag (which they look like), the small holes (which should be threaded) are for fitting their short-lived 'Porticattaneo' device which was a curved alloy casting that screwed to these holes and onto which the chain was allowed to 'derail' by a special down-tube lever. This enabled the rider to remove the rear wheel without the chain coming off etc. so (theoretically) providing quicker wheel changes in races (and not getting your hands so dirty!).

Just wondered!

 

[Razer]

On my frame the cable guide is a integrated part of the rear derailleur.

If you google for Shimano ax rear derailleur pictures you will see the cableguide on top.

Sure is a nice looking bike. You may be able to give a clue about an old frame I've got: that ax rear mech, is the cable guide part of the mech, or does it mount to holes in the frame like these?



Though Old Ned already gave this advice:
If the rear drop-outs are Campag (which they look like), the small holes (which should be threaded) are for fitting their short-lived 'Porticattaneo' device which was a curved alloy casting that screwed to these holes and onto which the chain was allowed to 'derail' by a special down-tube lever. This enabled the rider to remove the rear wheel without the chain coming off etc. so (theoretically) providing quicker wheel changes in races (and not getting your hands so dirty!).

Just wondered!

 

[Cab]

Neat picture, thanks for your help there. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for the 'Porticattaneo' that Old Ned describes.

 

[Old Ned]

I have the frame fixed part in my 'bits box' so I'll get a picture took and post it. The special gear levers went years ago on an old winter bike.

 

[Cab]

Sorry I doubted your advice there Ned! I just didn't spend much time with bicycles in the 80's, trying to fill the gaps now.