LERI "Mirella" bike Tubing designation AQ 35

[Jesper]

Is anyone familiar with the tubing designation AQ 35? It is on an entry level "Mirella" model LERI made bike with Campagnolo: steel "Sport" (3 spoke) cranks, Nuovo Record rear mech, Record front derailleur, Record shifters; Ballila brakeset; 3T Record stem. The tubing decal states: "Tubi Speciali Senza Saldatura Acciaio LERI AQ 35". I have never heard of it; by the description I know it is a seamless tubing but that is all. What company manufactures it?

 

[jim haseltine]

Possibly Falck tubing. Having said that, for many years there has been a number of specialist tubing manufacturers in Italy - as some go out of business or move to different sectors others pop up. All, almost without exception, source their base tube stock from the Mannesmann tube mill in Dalmine on the outskirts of Bergamo - even Columbus. There's possibly some alliteration on the decal with the 'A' of AQ standing for 'Acciaio' - steel.

 

[Jesper]

Possibly Falck tubing. Having said that, for many years there has been a number of specialist tubing manufacturers in Italy - as some go out of business or move to different sectors others pop up. All, almost without exception, source their base tube stock from the Mannesmann tube mill in Dalmine on the outskirts of Bergamo - even Columbus. There's possibly some alliteration on the decal with the 'A' of AQ standing for 'Acciaio' - steel.

Thanks Jim,
Someone is selling a bike with that tubing. I was curious if I could find out if, other than being seamless, it was butted or not. I would think that given the specifics on the decal it would have also specified "rinforzi" or "rinforzati" if it was indeed butted. The seller has no concept of vintage steel bikes nor how to sell them (one non-drive side photo, Campy derailleur clamp photo only), and thinks it is worth twice its value. I tried to explain the difference between a real racing bike and a "wannabe" racing sport/recreational bike, but as soon as someone sees "Made in Italy" and/or Campagnolo they think it is top of the line; and although it's a nice bike it is definitely entry level stuff except for the Nuovo Record rear and Record front derailleurs. Seller wants £440/$600 plus £75/$100 to ship; just dropped price to £365/$500. I managed to get them to take more detailed photos and saw that decal. Bike (circa '74) to as a cheap replacement "springer" saddle, and plastic pedals. I would value it higher if butted tubing, but it is probably straight gauge of unknown alloy mix. Has nice chromed head lugs and fork crown. I value it at about £200-£225/$275-$300 given condition and replacement parts. Also, concerned about their knowledge regarding shipping a complete bike and potential damage during partial disassembly since the seller was ignorant due to the fact that essentially only one photo (also not fully functional or serviced) could get someone to spend that type of money on any bike regardless of pedigree.

 

[Nob]

Sounds like Italian gas pipe tubing & one you should walk away from…..

 

[Jesper]

Sounds like Italian gas pipe tubing & one you should walk away from…..

....certainly for the asking price! I know LERI produced a much higher end model than this particular frame.

 

[jim haseltine]

Probably not as low quality as a supermarket gas pipe bike but certainly not really special.
Something I learned yesterday is that the Mirella range of Leri bikes was named after the daughter of the company founder. Company still exists, producing roadster and city bikes in the sub 300 Euro range.

 

[Jesper]

I would assume that a seamless tubeset isn't the worst stuff out there. Even Columbus made some decent seamed tubing if I recall correctly. I am passing on it; there is a Batavus Professional in my size selling for less anyways.