I have been enjoying this bike since, after purchasing it, getting it mechanically working perfectly. It is nimble and quick , yet as comfortable a bike as I have ever ridden. There was no functional reason to change it at all. In fact, I was afraid to mess with it other than cleaning and maintenance. Then there is the fact that this bike came with a mix of components that, although are not original or correct to its original build , are very nice. The original components that would have come with this bike are no better in performance or functionality. The only reason I would have to change anything would be to put it back to the way it would have been as new, or close.
This is pretty much the way it came when I bought it except the the Campagnolo Super Record pedals with titanium spindles from my parts supply. The freewheel was changed for more of a touring application and a much needed new chain. I rode this bike many miles in this format and had no complaints. I just could no longer overlook the mis matched components. By 1982, Medici would have had mostly Campagnolo Super Record components and a nice set of black anodized handle bars with the Medici lions engraved on them. I have been gathering the correct components over the last few weeks and hesitantly took the bike apart to replace the non original parts.
The first thing I did was change the chainrings. The bike came with a 52/42 front set that were Nuovo Record.
This is the large ring that was on the bike and it worked well. I will keep it as a very nice spare.
This is the Campy crank with Super Record chain rings. Notice the absence of webbing around the the bolt circle. This was done for weight saving as far as I can tell. This time I went with a 53 tooth for slightly better downhill speeds.
Next I needed to change the rear derailleur from a patent 74 Nuovo Record to the correct Super Record with an 82 patent date.
The Nuovo Record is just as good functionally as a Super Record . The differences are that the Super Record has a black anodized trim , and , being a 1982, has changed graphics. The other difference is the two hex head bolts are titanium instead of chrome plated steel bolts.
The next thing on my hit list were the GB handle bars that I actually really like. They were too early for this bike and the wrong lineage. GB are the initials of an English racing legend from the 1930’s by the name of Gerry Bergiss . There were a lot of racing components made in England that paid tribute to him. These were probably from the seventies
After searching for a set of 3ttt handle bars with the correct engravings , I found a set that were listed on eBay without designating them as Medici handle bars. I was the only bidder so I won them for $23!
After mounting the new bars on my Medici , I wrapped them with new black cork tape. I also took the opportunity to replace the old brake cables.
As I said earlier , I would love to say how much better my bike rides now. Other than a slight weight saving , it is just as nice as before. It is no better in function or reliability. It is better in the sense that it is now true to its original build. I did a 40 mile ride today and it is still the most agile and nimble bike I have ever ridden, yet comfortable for longer rides. I will continue to ride my other bikes to change the routine and add a little variation to my riding. I like the part of my commitment of keeping them original while having bikes that I can take out reliably. The only reason I would change them is for reliability.
This improved the functionality of the bike, making it more of a touring type of bike yet with the agility and responsiveness of a fine racer. With Eroica hanging in the wings and not knowing the fate of that event, I was anxious to try it out. I had run up and down our tiny cul de sac a few times but no open road touring. I left our house on a perfect spring morning. It was a bit chilly , but sunny skies and no wind! The road leaving Santa Paula to the west through miles of citrus orchards was void of people, even more so than usual. This made my self imposed ten meter distance rule easy to achieve.
When I got to Ventura a slice of sun pierced through the clouds and with it a bit of warmth. There was no wind and the wet road was my only nemisis , leaving that tell tale skunk stripe up my back. A price for not having fenders on my racers. I rode my Rusty Resurection(see post) bike , a 1972 ItalVega, which has survived far worse than the less than optimum treatment it was receiving this morning. I will think of the joy of the ride when I clean it. 
I arrived at Ventura Harbor Beach to see a low tide and slick ocean , still no rain! I could see out toward Santa Cruz Island a squall that looked as though it was delivering a pretty good amount of rain. Knowing the prevailing patern of flow in this area , I could anticipate that it was only a matter of time before it would be upon me. I carried my bike up to the parking lot and started back as I thought of my decision to ride. It really could’ve gone either way with the rain, but this time worked in my favor. Here in Southern California we rarely have to even ponder whether we will get rained on when we head out, today was somewhat refreshing. Heck, if I were further north I might have to consider fenders! That is something I don’t think about( fenders), but after removing my bright jersey proudly diplaying the “skunk stripe” I would certainly consider. I have often thought about moving to another area like a thousand miles north or something because the crowds can be overwhelming at times but I would certainly need fenders and I am sure there would be a lot of days that are just not rideable. For now this is my home and , as the saying goes, bloom where you are planted. I am in full bloom! Joe
This one , I believe , is a 1982 model Pro Strada. It is a beautiful tangerine orange with gold pearl topped with nicely applied clear coat. It sports Mavic wheels and cartridge hubs laced with Wheelsmith bladed stainless steel spokes. The derailleurs are Campagnolo Nuovo Record as is the headset , bottom bracket , crankset , and seat post.
The date stamps were not a match with one being 1982 and the other 1983. Both the drive and non drive arms were very nice after a light cleaning. I was going to replace the seat post binding bolt with a Campy one that matched the seat post , but when I removed what I thought was a generic bolt , I discovered very small engraving that told me it should stay on the bike. It was engraved “Medici” and opposite it said “Techart”. It was hard to photograph because it was such a small detail.
I am glad I noticed that it was original to the frame. I could have easily overlooked that detail.
After enjoying the rest we had our celebratory kiss and headed back to the ranch where a cold bottle of sparkling cider was waiting.
By the time we got back to the ranch the temperature had risen significantly and we were so ready for refreshment. Coincidentally, there was a wedding party at the ranch and there was quite a few people enjoying the great weather by the pool. The Circle B Ranch also has cabins and a bar . We have never stayed there but it seems as though it would be a relaxing retreat for maybe a winter getaway. It was a very special day and one of our best anniversaries ever!! We highly recomend this spot , they are open year round but probably not in rainy weather! The canyons become a wash ,we were told.
After I put the replacement derailleur , I didn’t really ride the bike much other than a test ride here and there . It seemed OK , but I really never took it on an extended ride to really see any difference in performance. My Sunday ride is usually around 30 miles or so , depending how I feel. I finally got the urge to ride the Raleigh , so I pumped the tires to the correct presure and headed out . I immediately felt that quick shift change that the Nuovo Record gives you. Not that the Gran Sport was slow, but , there was deffinitely a major difference in changing from gear to gear. After about 10-12 miles I was hooked!
At the end of this beautiful morning ride up this canyon is a nice sunny area perfect for my drink stop. I hung my bike on a chain link fence and grabbed my water bottle off the handlebar holder that secured it until needed. As I sipped my water laced with mineral and electrolyte supplements, I notice in a tree a group of vultures warming up with the morning sun. 
I was alone and being quiet so they seemed undisturbed by my presence. After a nice drink and brief rest I retrieved my bike from the fence for my downhill trip out to Foothill Rd.
The ride out was quite a bit faster than the slow uphill pace going in , so I was glad that I took the time to enjoy the sights on the uphill portion of my ride. I sped along noticing quite a few fellow bikers heading in. I guess I beat the crowd! I headed west on Foothill and the fog bank that was so thick was receding towards the coast I took Olive Rd. Towards Telegraph Rd. to make the loop back to Santa Paula. The entire ride was just under 25 miles and only took less than two hours but the memory of this impromptu detour will be long lasting.
grateful for such an opportunity !
It would be a real shame to use them as these are time capsules . So until I find someone with the bike that these belong on , I will use them for display only on which ever bike I am not riding at the time. I have two other bikes with the same hubs and are laced up to clincher tires that are easily repaired and replaced when needed.
