Looking for information about my Barelli track bike frame.

[Nick Jones]

Three years ago I bought this Barelli track bike frame from a local (Cardiff) bike shop/workshop. They seemed to think it was italian but based on what I've found out, they were a british company.

The information I have found is that Barelli used to make some of the world's finest pedals and roller machines. The company was based just outside Cambridge on an industrial estate near Huntingdon Rd and a place called 'Bar Hill', and was owned by a man called Geoff Chapman. Apparently they were worried that people would only buy components from companies that were continental, especially Italian, so they adapted 'Bar Hill' into Barelli (very italian sounding). They later stopped making pedals and rollers, and instead, began making medical equipment/apparatus...quite a change in industry!!

This is all the information I know about Barelli, which mainly all comes from on blog post I found (Attached below). I can't find any information or pictures that they ever made any frames. It could have been build for a team they may have had, but that's total speculation.

Any information would be greatly appreciated as I would love to know the history of this frame.

https://idonotdespair.com/tag/roller-racing/

P.s. I'll post some better pictures tomorrow when it's light out.

 

[Cycleops]

No idea I'm afraid but that's a very nice frame. Do you know what tubing was used?

 

[Ian H]

Google turns this up: https://www.cyclollector.com/gb/fra...frame-and-forks-barelli-columbus-size-57.html
Classic Lightweights mentions the pedals, but not frames. I expect they were bought in and badged. Nice-looking track iron, could actually be Italian manufacture.

 

[Randomnerd]

There is this too, from a brief search https://studiobrisant.com/en/barelli-singlespeed

 

[Jameshow]

Was it made by planet x

Or did planet x buy out the name along with Holdsworth etc.

 

[midlife]

Is there a frame number on it?

 

[midlife]

I remember their shoe plates

http://www.yellowjersey.org/barelli.jpg

 

[Nick Jones]

Hi everyone, thank you for your kind words about my bike. She's a beauty for sure and rides like one too.

 

[Nick Jones]

No idea I'm afraid but that's a very nice frame. Do you know what tubing was used?

Cyclops- unsure on the tubing used. But based on the link that Randomnerd posted here, I think it could be Columbus tubing.

 

[Nick Jones]

Is there a frame number on it?

There is a frame number on the bottom side of the BB. (See attached).

 

[Nick Jones]

Google turns this up: https://www.cyclollector.com/gb/fra...frame-and-forks-barelli-columbus-size-57.html
Classic Lightweights mentions the pedals, but not frames. I expect they were bought in and badged. Nice-looking track iron, could actually be Italian manufacture.

Ian H - I did think that but this 'frame craftsman built' rose sticker on the lower part of the seat tube threw me off that idea. (See attached).

 

[Nick Jones]

It also has a Campagnolo Prodotti Speciali sticker on the down tube, which makes sense as it has Campag. dropouts on the frame and Forks. I also want to point out the amazing wraparound seat stay. Lovely stuff.

 

[Ian H]

Ian H - I did think that but this 'frame craftsman built' rose sticker on the lower part of the seat tube threw me off that idea. (See attached).

Oh, I don't doubt it's a hand-built frame, just not in-house.

 

[midlife]

Hmm Rose sticker? Norris Locksly?