Somec frame

[sebinho]

Hi, Back with another repainted frame from the same seller as the Zeus frame I posted earlier. It's a Somec and and listed as a 1984 model with Columbus Aelle tubing. Looks identical to others that I've seen online. The Somec frames seem to go for very high prices in Europe. While I can afford this frame, I need to weigh up what (and what costs) will be involved in fitting it out. A complete Campagnolo fit out is out of the question, at least in the short to medium term. I'm thinking of using the wheels, cranks, gears, brakes from my Principia Rex, if possible. I'll later sell the Principia frameset. I assume this Somec frame has Italian threads. While it seems easy enough to find bottom brackets with Italian threads and with a variety of spindle types (I believe my Ultegra cranks from around 2001 have octolink spindles (correct?), so that's what I'd be looking for), finding an affordable headset looks more challenging. Any tips here?

Here's the frame. Would be great to hear your thoughts. The frame is my size, 59, something hard come by in Brazil for some reason, and for sale here in my city. So it's tempting - certainly looks nice.

All the best and a great weekend to all

 

[Cycleops]

Looks nice and in good condition. Isn’t Aelle one of their lower grade tubing? Had a Colnago in it once and was quite heavy.
if it’s in your size and reasonably priced go for it.

 

[sebinho]

I bought the frame. Very nice indeed and doesn't feel too heavy. I wrote to Somec too and sent photos. They replied that they don't have records of early models but that it is a late seventies frame. It's also seems consistent with the Aelle frame (ART. 004) from their 1983 calatolgue (page 8): https://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/somec/1983/

One thing I'm curious about is the brazed on lug on the seat stay above the derailleur hanger. Can anyone post a picture of one of these lugs in use?

Thanks, cheers,

 

[Smokin Joe]

I bought the frame. Very nice indeed and doesn't feel too heavy. I wrote to Somec too and sent photos. They replied that they don't have records of early models but that it is a late seventies frame. It's also seems consistent with the Aelle frame (ART. 004) from their 1983 calatolgue (page 8): https://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/somec/1983/

One thing I'm curious about is the brazed on lug on the seat stay above the derailleur hanger. Can anyone post a picture of one of these lugs in use?

View attachment 688144

Thanks, cheers,

The lug is to hang the chain on when you remove the wheel.

 

[BalkanExpress]

If you are looking for affordable Italian headsets look at Ofmega. Yes, there are some at silly prices on eBay but the majority are well priced and if you look around you may find something new old stock for less than the price of second hand Campagnolo

 

[sebinho]

If you are looking for affordable Italian headsets look at Ofmega. Yes, there are some at silly prices on eBay but the majority are well priced and if you look around you may find something new old stock for less than the price of second hand Campagnolo

Thanks for the tip. I wasn’t aware of Ofmega. Some nice looking parts.

 

[sebinho]

And out of interest, can the drive chains be mixed and matched with Campagnolo?