A Revival in Reynolds: Bell’s Restores for L’Eroica
It’s 6:30am. Gaiole in Chianti is just beginning to stir.
The sun hasn't fully broken the Tuscan mist, but you can already hear the clinking of derailleurs and the warm hum of chatter in half a dozen languages. Hundreds of cyclists, dressed in merino jerseys and wool caps, ready their vintage steeds for a ride that isn’t about speed — it’s about history. This is L’Eroica. Not a race, but a return: to the dust, the climbs, the camaraderie. And at the heart of it all, this year, is a 1974 A.S. Gillott.
The Event
L’Eroica Italia is not your average sportive. Riders come from across the globe to pedal vintage steel bikes through the white gravel roads of Tuscany — le strade bianche. But it’s more than terrain. It’s about authenticity. To ride, your bike must meet strict pre-1987 standards:
It’s a celebration of cycling's golden age, complete with espresso stops, Chianti wine, and long dusty climbs.
The Bike
This A.S. Gillott was no ordinary vintage frame. Built in 1974 at the peak of Gillott’s reputation, it was hand-crafted in London by one of Britain’s finest artisan builders. Known for their meticulous lugwork and race-tuned geometry, Gillotts were the frame of choice for many elite riders from the 50s through the 70s.
We received this one as a bare frameset, with a brief: kit it out with high-spec, period-correct components that would both honour the brand’s legacy and meet the demands of Eroica Italia.
The Restoration
Rather than overwrite its past, we brought it forward — carefully. Here’s what went into the build:
Paintwork: Fully stripped, repainted in original Gillott red and detailed with hand-cut decals recreated from catalogue references.
Groupset: A complete Campagnolo Nuovo Record groupset, period-correct and fully rebuilt.
Finishing Kit: Cinelli bar and stem, Brooks saddle, steel toe clips with leather straps — all era-appropriate.
Compliance: Every component meticulously sourced and installed to meet Eroica’s technical requirements.
The result? A fully compliant, mechanically sound machine with soul — prepped not for a museum, but for a gravel-strewn, wine-fuelled celebration of cycling history.
Why It Matters
This build wasn’t just about aesthetics or ticking boxes. It was about honouring the story behind the bike and giving it a second life on the roads it was built for. For us, that’s what true restoration is — not just bringing a bike back, but pushing it forward.
Thinking of Eroica?
Whether it’s an heirloom you’ve had for decades or a frame you've always wanted to ride, we specialise in full vintage restorations to meet Eroica standards.
Contact us and let us help bring your story back to the road.