Libia ( d'epoca) - Lydia - Foldable bicycle - Seconda metà degli anni 70

I propose at auction a folding and touring bicycle by the brand “Libia,” model “Lydia,” from the second half of the 1970s. It has a twofold value: as a touring bike, with a frame that can be dismantled into two parts and easily transported in a car, caravan, van, or even trains, for holidays or work travel; and also as a collectible item for parks of bikes like Graziella, or as a decorative piece or display item in shop windows, or inside shops, agritourisms, lofts. The bike’s main characteristic, besides its period of origin and its diffusion, is the distinctive rust or metallized copper color, which makes it an iconic object suitable for decorating spaces in industrial, mid-century modern, pop styles, or with some adjustments even boho-chic interiors. The bicycle with a “bullhorn” handlebars was made from inexpensive materials, which made it accessible to the general public, unlike more prestigious brands such as “Carnielli” or “Atala,” which targeted more affluent social classes. Also interesting are the brands of the various components, e.g., the headset block, the saddle brand, and those of the other parts, as shown in the detailed photos I recommend consulting to gain a proper impression of the lot and of its condition.

SOME TECHNICAL DETAILS OF THE BIKE:
A small-sized item intended for a woman of medium height and weight, but also usable by boys and girls or men of average height and standard weight. The frame is made of carbon steel, with the handlebar, front and rear fenders, and wheel rims and their spokes, plus the saddle supports and the pedal crankset in chromed steel.

CONDITIONS: In generally good condition with signs of aging related to use. There are rust marks, for example, on the tube that connects the handlebar to the frame, as in one of the arms to which the pedal is attached. The paint on the frame is still nice but not perfect, and the front light, while vintage and matching the bicycle, is not original. For a perfect object a conservative restoration would be necessary, or not, depending on the buyer’s taste. I will ship the item wherever requested; however, for some continental or non-continental destinations, following the auction I reserve (but not necessarily) the possibility of applying additional shipping costs if higher than those planned. In particular, extra charges could be requested for: Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Denmark, Cyprus, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Iceland, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, Malta, Canary Islands, Macao-China, Japan, Russia, the United States, Taiwan, Turkey, Singapore, Liechtenstein, Israel, Bulgaria, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, San Marino, Monaco, and Hong Kong. I invite the auction participants to place bids not less than 50 euros (the minimum fair amount at which I would feel comfortable selling the lot), since although it is not a high-end collector’s bicycle, it is still a bike and also vintage.

Thank you for your attention.