KEYHOLE &
MOUNTAIN KING
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Two similar lug patterns were developed in the 1960s: the Mountain King and Keyhole designs. Both were both used on racing bikes. They were refined versions of fairly simple long-point lug blanks. |
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The above frame is typical of Keyholes: fairly simple lugwork, short chainstays (16.5") and wheelbase (39.25"), hard and stiff to ride. This one has 72 degree parallel angles. The original finish is intact. The seat lug looks the same as that on many Italia models; the head lugs and the geometry differentiate the two models. The Italia was a touring bike with longer wheelbase and more comfortable ride, whereas Keyholes were full-race machines. Keyholes typically have oval chainstays (stiffer), whereas Italias typically have the round 'pencil' stays (more comfortable). Also, the head lugs on the Keyholes were different, having drill holes and often extra points on the head tube. |
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Left, 1976 Keyhole. Right, 1981 Keyhole-Spade. |
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Some Keyholes featured slots connecting the drill holes. |
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Mid-1980s Keyhole. |
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Mountain King |
Keyhole-Spade |
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Keyhole |