Classic & Vintage - Your Favorite Classic Italian Bike?

What is your absolute favorite classic Italian road bike, and why? Post pics if you have.

Cinelli. When I was 6, the cool college-aged neighbor had one. I have since discovered the uniqueness of the bikes and the quality of the components. Cino was an excellent sprinter and built on his reputation with innovative products and excellent quality to grow a successful business.


The regulars here are probably bored looking at this, but I will post my Model B just because you asked.;):p

http://www.h3odesign.com/Misc_Images/Overall1.jpg

Awesome, thanks. I got into bicycling about 2 years ago because of an injury I had over in Iraq that prevented me from running. I bought a pretty nice bike off a buddy of mine who was getting out of the Army. Ever since I have gotten more and more excited about riding, and I think I want to buy a nice steel Italian bike, and (I know, God Forbid), put a set of brand new Campy on it. Hence the reason for this thread.

I was always a big fan of Masi. Since I couldn't find a classic Masi, when I was shopping for my first road bike earlier this year, I picked out a nice Bianchi.

I had a BOttechia for some time.
got it for 10 bucks from a neighbor
I used it as a back up training bike when my aluminum Felt F70 was in for repairs. Very nice bike... just a bit 'whippy'

Here is a Fiorelli frame that I picked up recently.

A replacement rear dérailleur is on the way.

http://www.hazelgear.com/ParkerEatsBread/Fio.JPG

geez. deRosa is the nicest i have ridden. I also like the older Masi's a lot.

There are so many.

I really like Colnago...Pinarello...they are both really nice riders. I have never ridden one, but the Cinelli's have a very good reputation.

I think that lotek pointed out that Tommasini out-blings all of the rest.

Viva Bottecchia! Mainly because Bottecchia was one of the only Italian brands widely distributed in the 60's and 70's where I grew up. I was 12 in 1974, young but into cycling, and wanted genuine Italian steel. People would stop and ask me, "What's a BOTT-a-CHEE-a?" (it's bo-TAKE-eeya dangit!). I rode it for years, stored it while I was in the Army, then got it out and rode until the mid-90's when I got into an accident with it. I found this much nicer model on eBay a while back in the same color, same decals and I ride it regularly:

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z77/Kommisar89/BottecchiaGirodItalia048.jpg

Mid to late 80's C-Record Colnago Masters.... Close to the most perfect bikes ever made I think, just beautiful. Tommasini's with lots of chrome and Pinarello's of the same era as a close second.

Ever since I have gotten more and more excited about riding, and I think I want to buy a nice steel Italian bike, and (I know, God Forbid), put a set of brand new Campy on it. Hence the reason for this thread.

Actually I think modern Campy goes quite well on the late 80's - early 90's Italian bikes, especial if you forgo the carbon fiber stuff and stick with alloy.

I was curious myself to see how many riders out there prefer Italian bikes. When I first began riding, all of the dream bikes were Italian. I never got beyond that stage. It isn't that I don't like the others, it's just that the Italian brands were held in such high esteem that I couldn't "lower my standards":) . You'd get some justified arguments today as to which countries produce the finest bicycles. Anyway, I posted pics of my '83 Piccho before so I won't bore you here. I hope other riders share their pics.

Those chrome lugs are really classy. I'll tell ya, I can't think of much that looks better than that!

I am on the road so I don't have a picture, but I kinda like my mid nineties Bianchi reparto corse frame with Columbus TSX ultralight tubing. Dark blue with celeste emblems and chrome stays. Spot on handling.

I've ridden Ciocc, Colnago, Pinarello. I presently have and ride Guerciotti, Cinelli and De Rosa.
The De Rosa, by a substantial margin, is the best riding of anything I've ridden. I've been told that Mondonicos are very nice as well, but I've never ridden one.

Viva Bottecchia! Mainly because Bottecchia was one of the only Italian brands widely distributed in the 60's and 70's where I grew up. I was 12 in 1974, young but into cycling, and wanted genuine Italian steel. People would stop and ask me, "What's a BOTT-a-CHEE-a?" (it's bo-TAKE-eeya dangit!). I rode it for years, stored it while I was in the Army, then got it out and rode until the mid-90's when I got into an accident with it. I found this much nicer model on eBay a while back in the same color, same decals and I ride it regularly:

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z77/Kommisar89/BottecchiaGirodItalia048.jpg

I never get tired of seeing that Bottecchia! That thing is beautiful! :D

Hands down favorite: 1982 Bianchi Superleggera. Lean, mean, dance machine.

I've ridden Ciocc, Colnago, Pinarello. I presently have and ride Guerciotti, Cinelli and De Rosa.
The De Rosa, by a substantial margin, is the best riding of anything I've ridden. I've been told that Mondonicos are very nice as well, but I've never ridden one.

aha! Two for de rosa! I wish I had one...the only one in my garage is a 52 and my wife thinks it is hers...

I really don't think I could choose. I mean, just in this thread so far we've seen beautiful examples from just three different brands. I believe I am partial to '70s and older machines though. Probably because they usually just have more shiny stuff. :D

SNIPPED I think that lotek pointed out that Tommasini out-blings all of the rest.

Here is some Tommasini bling

Dang, my Bertoni could almost out-bling that Tommasini, but I don't have chrome head lugs and no one's ever heard of Bertoni. :o

Here is some Tommasini bling

This bike is clearly not your size, frank. Send it on out here and I'll send you something nice back...

I have two: 96 Cinelli Supercorsa and a 1981 Pogliaghi.

Dream bikes, both of them, although I would LIKE an older Cinelli, too.

Dang, my Bertoni could almost out-bling that Tommasini, but I don't have chrome head lugs and no one's ever heard of Bertoni. :o

I had a Bertoni Master that had Columbus SLX tubing, chromed fork and chain and seat stays, and a blue/green/red marble paint scheme. It was the first bike I ever bought from the late Gary Hobbs at GVH Bikes and is to this day the prettiest frameset I have ever owned or seen.

I was always a big fan of Masi. Since I couldn't find a classic Masi, when I was shopping for my first road bike earlier this year, I picked out a nice Bianchi.

First club ride some 35 years ago, saw a number of great bikes, one of which was an early Masi Gran Criterium with the first style of graphics, I still consider it to be one of the best styled Italian bikes of the 70's.

Dang, my Bertoni could almost out-bling that Tommasini, but I don't have chrome head lugs and no one's ever heard of Bertoni. :o

Sure we have. After Lawee discontinued the Italvega brand in favor of Univega, it was decided there was renewed marketed interest for an Italian brand, which they named Bertoni. The serial number format on some of these frames matchs Bianchi's, who appear to be the source for Bertoni.

As for my favourite Italian brand, that would be Scapin. My SL was light, with excellent, precise handling. Just stiff enough for my riding style, so that it was still comfortable. Understated appearance, but excellent workmanship. For my pruposes, it was better than the couple dozen of Italian brands that I've ridden or owned. I rode it for 15 years and about 100,000 miles, before the seat tube let go. The only bicycle that surpasses it is Marinoni, but then even that has italian heritage.

Pogliaghi, anyone? My cousin had a gorgeous red one in 1971, when I did my first double metric century ride on his turf (Los Altos, Santa Cruz, San Gregorio, Palo Alto loop).

I realize they are common, but the Edward White (Edoardo Bianchi) marque has a venerable history.

Folks who don't know the story of Austro-Bohemian cycling champ Otto Cap assume Capo is an Italian brand. Actually, the frame lugs and many components on mine did come from Italy, and today's top-of-the-line computer-designed, custom-built Capo frames are manufactured there, as well.

Actually I think modern Campy goes quite well on the late 80's - early 90's Italian bikes, especial if you forgo the carbon fiber stuff and stick with alloy.


http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s161/gruppetto/72689676611_0_BG.jpg
I festooned my '87 Bianchi Columbus SL frame with modern Veloce. It sports 9 speed friction shifting.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s161/gruppetto/72689676611_0_BG.jpg
I festooned my '87 Bianchi Columbus SL frame with modern Veloce. It sports 9 speed friction shifting.

Note the family resemblence, one of the last of the hand made, diamond framed, Italian steel, Reparto Corse bikes - an all modern Veloce w/Centaur - if only it had lugs...

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z77/Kommisar89/001.jpg

I never get tired of seeing that Bottecchia! That thing is beautiful! :D

And once again undergoing "renovations" - I quickly grew weary of the tubulars. On order now are a set of Rigida clincher rims from Velo Orange along with some shelac flakes for the bar tape and soon a Brooks Professional to replace the Cinelli Unica saddle. Currently it's equiped with Look pedals while I try to pick up an old set of Campy Look campatibles.

And just for trivia - the only part left from my original Bottecchia that I bought back in 1974 is the rear Tipo hub (not the one in the picture). I just finished polishing it up and replacing the cones and bearings and will be using it to build the new wheels (so as to keep the tubulars for display). So I'll be able to say, "this is my old bike from back in the day, I've just replaced a "few" parts". :D

Ray Dobbins old Bottecchia Equipe is my personal favorite after my own Giro d'Italia. I award it "King of Bling" status. I want one like it, even if I have to recreate it from scratch. (And I was thinking a modern polished stainless steel frame with Campy 10-spd)

http://www.raydobbins.com/bottecchia/photos/photo1.html

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z77/Kommisar89/BottecchiaEquipe.jpg

beautiful

This bike is clearly not your size, frank. Send it on out here and I'll send you something nice back...

Thanks for the offer :) It's my size alright (this Tommasini is 56 c-t w/55.5cm tt) but I am selling it and keeping the NOS Basso Gap and never ridden Pogliaghi framesets.

early-mid 80s Rossin. The first really nice racer I've ever had, and a real joy to ride. Kinda wish I had a few others to compare it to...

I also loved my Sabatini track bike, but I think more because it was sexy and not because I dug the ride. It was a bit big for me, and was just too twitchy for my taste. I'm totally in love with the bike I traded it for - a Nobilette cross bike with 600 STI - but it's definitely not a sleek sexy beast like the Sabatini.

My buddy rides a 70s orange Viner Special Pro that I passed onto him because it was too big for me. Man, that was a gorgeous frame. I'm still a little bitter about the whole height issue.

And I've still got a Colnago Super that's too big for me. If I play my cards right, I'll be swapping it for a 1960s Cinelli track bike in my size. I'll quit after that, I swear. Unless one of my top 10 bikes comes on the cheap:)

First club ride some 35 years ago, saw a number of great bikes, one of which was an early Masi Gran Criterium with the first style of graphics, I still consider it to be one of the best styled Italian bikes of the 70's.


Yeah I was wondering if they counted, but the more I try to resist the popular classics the more they suck me in.. give me an early 70s Carlsbad Masi or perhaps a colnago super (early 70s).. and watch me melt.

I have a mid/late '70's Colnago Mexico and an early '80's Pinarello Treviso. I don't think there's one part on the Pinarello that isn't pantographed.

Sweet bikes all. :beer:

I've only had one Italian frame, so I'm partial to Pinarello's.

http://buzznet-09.vo.llnwd.net/assets/users15/marinerfan/default/large-msg-117347034959.jpg

http://buzznet-71.vo.llnwd.net/assets/users15/marinerfan/default/large-msg-117347035165.jpg

Sure we have. After Lawee discontinued the Italvega brand in favor of Univega, it was decided there was renewed marketed interest for an Italian brand, which they named Bertoni. The serial number format on some of these frames matchs Bianchi's, who appear to be the source for Bertoni.

Well of course you've heard of Bertoni. :D Actually, this forum is the only place I've ever seen another Bertoni, which is a member's bike (I can't remember his name :() I believe his is older than mine though, and in my opinion better looking.

Bellissimo!

There is something about the Cinelli, an understated look to it that appeals to me. No, I don't
own one but its up there on my list.
Lately I've been thinking about Masi, a lot. I seriously need to learn what all the buzz is
about.
As Luker said with the possible exception of Ray D's Bottecchia I think Tommasini was the most
elaborate frame made. I always considered them somehow plush, elegant almost to the point of
garrish, but not quite, and very different than the racing heritage of Colnago, de Rosa, Pogliaghi.
Which leads me to my current favourite.
Pogliaghi Pista (mine).
http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/d/133315-2/P1010143.jpg

And if I have a favorite forum member bike, well this could very well be it.


Bellissimo!

There is something about the Cinelli, an understated look to it that appeals to me. No, I don't
own one but its up there on my list.
Lately I've been thinking about Masi, a lot. I seriously need to learn what all the buzz is
about.
As Luker said with the possible exception of Ray D's Bottecchia I think Tommasini was the most
elaborate frame made. I always considered them somehow plush, elegant almost to the point of
garrish, but not quite, and very different than the racing heritage of Colnago, de Rosa, Pogliaghi.
Which leads me to my current favourite.
Pogliaghi Pista (mine).
http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/d/133315-2/P1010143.jpg

Cyclotoine,

thank you. . .

Marty

I'm partial to my own Pinarello but I have to say that there are some Tommasini's around that I'd trade my whole fleet for.

Ray Dobbins old Bottecchia Equipe is my personal favorite after my own Giro d'Italia. I award it "King of Bling" status. I want one like it, even if I have to recreate it from scratch. (And I was thinking a modern polished stainless steel frame with Campy 10-spd)

Seriously? Because I've got one of those framesets in excllent condition.

........because of an injury I had over in Iraq that prevented me from running....


Hmm, seems that it more likely is YOU who is on the meds:). I couldn't have dreamt such a sweet irony.
I'm lovin' it. Cheers! Get well soon.:beer:

Seriously? Because I've got one of those framesets in excllent condition.

Just sent you a PM.

Bellissimo!

There is something about the Cinelli, an understated look to it that appeals to me. No, I don't
own one but its up there on my list.
Lately I've been thinking about Masi, a lot. I seriously need to learn what all the buzz is
about.

Which leads me to my current favourite.
Pogliaghi Pista (mine).
http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/d/133315-2/P1010143.jpg

Masi's are fun.

The Pog has a chrome or stainless chain, decades ago, it was the SouthernCal Junior Racer thing to have, a "chrome" chain by D.I.D., Styling. I had one, I am sure it made me faster.

Sprint to Victory.

Rad's chrome Pinarello is my favorite, but this one is a close second only because I get to ride it.:)


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a153/Fongman/IMG_2536-web.jpg


And yes, my grass was/is too high. A lot of rain this year...:o

Rad's chrome Pinarello is my favorite, but this one is a close second only because I get to ride it.:)


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a153/Fongman/IMG_2536-web.jpg


And yes, my grass was/is too high. A lot of rain this year...:o

That is a Record, no? I have an '85 very much like it, and I like the bike a lot...one of my favorites. As a matter of fact, all of the Italian bikes I have make my top ten, and get ridden often...

A minor confession, though. The bike that is making the most often ridden this year is a steel Havnoonian...Campy 9 speed, downtube shifters, and campy electron wheels. I suspect it just simply fits better than any of the others...

Kinda of off topic but you gotta wonder are bikes like wines where scientists have been trying forever to figure out the right "formula" and the Italians just have the magic or is it simply a matter of taking a protractor to an Italian frame and reproducing it? It SEEMS simple enough, right? But then why did well known factories even back in the day have master builders contract their team race frames?

That is a Record, no? I have an '85 very much like it, and I like the bike a lot...one of my favorites. As a matter of fact, all of the Italian bikes I have make my top ten, and get ridden often...



No...:( I wish it was. I bought the frame in 88 from the LBS. It was just the frame and was a couple of years old at the time. My brother worked for the shop at the time and basically put it together for me as cheap as possible. I could kick myself today, but didn't really have a choice back then. $800 back then was like $8k for me today...

It has Shimano 600 parts, would love to restore it with Campy, but wouldn't even know where to begin to find the right parts. Besides I'm a mechanical idiot, I'd have to find the right person locally to help me out. It rides fine, so I'll just learn to be content and not look at too many picture posts here. :p

No mention of Ciocc yet? I guess it is because I have one but also, back in the '80s as a teenager, there was a certain mystique to it. My friends all had road bikes, mostly Mieles or Peugeuts, because the mountain bike thing hadn't quite caught on yet. I was the first to buy a mountain bike because I had been riding a BMX and couldn't keep up with the Mieles.

It was a pretty good bike but then one of my friends decided to one-up everyone by purchasing a Ciocc. It was nice. Champagne colour and full Campy parts, it flew. None of us had ever heard of this company before and we had no idea of how to pronounce the name, we just knew that it was beautiful and light and very fast. Ever since then, that brand, Ciocc, has had a special place in my memory as being an elite bicycle.