Classic & Vintage - Seeking info on '80s DeRosa

Tomorrow afternoon I'm going to view this bike and I don't know squat about De Rosa. The current owner has only had the bike 6 years, doesn't seem to be sure of the model and didn't share any info about the bike's history on the phone or via email (maybe he'll open up in person). My BF/Internet search didn't find sufficient answers or pictures so I turn to the C&V BF experts.

Need help confirming: 1. the model as "Strada Pro"; 2. frame geometry (looks to be about 73 deg STA and HTA); 3. year of manufacture. Any info about the bike is appreciated.

Change the seatpost, dump the computer, clean handlebar tape, spare tubie and away we go.
If purchased, it will get used as a periodic rider and will add the SLX frameset missing from my international grupetto.

Thanks folks - Please help me be more informed before the preview.

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Up for sale is a period correct 80's 61cm De Rosa (Strada Pro?) with an SLX tubeset and a Campagnolo C Record group set including Delta brakes. The top tube is 58.5cm. The crankset are 175mm in length. Wheels are Campy hubs laced to GP4 tubular rims with Continental Sprinter tires. It's a great riding bike and should be used more than it currently is. There are a few paint chips but the frame is straight and rides true. The most notable scrape is on the drive side brake stay and exposes the chrome underneath. With the light blue color it helps hide this blemish.

Tomorrow afternoon I'm going to view this bike and I don't know squat about De Rosa. The current owner has only had the bike 6 years, doesn't seem to be sure of the model and didn't share any info about the bike's history on the phone or via email (maybe he'll open up in person). My BF/Internet search didn't find sufficient answers or pictures so I turn to the C&V BF experts.

Need help confirming: 1. the model as "Strada Pro"; 2. frame geometry (looks to be about 73 deg STA and HTA); 3. year of manufacture. Any info about the bike is appreciated.

Change the seatpost, dump the computer, clean handlebar tape, spare tubie and away we go.
If purchased, it will get used as a periodic rider and will add the SLX frameset missing from my international grupetto.

Thanks folks - Please help me be more informed before the preview.

268002268003268004268005


Up for sale is a period correct 80's 61cm De Rosa (Strada Pro?) with an SLX tubeset and a Campagnolo C Record group set including Delta brakes. The top tube is 58.5cm. The crankset are 175mm in length. Wheels are Campy hubs laced to GP4 tubular rims with Continental Sprinter tires. It's a great riding bike and should be used more than it currently is. There are a few paint chips but the frame is straight and rides true. The most notable scrape is on the drive side brake stay and exposes the chrome underneath. With the light blue color it helps hide this blemish.

Looks like a later 80s Professional.

One of the better climbing bicycles I've ever ridden. Great all day riding comfort when proper fit is achieved.

Need additional pics such as seat stay caps/cluster. Also include fork crowns, bottom bracket area, and drop outs.

Really, these are very nice bicycles. Desirable gruppo and one of my favorite De Rosa colors.

I even like the Sprinter tires/GP 4 wheelset!

A true rider's bicycle. In fact, I am riding mine on an all day ride today.

Big pics please, after the purchase.

Also, bring your tape measure to double check sizing. Many of my biking friends forget to bring one when auditioning bicycles.

edit. I won't get into pricing here, but the asking is very fair for this bicycle if everything checks out on inspection.

I do not know my DeRosas very well but if this was a 60 I would be next in line behind you. Beautiful bike and I would love to try one of those Croce de Anue groups.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=268002&d=1345264183

WOW that's my size. I've always wanted a DeRosa!!!

On detail... when de rosa changed the badge logo?? That could help to figure it out if that is a respray or is a new bike with the right components or not. That i know of there is not serial number decoding websites like happens with colnagos and serottas for example.

On detail... when de rosa changed the badge logo?? That could help to figure it out if that is a respray or is a new bike with the right components or not. That i know of there is not serial number decoding websites like happens with colnagos and serottas for example.

You email the serial number to De Rosa.

They respond with simple, direct answers.

Why would you think it is a respray?

Because the fork doesnt have columbus decals, and because the paint job is not as thick as I have seen in other derosas, but that could mean that the guy who actually painted it in the fatory was good and that they fired the other guys hehehe

Because the fork doesnt have columbus decals, and because the paint job is not as thick as I have seen in other derosas, but that could mean that the guy who actually painted it in the fatory was good and that they fired the other guys hehehe

I've owned six De Rosas over the years.

Not one of them had Columbus fork decals.

Paint is in great condition on the op's example and doesn't look one bit unusual to me.

I'm riding with a fellow today that has a Professional SLX in the exact same color scheme.

He bought it new when he lived in Treviso, so I'll be happy to ask if it was a custom color.

Neither of my DeRosa's had 'thick' paint...

TRhe bike is question does NOT have a C Record RD and the freewheel appears to be a Shimano. I dont think the seatpost is period correct.

Neither of my DeRosa's had 'thick' paint...

TRhe bike is question does NOT have a C Record RD and the freewheel appears to be a Shimano. I dont think the seatpost is period correct.

I think the seatpost would have to go bye bye, but the money you would make from it could go towards a Campy Aero post of some ilk.

Here's one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Campagnolo-C-Record-Seatpost-27-2mm-vintage-NEW-in-the-BOX-/280945109643?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4169a22a8b

Here's a pic from the ad showing the freewheel and rear derailleur.

http://www.nosephone.com/pics/derosa4.jpg

I THINK that's the Chorus rear derailleur, and I actually found that it shifted better than the c-record. De Rosas didn't really have models then, they were just De Rosas. Call it a Professional, an SLX...whatever you want; it's a De Rosa. That one is beautiful and has parts that are worth quite a few dollars. I was never wild about the drive train on that era Campy, but the deltas are really cool and work better than a lot of folks realize (so long as you are OK with thin tires).

Nothing on that bike is screaming respray to me, most De Rosas had thinner paint...so I'm not sure what that comment is about and I've never seen a Columbus sticker on a De Rosa fork. It's a De Rosa - everyone knows the fork is columbus, would someone think it's hi-ten?

I agree with others - sell the post, get an aero campy. If you have a few bucks to burn, maybe a Cinelli stem! Awesome bike - best of luck getting it.

That is a Croce de Anue RD it is the only one I ever heard of with a operating rod like that. VeloBase boys Velobase!!

http://velobase.com/ViewGroup.aspx?GroupID=80e95be2-513a-47a6-8534-a05b1e58b328

Also a close look at the Deltas shows them to be CdA as well.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=268003&d=1345264185

It is a late 80's Professional with a complete CdA group, other than the C Record crank, and maybe shifters. It is not a repaint. The poster who suggested that clearly hasn't a clue.

The date can be approximated by the seatstay cap logo and the IC brake bridge. I doubt there is a useful serial number on the bike. In the 80's there was liable to be a letter, designating where it was exported to, but no serial number.

Nice bike, worth the price, if the fit is right.

To the op, just a word of caution.

If you want this bicycle, I wouldn't linger.

I know of folks that are constantly buying these older De Rosas.

Myself included, but I won't touch this one. :)

I waited on one this last spring and it was a mistake.

A lot of people can see this ad and this post. This De Rosa is priced fairly and likely won't last all that long.

BG has a MUCH better eye than I have! I can't really tell cda deltas from c-record without seeing them from behind. I don't see the price, but De Rosas are probably the most desired of the 80s Italians and that gruppo has value as well. Anything under $1500 is a VERY good price.

I'm extremely grateful to a former member for helping me get my steel De Rosa - there was a line knee deep for it and he got me to the top of it.

I think the seatpost would have to go bye bye, but the money you would make from it could go towards a Campy Aero post of some ilk.

Here's one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Campagnolo-C-Record-Seatpost-27-2mm-vintage-NEW-in-the-BOX-/280945109643?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4169a22a8b

$300..Yikes! I'm glad I have an extra one of those...

but I won't touch this one. :)

I waited on one this last spring and it was a mistake.

Why is that?

If that computer is a period Avocet, don't throw it away as many C&Vers are looking for those for their C&V rides.
Yes, they are simple and basic, compared to modern ones, but tha and their reliabilty is what attract people to it. The Avocet 20 that I bought in the mid 80's for my Peugeot is still on it and has worked flawlessly since.

Chombi

Croce d'Aune not Croce de Anue... Asking price seems to be $1200 which seems excellent, I hope the OP didn't hesitate too long on this one.

Why is that?

Op wants it and I have zero dollars in my bike fund.

Bike is worth quite a bit more than asking.

That is one dreamy bike. All it really needs is an aero campy post. If you can't find on that is long enough, a miche sypertype will make a reasonable stand in at a fair price.

Thanks to all for your quick comments.
I know this bike is a fit and I intend to buy if it is all it appears to be in the photos. The seller seems totally legit, just hasn't shown any expertise or enthusiasm for divulging info; sooo.... I have suspected it to have some mystery or secret in its past, that's what I'll be looking for.

Someone commented about no real model names in the 80's but no one mentioned Strada Pro? Where's that name coming from.

One of the draws for me is that I have no vintage Campy, but all my modern roadies are Campy10sp.
And yes, the wheelset is a definate positive as you shouldn't go tubular with only one bike, this would be the 2nd.
Is SLX too light weight for a 200lb rider on a 61cm frame? Honestly, my interest has been stronger for a Merckx with TSX.

Croce d'Aune not Croce de Anue... Asking price seems to be $1200 which seems excellent, I hope the OP didn't hesitate too long on this one.

I have an appt to view this one in a few hours so I am assuming I'm first in line. No hesitation on my part, cash in hand.

Is this one worthy of an appeal to DrilliumDude? I think so.

He's sorta local to me but I think he's shipping out soon.

Thanks to all for your quick comments.
I know this bike is a fit and I intend to buy if it is all it appears to be in the photos. The seller seems totally legit, just hasn't shown any expertise or enthusiasm for divulging info; sooo.... I have suspected it to have some mystery or secret in its past, that's what I'll be looking for.

Someone commented about no real model names in the 80's but no one mentioned Strada Pro? Where's that name coming from.

One of the draws for me is that I have no vintage Campy, but all my modern roadies are Campy10sp.
And yes, the wheelset is a definate positive as you shouldn't go tubular with only one bike, this would be the 2nd.
Is SLX too light weight for a 200lb rider on a 61cm frame? Honestly, my interest has been stronger for a Merckx with TSX.


Weights fine.

I just sold a gorgeous Merckx Century-Team Kelme built from Columbus TSX.

Was a nice bicycle.

Any questions, ask.

I think between three posters here in this thread, we have owned 15-20 De Rosas.

No offense to DD, he's still working on his first. :)

That's a great looking bike. Good luck.

I worked for the German De Rosa importer in the late 80's when this bike was built. There was no such thing as a "model" back then. You simply bought a De Rosa racing or MTB model and the parts that were fitted to the bike were what determined which "model" it was. Over the years the frame material changed but that was about it. The geometry also did not change appreciably and unless you were lucky enough to get a custom frame (Ugo built me one in 1988), the geometry was what it was.

Any questions, ask. :)

Strada Pro - where's that alleged model name come from?

And do we have consensus on this DeRosa being a std. production model with Croce d'Aune (except crankset)?

Is there a good chance of getting a 25mm tire under these Deltas?

The owner says the frame is chromed under seatstay above brake bridge, so is the whole frame chromed?

Hmmm.. what else.

I max out with 23s on deltas, but tire widths vary and the rims vary as well. It's probably not chromed throughout.

Ive heard them called professionals, giros...but they're de Rosas. The real models came later...this is an slx de rosa. Call it a strada pro if it makes you happy. These were often sold as frame sets and have whatever mix of stuff the owner wanted. The parts on it are appropriate. I'd probably change it if I planned to ride heavily.

One other thing to look for, is if it has Diamante chain stays. If it does not, it is a 1988-9. I can't tell from the one picture in the ad that clearly shows the chain stays.

Strada Pro= Road Professional
Stock model - color shown in 88 catalog
No idea on a 25c tire, but there looks to be plenty of room with the tubulars that are on it. You may not need 25s. Sprinters are decent tires.
The bike is made of chromium steel. It is not polished chrome.

I'll trade you a silver Campy aero post for the black De Rosa post, if it's not too scratched up, once again, hard to tell from the pictures.

Seatstay cap panto style and chainstay tubing style will nail down the year a bit closer. Take some pics and post them after you get the bike...there is ZERO reason not to pick it up, unless there is some major damage we can't see in the photos!

OK...I just looked at the ad on CL...1987+ I would guess.

Strada Pro - where's that alleged model name come from?

Each distributor could assign any name that they wanted, just like any dealer could. Strada means road in Italian, which was used to describe a road bike instead of a track bike. Strada was part of the description used by De Rosa but was never a "model" name. There was not for example a strada pro and a strada dilettante (amateur). It sounds more like some distributor who did not speak Italian mistakenly took strada to be a model designator.


And do we have consensus on this DeRosa being a std. production model with Croce d'Aune (except crankset)?

Definitely Croce d'Aune brakes and rear derailleur.


Is there a good chance of getting a 25mm tire under these Deltas?

Shouldn't be any problems. With C-records, I have seen them fit a 32 mm tire. The record deltas are much more adjustable than most. They have a groove on the rear that allows the brakes to be set higher or lower. The Croce d'Aune were made to accept a wider range of tires.


The owner says the frame is chromed under seatstay above brake bridge, so is the whole frame chromed?

It was common to dip the whole frame instead of only the parts that would remain visible as chrome. It made it easier for the chromer. BTW, when this bike was built, De Rosa was not painting or chroming their own frames. They shipped them across town.

Very nice color, and not red. :)

Flat fork crown, and a $200 - $300 rebate when you sell those brakes.

If this were on my local CL, I (or someone else) would have bought it out from under you by now.

The parts on it are appropriate. I'd probably change it if I planned to ride heavily.

Don't want to jinx the deal - so IF the sale goes through -- this would be a rider but not a heavy rider. For group rides or long distance the newest bikes pull the duty. Most of my vintage serve me for recovery rides, fendered bikes for PNW wet. Each has a purpose - or so I justify...

Gotta get my metric tape, pedals, shoes. then out th door.

Will update the thread much later today.
Thanks to all for the inputs - more than what I needed.

hmmmm - what to do if the seller wants to make it an auction due to multiple favorable responses?
How high can I get, for a DeRosa that fits?
How high will I go, for a DeRosa that glows?

hmmmm - what to do if the seller wants to make it an auction due to multiple favorable responses?
How high can I get, for a DeRosa that fits?
How high will I go, for a DeRosa that glows?

If he does, tell him to go ... himself , its a good deal but not enough of a good deal to lower yourself to play a seller's games. IMO...of course

If he does, tell him to go ... himself , its a good deal but not enough of a good deal to lower yourself to play a seller's games. IMO...of course

Yeah, only you can answer that.... but personally I will never get involved with an attempted last-minute arm twist. I've walked away from more than a few cars, bikes, etc., when the seller pulled that last minute "auction" crap on me.

Each distributor could assign any name that they wanted, just like any dealer could. Strada means road in Italian, which was used to describe a road bike instead of a track bike. Strada was part of the description used by De Rosa but was never a "model" name. There was not for example a strada pro and a strada dilettante (amateur). It sounds more like some distributor who did not speak Italian mistakenly took strada to be a model designator.



Definitely Croce d'Aune brakes and rear derailleur.



Shouldn't be any problems. With C-records, I have seen them fit a 32 mm tire. The record deltas are much more adjustable than most. They have a groove on the rear that allows the brakes to be set higher or lower. The Croce d'Aune were made to accept a wider range of tires.



It was common to dip the whole frame instead of only the parts that would remain visible as chrome. It made it easier for the chromer. BTW, when this bike was built, De Rosa was not painting or chroming their own frames. They shipped them across town.

Interesting - the two 80s De Rosas I've had were mainly unchromed, though it's a small sample group. I might try using a wider tire in the deltas...I couldn't get 25s in them, but maybe I didn't adjust enough.

As for pricing and auctions, the bike is VERY large and it's on CL...both things that will limit its appeal. It's a solid deal and a good price, but he isn't giving it away, and things like this usually need to be sold on eBay. I think you'll have no problems. If it were a 52 - 56cm, it would be gone, but it's not.

Don't want to jinx the deal - so IF the sale goes through -- this would be a rider but not a heavy rider. For group rides or long distance the newest bikes pull the duty. Most of my vintage serve me for recovery rides, fendered bikes for PNW wet. Each has a purpose - or so I justify...

Gotta get my metric tape, pedals, shoes. then out th door.

Will update the thread much later today.
Thanks to all for the inputs - more than what I needed.

hmmmm - what to do if the seller wants to make it an auction due to multiple favorable responses?
How high can I get, for a DeRosa that fits?
How high will I go, for a DeRosa that glows?

Lots of excellent info in this thread and I enjoy everyone participating in these discussions.

We all get to learn a tidbit or two.

Now, you might ask yourself these questions.

How badly do I want this bicycle?

How much can I afford?

As a matter of routine, I never play the auction game with CL listers though.

Sometimes I miss out, including an amplifier from Audio Research just the other day.

If you really want this nice De Rosa, you should be better informed about your purchase at this point.

Good luck.

Oh yeah, we have three De Rosas at this point and none have tires over 23s.

We haven't felt a need.

Nice bike, if you get it, you should probably change out the stem, I remember there being a recall on these back in the day due to breakage.

Lots of excellent info in this thread and I enjoy everyone participating in these discussions.

We all get to learn a tidbit or two.

Now, you might ask yourself these questions.

How badly do I want this bicycle?

How much can I afford?

As a matter of routine, I never play the auction game with CL listers though.

Sometimes I miss out, including an amplifier from Audio Research just the other day.

If you really want this nice De Rosa, you should be better informed about your purchase at this point.

Good luck.

Oh yeah, we have three De Rosas at this point and none have tires over 23s.

We haven't felt a need.

On a De Rosa there wouldn't be such a need, unfortunately my Deltas are on the Merckx, and that bike would benefit from 25c...even 28c if they fit.

So the De Rosa is mine.
The current owner acquired the bike 6 years ago through ebay from the San Francisco Bay Area. He has ridden it and kept it nice but as a young family man he doesn't have time to "ride them all" and knows this one has value. My close inspection revealed no signs of a crash at/near HT lugs, no dents, tight headset&BB, no rust, only paint chips & scrapes. It was immaculately clean in the CL photos but today it shows having been ridden a lot recently without being cleaned - maybe he's getting separation anxiety and riding it all he can. There were more paint chips/scrapes than I had hoped for, but the chips are small and the scratches superficial. Probably the worst paint damage is from the pump. There are a few scrapes on the shiny bits that didn't show in the pics. Quick measurements are: ST 61cm CTT (59.5 CtC),TT 58.5cm, HT 17.5cm, chainstays (as set) 41.5cm with room for a bit longer.

A short ride confirmed that this is a nice handling bicycle and indeed straight and true. The rear tire was not glued and quite old so I wasn't going to take any chances on a test ride with a stranger's DeRosa. All I can say is the SLX frame and GP4 tubular wheelset made for a light and quick feel. My guess is that for us big guys, this is not a frame to try to muscle - instead it needs balance and finesse. Someone commented earlier that theirs felt like an incredible climber and I can believe that is very true. Makes me want to lose 20 lbs. My first time on vintage Campy - that RD isn't the fastest shift in the house, is it?

The bottom line is that we negotiated a bit and I got a extra tubie thrown in as well. Both parties seem satisfied. Pick up the bike on Monday evening.

Here are other photos from the CL ad.

Congrats man - and welcome to the club! You're decoder ring is being prepared. That is not my favorite era of Campagnolo for the drive train...but if you're not using it heavily, just enjoy the eccentricity. She's a looker...quite clean (at least by my standards). I like getting bikes with a few dings because it makes me feel better about adding more.

Congrats, great purchase.

Congratulations on the new bike, she looks really nice, you should enjoy that ride if it does fit as you said. Well done, sir!

Bill

Fantastic. From a visual perspective that is my favorite campy era as well. CDA is very nice stuff and that record crankset is a classy touch. Like I said before, it is an aero post from perfection.

very beautiful bike!
it's definitely an '89/'90professional slx,in fact the seatstays logo is written vertically(from '88);the brake bridge is not tubular but a cast one('89),and fork crown become again flat in '90.
all the above specs are simply written in the official de rosa catalogues,every model had a name.

Congrats! That's a keeper....


Pick up the bike on Monday evening.

Here are other photos from the CL ad.

If it were me, there's no way that I'd have left it behind. Might not be there on Monday. :lol:

Congrats, so were those the photos from when he bought it a few years ago (previous seller's photos) or has he just ridden it hard since taking the shots?

If that computer is a period Avocet, don't throw it away as many C&Vers are looking for those for their C&V rides.
Yes, they are simple and basic, compared to modern ones, but tha and their reliabilty is what attract people to it. The Avocet 20 that I bought in the mid 80's for my Peugeot is still on it and has worked flawlessly since.

^^^ All my bikes are wired for them. Specifically, a 40 model. I also have a couple of model 20's. They all work great. Batteries die a year's time though. The 45 has a few more functions, but it's basically the same. I run the wire though my forks... :eek: ...a real PITA.

Avocet 45tt Functions & Specs (http://www.avocet.com/cyclopages/cyclo45tt.html)

Congrats on scoring the De Rosa. What do they call that color...Periwinkle? A friend that got me into cycling had an older De Rosa, Diamante or something like that. The chainstays were diamond shaped...IIRC