Originally Posted by T-Mar

Over the past couple of days, I've been going though some old magazines and have noticed a few changes which may be helpful in dating Tommasini:

1. New graphics, 1975+: The new graphics with the multi-coloured swoops and curved stripes start appearing in the 1985 advertisements. The 1984 advertisements shows the traditional, straight bands that go entirely around the tubes.

2. Pump pegs 1986+: A 1985 road test discusses Irio's dislike for them but how he consented to put them on the 1986 models.

3. SLX, 1985+: Apparently, Tommasini did not introduce SLX upon it's release in 1984 but waited until 1985, as advertisements mention the SLX model being "New for 1985". Note: Ads call it Professional SLX not Super Prestige, so perhaps it was a working model name.

4. Bulgier catalog, p.1-9, 1985: The Bulgier site catalog would appear to be 1985 based on the presence of an SLX model and the lack of pump pegs. Note, there are errors in the catalogue. Obviously, it was not well vetted or things had not been entirely worked out.

5. Marble finish, 1989+: The last page in the Bulgier file, p.9b is actually a 1989 advertisement, which was the first year for the marble finish.

6. Bulgier catalog, p.9a,?: Unknown date but should be 1982-1984 based on old graphics and presence of Campagnolo front derailleur tab.

7. Air forks: The exact date of introduction could not be determined. They are readily evident in all the 1985 advertisements but the 1984 copy is too small to tell. Bulgier catalog, p.9a shows the traditional fork, indicating Air was introduced sometime 1983-1985. Per 1985 road test, Air fork crowns were "designed to look like the roof of a Japanese pagoda".

Please note that the above applies to American market models. Variations could exist in foreign markets. Irio obviously bent to American market pressure for things like water bottle bosses chrome and pump pegs. It's conceivable that he may not have introduced these features in all markets, at the same time.