Originally Posted by
Old Fireleg
An interesting detail is that the GPT logo next to seat post binder on the lug is missing in Photo 3.
I guess it's an early piece when the final design has not stabilized.
On my Montello is also missing, but it still has Portacatena holes on the dropout. It is commonly known that the Montellos were started in 1985. But I think only the Montello name came in 1985. I think Pinarello also produced frames with bridgeless BB shell (which is the determinant of Montello) in 1984. They were glued with different stickers like Super Star, Super Record Special etc.
The name Montello was attached to the frame only apropos of the 1985 World Cup, which was held in Montello, Italy, that year.
Pinarello used the Montello model name well in advance of the 1985 World Championships, which took place August 22-September 01, 1985, at Giavera del Montello, Italy. My research indicates that the name dates back to late 1984 and the time of the new model introductions.
After Grewal won the 1984 Olympic Road race, Gita, the USA distributor prepared celebratory advertisements that appeared in many cycling magazines. One of these mentions the Montello and it's new patented bridgeless bottom bracket shell. More importantly, it clearly bears a 1984 copyright date.
The picture of the Montello that appears in the 1984 advertisement is the exact same one that appears in the 1985 catalogue ,indicating that this catalogue was prepared sometime prior to the advertisement, in late 1984. The catalog was probably being prepared shortly after the 1984 Olympics as most of the models do not bear the palmares decal. This reasonable given the time to create and publish a ctalogue which would have to be available, along with the new models, at the autumn trade shows. Since the catalgue bicycle is clearly labelled 'MOD MONTELLO 85', it would appear that the model name was used from inception or very near to it.
I have seen the reported Super Star predecessor to the Montello and have two issues. First it clearly has the plamares decal celebrating the Olympic victory and secondly, it has a pump peg. The catalogue Montello 85 has neither, which which seem to indicate that the catalogue Montello actually predates the reported Super Star.