De Rosa bike - need help identifying and valuing
09-20-15, 11:59 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,257
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 412 Post(s)
Liked 668 Times
in
280 Posts
De Rosa bike - need help identifying and valuing
Hey guys,
I have a chance to buy this bike. Any thoughts on which year/model it is and how much I should pay? Much obliged (yes, I decided not to buy a Peugeot after reading of the issues).
09-20-15, 11:47 PM
#2
1/2 as far in 2x the time
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Northern Bergen County, NJ
Posts: 1,746
Bikes: Yes, Please.
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 499 Post(s)
Liked 285 Times
in
222 Posts
Sweet. Mid eighties... lots of folks know these bikes well, I don't, but it's an easy guesstimate.
Mostly SR, a bit of NR, hard to tell about paint and chrome... if decent but not great, 900 Ebay to buy. If paint and chrome are nice and parts are really clean, I would say >$1200 on Ebay. Locally less.
I may be biased, I have to sell one relatively soon.
Cheers, Eric
Mostly SR, a bit of NR, hard to tell about paint and chrome... if decent but not great, 900 Ebay to buy. If paint and chrome are nice and parts are really clean, I would say >$1200 on Ebay. Locally less.
I may be biased, I have to sell one relatively soon.
Cheers, Eric
09-21-15, 09:07 AM
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,257
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 412 Post(s)
Liked 668 Times
in
280 Posts
Ok, just bought it! Had to drive 90 miles before dusk but the seller apparently had other buyers lined up. Early bird, worm and all that. Looks to be in great shape. Will post photos later today. Has Campy hubs with Ambrosio wheels. Saddle and tires need to go but that's easy. Shifts great, wheels are true and no dents or cracks anywhere. Brakes are drilled Campy. The gummy hoods are toast. Some rust on top of the fork (both sides). Seller said paint is original. A few paint nicks here and there but nothing major. I thought Italian 80s bikes put decals over clear coat? The decals on this are underneath. Hope that dorsn't mean it's a repaint. Components are mix of super and nuovo record. Cinelli stem and handlebars. The seatpost has no markings so likely generic. All of this for $740. Hope it was a good purchase! I guess I'll find out more once you guys comment on the pics...
09-21-15, 11:47 AM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 2,982
Bikes: LESS than I did a year ago!
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
5 Posts
Ok, just bought it! Had to drive 90 miles before dusk but the seller apparently had other buyers lined up. Early bird, worm and all that. Looks to be in great shape. Will post photos later today. Has Campy hubs with Ambrosio wheels. Saddle and tires need to go but that's easy. Shifts great, wheels are true and no dents or cracks anywhere. Brakes are drilled Campy. The gummy hoods are toast. Some rust on top of the fork (both sides). Seller said paint is original. A few paint nicks here and there but nothing major. I thought Italian 80s bikes put decals over clear coat? The decals on this are underneath. Hope that dorsn't mean it's a repaint. Components are mix of super and nuovo record. Cinelli stem and handlebars. The seatpost has no markings so likely generic. All of this for $740. Hope it was a good purchase! I guess I'll find out more once you guys comment on the pics...
09-21-15, 12:27 PM
#5
1/2 as far in 2x the time
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Northern Bergen County, NJ
Posts: 1,746
Bikes: Yes, Please.
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 499 Post(s)
Liked 285 Times
in
222 Posts
Ok, just bought it! Had to drive 90 miles before dusk but the seller apparently had other buyers lined up. Early bird, worm and all that. Looks to be in great shape. Will post photos later today. Has Campy hubs with Ambrosio wheels. Saddle and tires need to go but that's easy. Shifts great, wheels are true and no dents or cracks anywhere. Brakes are drilled Campy. The gummy hoods are toast. Some rust on top of the fork (both sides). Seller said paint is original. A few paint nicks here and there but nothing major. I thought Italian 80s bikes put decals over clear coat? The decals on this are underneath. Hope that dorsn't mean it's a repaint. Components are mix of super and nuovo record. Cinelli stem and handlebars. The seatpost has no markings so likely generic. All of this for $740. Hope it was a good purchase! I guess I'll find out more once you guys comment on the pics...
09-21-15, 03:31 PM
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,257
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 412 Post(s)
Liked 668 Times
in
280 Posts
The bike has been dropped off at the local bike shop (vintage pros) for new tires, hoods, saddle, bar tape, and full tear down/regreasing/polishing of components, etc. BTW, the bike shop was already able to get the rust off of the crown of the fork. The only bad news is that the top tube has signs of a small impact. It's on the top tube (on the top of the tube), right behind the head tube. Strange place for an impact. No other issues with the frame (fully inspected). They rode it and it rides straight, even with no hands on the bars. So that's a good sign. Anyway, that probably explains the lower price. I was concerned at first but two very reputable shops in So Cal confirmed that it's not that big of a deal. The ride test is most telling I guess. So, sort of mixed feelings, but I still feel like it was a good buy. Please make me feel better about it! More pics in a few minutes...
Last edited by Caliwild; 09-21-15 at 04:12 PM.
09-21-15, 03:43 PM
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,257
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 412 Post(s)
Liked 668 Times
in
280 Posts
file:///var/folders/s4/k2vcdt9x1wl2qr5y20qz6m9h0000gn/T/com.apple.iChat/Messages/Transfers/Classic-De-Rosa-Guide.gif
Using this handy dandy chart, it appears to be from 1980-1985... I think it's Azurri blue. Getting white bar tape (yes, I know it gets dirty quick but looks nice), white Concor saddle, reproduction Campy gummy hoods, white cable housing, Grand Bois gumwall tires (26mm), mks classic pedals/toe clips, white leather straps, and probably a vintage 80s water bottle holder (not sure yet). Should be ready in a couple weeks... And it IS original paint. The shop is going to touch up the little nicks and get rid of any rust too. The only other thing that is bugging me is the seatpost. It's just something generic. If anyone knows where I can get a Campy (super or nuovo record) seatpost (27.2) for a decent price, please let me know. Much obliged. Thanks for all your help.
Using this handy dandy chart, it appears to be from 1980-1985... I think it's Azurri blue. Getting white bar tape (yes, I know it gets dirty quick but looks nice), white Concor saddle, reproduction Campy gummy hoods, white cable housing, Grand Bois gumwall tires (26mm), mks classic pedals/toe clips, white leather straps, and probably a vintage 80s water bottle holder (not sure yet). Should be ready in a couple weeks... And it IS original paint. The shop is going to touch up the little nicks and get rid of any rust too. The only other thing that is bugging me is the seatpost. It's just something generic. If anyone knows where I can get a Campy (super or nuovo record) seatpost (27.2) for a decent price, please let me know. Much obliged. Thanks for all your help.
09-21-15, 03:52 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: STP
Posts: 14,491
Mentioned: 74 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 821 Post(s)
Liked 255 Times
in
142 Posts
Is there a ripple on the down tube right after the lug?
I have a Tommasini that had a minor hit and it has paint rippling on the top tube right next to the lug.
Bike still rides great!!!
Look, I would clean this up and ride the c.... out of it.
PS Don't forget to add some Veloflex Masters to your list for this bike.
It'll really make it come alive.
I have a Tommasini that had a minor hit and it has paint rippling on the top tube right next to the lug.
Bike still rides great!!!
Look, I would clean this up and ride the c.... out of it.
PS Don't forget to add some Veloflex Masters to your list for this bike.
It'll really make it come alive.
09-21-15, 04:07 PM
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,257
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 412 Post(s)
Liked 668 Times
in
280 Posts
Is there a ripple on the down tube right after the lug?
I have a Tommasini that had a minor hit and it has paint rippling on the top tube right next to the lug.
Bike still rides great!!!
Look, I would clean this up and ride the c.... out of it.
PS Don't forget to add some Veloflex Masters to your list for this bike.
It'll really make it come alive.
I have a Tommasini that had a minor hit and it has paint rippling on the top tube right next to the lug.
Bike still rides great!!!
Look, I would clean this up and ride the c.... out of it.
PS Don't forget to add some Veloflex Masters to your list for this bike.
It'll really make it come alive.
09-21-15, 04:09 PM
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,257
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 412 Post(s)
Liked 668 Times
in
280 Posts
Would you mind if I asked what kind of hit your bike had? Just curious as to how that part gets damaged (I've usually seen the downtube getting damaged).
09-21-15, 04:18 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: STP
Posts: 14,491
Mentioned: 74 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 821 Post(s)
Liked 255 Times
in
142 Posts
Hit an oily spot in the road at 15 mph and it went right out from under me.
The bike slide into a curb at 2 mph.
I won't ever sell it in that condition, but I wouldn't think twice about riding it myself.
Stuff happens.
09-22-15, 01:13 PM
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,257
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 412 Post(s)
Liked 668 Times
in
280 Posts
photo of the paint cracking
Hey guys,
Here is a close-up shot of the suspect area. Note that the rest of the tubes, including the down tube, have no signs of damage whatsoever. Also, it is riding straight, even with no hands on bars...
I called a few other vintage specialists and most agree that it's ok. I've had a few tell me they wouldn't ride it due to safety issues, but they seemed to be the minority. I'm trying to convince myself it's fine. Sorry, just paranoid after reading a few horror stories on the internets!
Here is a close-up shot of the suspect area. Note that the rest of the tubes, including the down tube, have no signs of damage whatsoever. Also, it is riding straight, even with no hands on bars...
I called a few other vintage specialists and most agree that it's ok. I've had a few tell me they wouldn't ride it due to safety issues, but they seemed to be the minority. I'm trying to convince myself it's fine. Sorry, just paranoid after reading a few horror stories on the internets!
09-22-15, 01:55 PM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: STP
Posts: 14,491
Mentioned: 74 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 821 Post(s)
Liked 255 Times
in
142 Posts
Hey guys,
Here is a close-up shot of the suspect area. Note that the rest of the tubes, including the down tube, have no signs of damage whatsoever. Also, it is riding straight, even with no hands on bars...
I called a few other vintage specialists and most agree that it's ok. I've had a few tell me they wouldn't ride it due to safety issues, but they seemed to be the minority. I'm trying to convince myself it's fine. Sorry, just paranoid after reading a few horror stories on the internets!
Here is a close-up shot of the suspect area. Note that the rest of the tubes, including the down tube, have no signs of damage whatsoever. Also, it is riding straight, even with no hands on bars...
I called a few other vintage specialists and most agree that it's ok. I've had a few tell me they wouldn't ride it due to safety issues, but they seemed to be the minority. I'm trying to convince myself it's fine. Sorry, just paranoid after reading a few horror stories on the internets!
Go ride the bike.
09-22-15, 05:12 PM
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,257
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 412 Post(s)
Liked 668 Times
in
280 Posts
Here is the response I got from a reputable paint/frame shop: It looks as I imagined, tiny cracks in the paint because the metal has been stretched a bit. The advantage of steel: it is
malleable ("able to be hammered or pressed permanently out of shape
without breaking or cracking"). If you see no other damage and it rides ok with no hands, I'd say this is good to ride.
malleable ("able to be hammered or pressed permanently out of shape
without breaking or cracking"). If you see no other damage and it rides ok with no hands, I'd say this is good to ride.
10-07-15, 04:54 PM
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,257
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 412 Post(s)
Liked 668 Times
in
280 Posts
She's ready...
She's done! Went with 28mm Grand Bois tires (at my weight, I can run them at 70 psi) and they don't look too fat. The shop put in white paint in the seatpost flutes, brake levers (in the Campagnolo engravings), seatstays and fork crown. Threw on the Campy pedals and Velo Orange cages, along with white Christophe (I know, not Italian) straps. Got a new chain, new cables & housing, bar tape, and a new white Concor saddle, as well as new replica gummy hoods too. They removed all parts, polished and cleaned everything and repacked bearings. Now I just need to remove that ugly red bottle cage that came with the bike. Otherwise, she is ready to ride. She rides perfectly smooth and no wobbles or pulling to any side. Very happy with the purchase! Thanks for all the help with my questions. This forum is the best!
10-07-15, 07:49 PM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: STP
Posts: 14,491
Mentioned: 74 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 821 Post(s)
Liked 255 Times
in
142 Posts
She's done! Went with 28mm Grand Bois tires (at my weight, I can run them at 70 psi) and they don't look too fat. The shop put in white paint in the seatpost flutes, brake levers (in the Campagnolo engravings), seatstays and fork crown. Threw on the Campy pedals and Velo Orange cages, along with white Christophe (I know, not Italian) straps. Got a new chain, new cables & housing, bar tape, and a new white Concor saddle, as well as new replica gummy hoods too. They removed all parts, polished and cleaned everything and repacked bearings. Now I just need to remove that ugly red bottle cage that came with the bike. Otherwise, she is ready to ride. She rides perfectly smooth and no wobbles or pulling to any side. Very happy with the purchase! Thanks for all the help with my questions. This forum is the best!
Enjoy that beauty.
Lose/replace that bottle cage and you are good to go.
10-07-15, 10:11 PM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 612
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
Great catch! Yes enjoy the bike. Ride it slow to get your confidence up regarding the frame. Brake hard and climb a few hills. You might notice nothing and that the bike is stiff. After a few months you will forget about the issues.