Of the major Italian builders, where would you put each in regards to hierarchy?
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Of the major Italian builders, where would you put each in regards to hierarchy?
Let me first give a disclaimer. I know each company has different levels of frames. It's not fair to say Alfa Romeo is better than Ferrari because you're comparing an Alfa 33 Stradale to a Ferrari Dino.
I understand that companies go through transitions. In this list, I'm referring to the companies in their prime/building bikes in Italy.
Everyone has their favorite company but if trying to remain objective as possible, how would you rate their hierarchy?
This can include overall history, pedigree, racing history, overall quality, etc..
For simplicity, you could just put your top 5 or top 10.
-Pinarello
-De Rosa
-Bianchi
-Colnago
-Cinelli
-Ciocc
-Masi
-Rossin
-Tommasini
-Guerciotti
-Basso
-Casati
-Pegoretti
-Scapin
-Benotto
-Moser
-Gios
-Olmo
I tried to keep it around 15....also pretty sure I made a brainfart and omitted a company that should be there. Feel free to add a company you feel more fitting.
This is out of curiosity and figured it would be fun.
I understand that companies go through transitions. In this list, I'm referring to the companies in their prime/building bikes in Italy.
Everyone has their favorite company but if trying to remain objective as possible, how would you rate their hierarchy?
This can include overall history, pedigree, racing history, overall quality, etc..
For simplicity, you could just put your top 5 or top 10.
-Pinarello
-De Rosa
-Bianchi
-Colnago
-Cinelli
-Ciocc
-Masi
-Rossin
-Tommasini
-Guerciotti
-Basso
-Casati
-Pegoretti
-Scapin
-Benotto
-Moser
-Gios
-Olmo
I tried to keep it around 15....also pretty sure I made a brainfart and omitted a company that should be there. Feel free to add a company you feel more fitting.
This is out of curiosity and figured it would be fun.
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Grandis is the only one that's any good, the rest are all junk. Everybody knows this.
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Trek 400 ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Trek 400 ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
#3
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Cinelli
Pinarello
Colnago
Masi
Tommasini
Ciocc
all the rest of 'em
BTW, I'll be happy to dispose of your "junk" 1986 De Rosa Professional for you. I'll even pay the shipping, because I firmly believe in keeping the environment clean and uncluttered.
Last edited by D1andonlyDman; 04-29-16 at 12:23 AM.
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List according to MSRP? Racing successes? Popularity? Or is it subject to the official BF panel of experts?
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Where's the Billato Brothers? Two of the three bikes I have made by them are pure magic!
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Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
#15
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Cipollini!
This thread brings to mind the old TV jingle - Noodle-roni fettuccine
This thread brings to mind the old TV jingle - Noodle-roni fettuccine
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I've only owned eight high end Italian bicycles long enough to make a valid, relative assessment. The order is as follows:
Scapin
Marinoni
Pinarello
Olmo
Colnago
Cinelli
Legnano
Bottecchia
Scapin
Marinoni
Pinarello
Olmo
Colnago
Cinelli
Legnano
Bottecchia
Last edited by T-Mar; 04-29-16 at 06:06 AM.
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As my brother in law said when he looked at a couple italian bikes "mmmm...I can smell the marinara"

Last edited by Bikerider007; 04-29-16 at 06:39 AM.
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www.rhmsaddles.com.
www.rhmsaddles.com.
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Gelatto
Lasagne
Vito Scagagratti or something
Ferrari
Dante (particularly the Inferno model)
Hell, I dunno. I still haven't owned a Columbus frame.
Lasagne
Vito Scagagratti or something
Ferrari
Dante (particularly the Inferno model)
Hell, I dunno. I still haven't owned a Columbus frame.

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A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
#24
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My favorites are the ones I have ridden. What would be the basis for judging the others? Word of mouth?
I put lime in my beer because I've seen others do it. Therefore it must be the right thing to do.
I put lime in my beer because I've seen others do it. Therefore it must be the right thing to do.
#25
~>~
Tommasini was in a class of their own for consistent high quality frameset manufacturing.
Never had to put a frame on the flat table or fork in the jig for alignment.
BB was always faced w/ threads chased, head & fork properly faced/milled.
Chrome and paint both durable and very attractive.
Tommasini framesets performed like they looked: Beautiful
-Bandera
Never had to put a frame on the flat table or fork in the jig for alignment.
BB was always faced w/ threads chased, head & fork properly faced/milled.
Chrome and paint both durable and very attractive.
Tommasini framesets performed like they looked: Beautiful

-Bandera