View Poll Results: Which Classic?
Early 80s SOMEC
28
56.00%
Early 80s DeRosa
22
44.00%
Voters: 50. You may not vote on this poll
SOMEC vs. DeRosa
11-09-20, 05:07 PM
#1
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SOMEC vs. DeRosa
Looking at two vintage bikes this week. Both frames in VG to Exc. condition. THe SOMEC has a mix of Gipiemme and Campagnolo parts. The DeRosa is purported to have a pantographed Campagnolo Record gruppo. The DeRosa is of course, more expensive. We’re not talking acquisition costs, but quality and collectibility. Pros/con store on either?
Last edited by Ungaro; 11-09-20 at 07:12 PM. Reason: Addtl. Info
11-09-20, 05:19 PM
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Originally Posted by onyerleft
I might be the only person who votes for SOMEC. DeRosa was a dentist bike. If you rode a SOMEC, you were in the know. If you rode a DeRosa, you had more money than brains. Just sayin'.
DeRosa... or whatever bike you like better!
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11-09-20, 05:21 PM
#4
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It would be helpful to know more about the bikes. Are the frames and groups of similar quality?
I’d vote for the Somec because I believe they are less common than a De Rosa.
I’d vote for the Somec because I believe they are less common than a De Rosa.
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Bianchis '90 Proto, '90 Campione del Fausto Giamondi Specialisma Italiano Mundo, '91 Boarala 'cross, '93 Project 3, '86 Volpe, '97 Ti Megatube, '93 Reparto Corse SBX
Others but still loved; '80 Batavus Professional, '87 Cornelo, '?? Jane Doe (still on the drawing board), '90ish Haro Escape SLX Bertoni "Speckled Trout"
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11-09-20, 05:40 PM
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I became a Somec convert ever since I got mine. Unfortunately have no De Rosa's (yet) and looking at the market I don't expect it would ever happen (although before finding mine I also thought Somec is way above my league). But to be fair the 80s models were cool on both sides (maybe the panto parts and the Mario Martini paintjobs for those who like such are a big plus again for Somec).
Last edited by Lattz; 11-09-20 at 05:44 PM.
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11-09-20, 06:34 PM
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Whose decals fall off by themselves the fastest?
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11-09-20, 06:51 PM
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Originally Posted by RiddleOfSteel
Whose decals fall off by themselves the fastest?
Last edited by Lattz; 11-09-20 at 06:55 PM.
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11-09-20, 07:23 PM
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Both of finest craftsmanship. DeRosa obviously has venerable history and pedigree. SOMEC wins for aesthetics in the eighties period because they look unbelievably cool with the mind blowing paint jobs and decals and pantographing. Besides SOMEC has way cooler time trial bikes in the classic period. So while respecting DeRosa history, I have to vote SOMEC.
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11-10-20, 12:55 PM
#13
It's MY mountain
A De Rosa will get you the MOST admiring glances and smilies; because everybody knows them.
But a SOMEC will get you the admiring glances from the real cognoscenti.
But a SOMEC will get you the admiring glances from the real cognoscenti.
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11-10-20, 04:58 PM
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I do own a mid-80s De Rosa Professional. I've never ridden a Somec, but I've gushed over a few of them. One of the local shops had a display model with custom leather wrappings around the tubes--I imagine for urban protection--with custom stitched "Somec" lettering/graphics on the main tubes. Black paint & leather wraps with chrome lugs. It was a really attractive bike.
I'd expect the ride and craftsmanship to be very similar, but Somec may have some flashier details (extra chrome, internal cables, BB cutouts, engravings, unusual color schemes and graphics, etc.). All else being equal, I might give the slight edge to Somec for their tendency to include these extra embellishments and because I prefer brands that are a little more obscure. However, the pantographed Record parts package on the De Rosa might put it over the top. Classic first world problem.
I'd expect the ride and craftsmanship to be very similar, but Somec may have some flashier details (extra chrome, internal cables, BB cutouts, engravings, unusual color schemes and graphics, etc.). All else being equal, I might give the slight edge to Somec for their tendency to include these extra embellishments and because I prefer brands that are a little more obscure. However, the pantographed Record parts package on the De Rosa might put it over the top. Classic first world problem.
11-10-20, 04:58 PM
#16
Edumacator
I’m not sure there is a wrong answer here. Somecs are often stunningly exquisite. Derosas are timeless.
all I want is to find is a Ciocc that someone is about to toss...
all I want is to find is a Ciocc that someone is about to toss...
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11-10-20, 07:34 PM
#17
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Somecs are thinner on the ground, and as a result less well-known and likely to cost a little less. Also likely to give one more of a feeling of exclusivity if that's what one is after 
Especially if it is embellished with pantographing and cat stickers:
DD
Especially if it is embellished with pantographing and cat stickers:
DD
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11-11-20, 06:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Drillium Dude
Somecs are thinner on the ground, and as a result less well-known and likely to cost a little less. Also likely to give one more of a feeling of exclusivity if that's what one is after
Especially if it is embellished with pantographing and cat stickers:
DD
Especially if it is embellished with pantographing and cat stickers:
DD
11-11-20, 10:19 AM
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I’ve been eyeing this SOMEC that has been on the local Craigslist for a while. https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/b...204877310.html
I don’t know the brand well but saw a similar paint scheme and Somec on FB market place a few months back. It was under $200 with crappy pics. I messaged within 15 min after it was posted but someone snatched it up quick. I wondered what it may have been as I’m not sure how “low end” the model line of SOMEC goes?
Shannon
I don’t know the brand well but saw a similar paint scheme and Somec on FB market place a few months back. It was under $200 with crappy pics. I messaged within 15 min after it was posted but someone snatched it up quick. I wondered what it may have been as I’m not sure how “low end” the model line of SOMEC goes?
Shannon
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11-11-20, 10:49 AM
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Originally Posted by onyerleft
I might be the only person who votes for SOMEC. DeRosa was a dentist bike. If you rode a SOMEC, you were in the know. If you rode a DeRosa, you had more money than brains. Just sayin'.
Cancel Culture: you!
11-11-20, 11:59 AM
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Problem: Poll doesn't have a "Get both" option.
-Kurt
-Kurt
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11-11-20, 02:49 PM
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Originally Posted by cudak888
Problem: Poll doesn't have a "Get both" option.
-Kurt
-Kurt
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11-11-20, 02:51 PM
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Originally Posted by wheatfly
I’ve been eyeing this SOMEC that has been on the local Craigslist for a while. https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/b...204877310.html
I don’t know the brand well but saw a similar paint scheme and Somec on FB market place a few months back. It was under $200 with crappy pics. I messaged within 15 min after it was posted but someone snatched it up quick. I wondered what it may have been as I’m not sure how “low end” the model line of SOMEC goes?
Shannon
I don’t know the brand well but saw a similar paint scheme and Somec on FB market place a few months back. It was under $200 with crappy pics. I messaged within 15 min after it was posted but someone snatched it up quick. I wondered what it may have been as I’m not sure how “low end” the model line of SOMEC goes?
Shannon
