View Poll Results: Which Classic?
Early 80s SOMEC
30
57.69%
Early 80s DeRosa
22
42.31%
Voters: 52. You may not vote on this poll
SOMEC vs. DeRosa
11-09-20 | 05:07 PM
#1
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Bikes: '71 Raleigh Professional MK III; '71 Raleigh Pro Track; '88 Bianchi Campione d'Ialia; 2016 Litespeed T5 Gravel; 2012 Cool Fixie; 2017 Bottecchia Leggendaria; 2018 Bottecchia Leggendaria;2008 Electra Townie
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
#2
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From: Arizona
Bikes: Many!
DeRosa... or whatever bike you like better!
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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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
11-09-20 | 05:40 PM
#5
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From: Germany
Bikes: 80s Alan Super Record, 79' Somec Special, 90s Rossin(?) Columbus Ego Triathlon, previously: Bianchi SBX Reparto Corse (stolen) and so on...
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.
11-09-20 | 06:34 PM
#8
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From: Portlandia's Kuiper Belt, OR
Bikes: 1987 Woodrup Competition - 2025 Trek Checkpoint SL 6 Gen 3 - 1987 Lotus Legend - 2024 Trek Emonda ALR Rim Brake - 1980 Trek 510 - 1988 Cannondale SR500 - 1985 Trek 670 - 1982 Trek 730
Whose decals fall off by themselves the fastest?
11-09-20 | 06:51 PM
#9
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From: Germany
Bikes: 80s Alan Super Record, 79' Somec Special, 90s Rossin(?) Columbus Ego Triathlon, previously: Bianchi SBX Reparto Corse (stolen) and so on...
Wait until Pinarello is on the vote. But to be honest, Somec is a close Runner up there. As for the decals, I'm sure all "pre-Adidas" ones with original decals have never left the first buyer's room. Same for the front top tube cable guide. I thought only mine was neglected, but saw a few others with the same problem.
Last edited by Lattz; 11-09-20 at 06:55 PM.
11-10-20 | 04:58 PM
#14
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From: Berkeley, CA
Bikes: 72 Cilo Pacer, 72 Gitane GT, 72 Peugeot PX10, 73 Speedwell Ti,l, 75 Peugeot PR-10L, 80 Colnago Super, 81 Zinn, 85 ALAN Cross, 85 De Rosa Pro, 86 Look 753, 86 Look KG86, 89 Parkpre Team, 90 Parkpre Team MTB, 90 Merlin
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
#15
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From: Goose Creek, SC
Bikes: More than the people who ride them...oy.
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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1987 Crest C'dale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin EL, 1990 Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Isoard, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 C'dale M500, 1984 Mercian Pro, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi ?, 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super, 1971 Raleigh Internat'l, 1998 Corratec U+D, 1991 Peugeot Slimestone, 1987 Bianchi Volpe, 1995 Trek 750
1987 Crest C'dale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin EL, 1990 Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Isoard, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 C'dale M500, 1984 Mercian Pro, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi ?, 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super, 1971 Raleigh Internat'l, 1998 Corratec U+D, 1991 Peugeot Slimestone, 1987 Bianchi Volpe, 1995 Trek 750
11-10-20 | 07:34 PM
#16
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From: PAZ
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 | 06:34 AM
#17
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From: Senoia, GA
Bikes: '71 Raleigh Professional MK III; '71 Raleigh Pro Track; '88 Bianchi Campione d'Ialia; 2016 Litespeed T5 Gravel; 2012 Cool Fixie; 2017 Bottecchia Leggendaria; 2018 Bottecchia Leggendaria;2008 Electra Townie
Nice Air! What year is that? The one I’m looking at is not an Air, but does have the same seat tube decal and has the cool head lug panto.
11-11-20 | 10:19 AM
#18
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Bikes: Bridgestone 300 ; Bridgestone XO3; Motobecane Grand Jubilee; Surly karate monkey; Lemond ventoux "team z" colors; Diamondback Master TG pink with black splatter paint
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
11-11-20 | 10:49 AM
#19
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11-11-20 | 02:49 PM
#23
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 62
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From: Senoia, GA
Bikes: '71 Raleigh Professional MK III; '71 Raleigh Pro Track; '88 Bianchi Campione d'Ialia; 2016 Litespeed T5 Gravel; 2012 Cool Fixie; 2017 Bottecchia Leggendaria; 2018 Bottecchia Leggendaria;2008 Electra Townie
11-11-20 | 02:51 PM
#24
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 62
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From: Senoia, GA
Bikes: '71 Raleigh Professional MK III; '71 Raleigh Pro Track; '88 Bianchi Campione d'Ialia; 2016 Litespeed T5 Gravel; 2012 Cool Fixie; 2017 Bottecchia Leggendaria; 2018 Bottecchia Leggendaria;2008 Electra Townie
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
11-11-20 | 03:10 PM
#25
Bianchi Goddess
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk