tremolo1965

Great to see your progress on the assembly. I imagine you'll enjoy those first rides, and fine-tuning. So fun.

The finish is really gorgeous, and very thin and original-like. So nice.

repechage

that fork might be later.

repechage

This is the appearance I would be expecting.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebic...on/42646888835

Robvolz 

Maybe it’s the size of the screen on my phone, I’m not sure what I’m supposed to be looking at

Is it because there’s a scratch on the paint with rust?

repechage

I thought it was pretty obvious.
‘your fork is Later, the earlier fork image from a 1972 example shows pretty sharp points at the outer shoulders about the blades. Yours are blunt and wider, typical of an investment cast era DeRosa crown. Also in 1972, even up to 1974, there is no interruption of surface on the backside of the crown, you fork shows a upset to that surface, actually consistent with a later recessed brake attachment. I cannot tell the diameter of the back side of the crown on your fork.
nevertheless, the points of the crown are conclusive. A fork from the late 70’s at the youngest, at least five years younger than your frame. At least it is a DeRosa fork.

tremolo1965

Repechage,

Good eye, but I think this fork appears to be original, and correct for late 1973-1974.It’s an early-type investment cast crown, the type used through 1979 or so on [edit - FORKS MATCHED with] frames that still featured pressed lugs / Georg Fischer sand cast bottom brackets.

I’d say this now points to a date 1973-1974, and may be more definitive than some other features in dating the frame.

tremolo1965

Robvolz,

Take a look are image. Notice the sharp ‘fangs’ on the 1968-1973 drawing…

Now, look at the slightly duller ‘fangs’ on the 1973-1976 drawing..there’s your fork.

tremolo1965

Robvolz,

Another image from Andrea Bonfanti’s guide - notice that year span 1969-1973 features (observed / typical): BOTH short and long-pointed lugs in use.

Note - if you have any doubts about your frame / fork being a complete and matching c. 1973 set… I would be interested in taking it off your hands.

Andy_K 

This is part of what I was saying earlier, though I was basing my comments on the heart pantograph on the fork crown.

The other thing I was saying was about the seat stay cap.

@Robvolz's bike:


Mine (which I think is a 1973):


Andrea's 1972:


The circled heart in the 'o' position is later. Whether it's definitively later and never appeared before 1973, I couldn't say.

Maybe @corsaclassic could offer us an opinion?

tremolo1965

One thing certain - these are gorgeous early/mid 1970s De Rosas.

Rooney 

I'm not usually too interested in Italian race bikes, but if I were to ever get one, it would be a larger version of this. Absolutely beautiful!

Andy_K 

Thanks. I like it too.

I have to say, though, the collection of pantographed parts @Robvolz has put together for his is a very nice touch that mine is lacking.

corsaclassic

Are those lugs yours? Interested!

corsaclassic

This is a 1973/76 frame, so most probably around 74. Repainted with good design decals (compared to what I normally see around for that set).

Robvolz 

Hey all.
There is a subtle stamp on the bb and the fork that reads "30" so I know its a matched set.

The PO said he had emailed you; Andrea (^) and said it was a 71. With the older BB, it made sense, bit I am not an expert on the subject and already started referring it as "early 70s" to avoid litigation.

Nice book BTW, can't wait for the CAMPY book. (y'all should buy one https://corsaclassic.com/en-us/produ...olo-collection )


Yes, those lugs came from Bradley at SF's American Cycles. He said it was a part of a salesman's sample kit. I had been in talks with Mark DiNucci about making me a DiRosa, DiNosa or DeNucci.

But, he is a lil backed up at the moment.

Basically I promised another wine and bike friend I wouldn't bother him until he gets his long awaited frame that he paid for long ago.

Andrea, how can the older style BB be explained?

MooneyBloke

There's something about this picture of fine bike parts just jumbled together in a heap that hurts to look at. I'd have at least wrapped thing up to avoid more damage than inevitable. Congrats on the DeRosa though. If there was one mainline brand I wouldn't mind having, that's it. Too tall for me though.

corsaclassic

With that setstay name with heart in a circale it can't be 1971, as it was started in 1973. Same for the fork.
Strange I gave wrong year... do not recall this!

smd4

I think it's a keeper. Nice score. Was it just a coincidence that the yellow pantographing on the crank matches the trim on the frame? Kismet.

repechage

1973-1976 window does change things, I have not seen a long point lugged frame from that interval, DeRosa was not yet a systematic operation, just that crown did seem incongruous.
‘the brazed on water bottle bolts I associate with earlier frames too, but Ugo was allowed to change things up.
there are just overall fewer bikes to study from his shop.

by all appearances of individuals that visited, Ugo upgraded his processes verses the way Masi used contractors and then set up by contract a licensed California facility.
that facility never exploited the possible production brazing carousels and associated tooling. What I saw was impressive but highly labor intensive scheme.
Fischer components were solid but required lots of work to tame aesthetically.
later investment cast crowns arrived, and lugs but the market was pulling back, the market that did exist wanted the latest thing. Tighter geometry, the latest dropouts, Columbus tubing.
Columbus was available from Masi, just extra cost, an off menu option. During the Carlsbad years up to mid 1976, Columbus tubing got one a Mario brazed frame.

repechage

you have not studied the high end collectible car restoration industry. Micro Detail replication is expected.

Robvolz 

You are right.

But…
1, I have served wine at Pebble Beach.
2, My friend and neighbor is Keith Martin.
3, I've hung w Jon Shirley and his main restorer, John Bennett. (forget the cars, ask to see the art!!)
4, I have won several times, Best Lambretta for my TV200 and best Vespa for my twin GS160 Mk2 nationally.

OH Yeah, Almost forgot. Best Alfa Romeo Spider series 2 at the national conference for my "SUPER SPIDER." (one of 3 made to pass DOT homoginization)



Mainly I just build a little and ride with a big smile on my face.

For you, I will make certain there will not be a fingernail's worth of dust in my DeRosa's glovebox.

HEY: I want to thank you again for talking me through the BB build. I understand the changes had to be made in 1978, but it would have been nice if Campy had changed the numbering on their parts.

Robvolz 

OMG, that is nothing. I’ll show other pics of the shed.






and the area above his office at his work.

this area really bothered me because it was difficult enough to ladder up empty handed. Can’t imagine carrying a bike.





Drillium on a seat. That’s a new one on me.

Robvolz 

Wait, What?? There are yellow tires?

Nope, I quick stop at *****'s (Bike Recyclery) on the way to work and I have some perfect grey cable housing.

Edit: whoa, Z e l l a is a moderated word? Strange.

Robvolz 

For your "where's Waldo" moment, look at the shed spot the 3Rensho with the 3ttt cockpit. Also not his size.

jet sanchEz

Great thread, I have learned a lot about De Rosas today

Maybe don't do yellow cables but I think yellow cloth bar tape would be nice