De Rosa Build
03-03-25 | 01:22 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,515
Likes: 4,930
From: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, 86 De Rosa Pro, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
De Rosa Build
Just finished my latest build, no ride report yet, just up and down the street for first fit adjustments, but based on that it wants to go fast
86 De Rosa pro (as we know De Rosa can be hard to get exact but everything points to 86)
Got the frame from billytwosheds who got it from Brewsmith
Fit is as big as I can go, but feels good (had a too big de rosa that SJX426 did a classic build on)
Built with a mix of what I had and new to me gear
I started with the ideas of a super record build, but ended up wanting more low end so I did the campy triple setup
the pieces:
Originally this was meant to be find a cheap frame and build from stash, but it did not turn out that way
fun iOverbias my neighbor across the street is doing a very different campy build on a Bob Jackson I found for him in the for sale section
so done with build for a while........although id did notice my 1980 SR Semi pro has a lot of tire clearance.....it could be built as a gravel bike hmmmm 46/30?
here are the pics, ride report to come
86 De Rosa pro (as we know De Rosa can be hard to get exact but everything points to 86)
Got the frame from billytwosheds who got it from Brewsmith
Fit is as big as I can go, but feels good (had a too big de rosa that SJX426 did a classic build on)
Built with a mix of what I had and new to me gear
I started with the ideas of a super record build, but ended up wanting more low end so I did the campy triple setup
the pieces:
- 86 De Rosa Pro has been powder coated, new decals and clear by some previous owner
- New Centaur BB
- Campy Triple running gear and classic downtube shifters
- Campy Record dual pivot brakes
- Nitto stem and post from a previous build, Nitto bars I found locally for $20, Fizik tape
- Jagwire cables and housing, Yes i put the rear derailler housing upside down.... not changing it yet
- Brooks C15 Cambrian saddle.....we will see how this works or if I add another swift
- Wheels are C&V sourced hubs from @sloar gp4 rims from Mad Honk , 600 Freewheel from gaucho777 redone by pastorbobnlnh
- Tires are FMB Paris Roubaix 27 mm, and just fit the chain stays
Originally this was meant to be find a cheap frame and build from stash, but it did not turn out that way
fun iOverbias my neighbor across the street is doing a very different campy build on a Bob Jackson I found for him in the for sale section
so done with build for a while........although id did notice my 1980 SR Semi pro has a lot of tire clearance.....it could be built as a gravel bike hmmmm 46/30?
here are the pics, ride report to come
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
03-03-25 | 01:25 AM
#2
Steel is real
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,578
Likes: 2,652
From: Not far from Paris
Bikes: 93GiantTourer,92MeridaAlbon,96Scapin,98KonaKilaueua,93Peugeot Prestige,05CasatiClipper,98Jamis Dragon,95Tange Prestige(to be built),98VettaTeam,95Coppi,93Grandis,Daccordi x3(in build),98Piton(in build),99Trek SLR2300
A very nice build and very classic De Rosa 
03-03-25 | 01:54 AM
#4
Byron
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 822
Likes: 1,872
From: Olympia, Wa
Bikes: 2 DeRosa, 1 Medici, 1 Moots, 89 Merckx Century
I love the ride of my 85 and 95 De Rosa, but neither matches your bike's condition.
Crash it, lay it down, bang it up a bit, but ride it and enjoy it.
Or ride it upright and pristine.
Lovely, and I'm jealous.
By
Crash it, lay it down, bang it up a bit, but ride it and enjoy it.
Or ride it upright and pristine.
Lovely, and I'm jealous.
By
03-03-25 | 08:03 AM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 10,393
Likes: 10,163
From: Utah
Bikes: Paletti,Pinarello Monviso,Duell Vienna,Giordana XL Super,Lemond Maillot Juane.& custom,PDG Paramount,Fuji Opus III,Davidson Impulse,Pashley Guv'nor,Evans,Fishlips,Y-Foil,Softride, Tetra Pro, CAAD8 Optimo,
Very sweet and good choice with the white!
__________________
Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
03-03-25 | 01:42 PM
#11
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,515
Likes: 4,930
From: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, 86 De Rosa Pro, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
03-03-25 | 01:44 PM
#12
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,515
Likes: 4,930
From: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, 86 De Rosa Pro, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
I will admit to trying to do too much fine tuning and took 2 links off the chain, and of course big/big didn't work.new chain will go on this evening.... so maybe tomorrow
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
03-03-25 | 02:41 PM
#13
Crawlin' up, flyin' down
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,772
Likes: 4,436
From: Democratic Peoples' Republic of Berkeley
Bikes: 1967 Paramount; 1982-ish Ron Cooper; 1978 Eisentraut "A"; two mid-1960s Cinelli Speciale Corsas; and others in various stages of non-rideability.
Once upon a time, I had a red '86 De Rosa with Campy 10sp triple livery. It rode great. As a word of caution, your initial impression of it wanting to go fast was my experience with mine; it always seemed to want to go juuuust a bit faster. In fact, it can get you into a spot of bother of the "coming into a corner too hot" variety if you don't pay attention. Not a good thing or a bad thing, but it is a thing. I have no doubt you will love the ride. I also have no doubt that it will handle a bit quicker than your beautiful Kirk.
I loved mine, but I traded the f/f for a 1965ish Cinelli frame and moved all the components over (long story chronicled elsewhere in C&V). That Cinelli is now the bike I reach for 90+% of the time. But I will always think of that De Rosa with great fondness and will never fail to sing Ugo's praises.
I loved mine, but I traded the f/f for a 1965ish Cinelli frame and moved all the components over (long story chronicled elsewhere in C&V). That Cinelli is now the bike I reach for 90+% of the time. But I will always think of that De Rosa with great fondness and will never fail to sing Ugo's praises.
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"I'm in shape -- round is a shape." Andy Rooney
"I'm in shape -- round is a shape." Andy Rooney
Last edited by bikingshearer; 03-03-25 at 02:44 PM.
03-03-25 | 02:54 PM
#14
Freewheel Medic
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 13,578
Likes: 3,329
From: An Island on the Coast of GA!
Bikes: Snazzy* Schwinns, Classy Cannondales & a Super Pro Aero Lotus (* Ed.)
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Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
03-03-25 | 02:59 PM
#15
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,515
Likes: 4,930
From: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, 86 De Rosa Pro, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
this will be a rider for sure and will get dusty
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
03-03-25 | 04:05 PM
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5,383
Likes: 5,319
From: Central Virginia
Bikes: Numerous
Welcome to the ‘86 De Rosa Club! Many smiles with mine (not the one pictured here).
I have been counseled by experienced Brooks riders that nose a little up gives the most comfortable seating. That being said the C-15 (c-17 does) never worked for me and I traded it to nlerner.
I have been counseled by experienced Brooks riders that nose a little up gives the most comfortable seating. That being said the C-15 (c-17 does) never worked for me and I traded it to nlerner.
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N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, ‘81 Masi Gran Criterium, ‘81 Merckx Pro, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, Rivendell Rambouillet, Heron Randonneur, ‘92 Ciöcc Columbus EL
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, ‘81 Masi Gran Criterium, ‘81 Merckx Pro, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, Rivendell Rambouillet, Heron Randonneur, ‘92 Ciöcc Columbus EL
03-03-25 | 06:36 PM
#18
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,515
Likes: 4,930
From: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, 86 De Rosa Pro, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
have a section of gravel (mild) on one of my go to routes....... just have to wash my bikes more often
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
03-04-25 | 09:52 PM
#19
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 783
From: Saint Paul, Minnesota
Bikes: '08 Look 585, '07 Kuota Kebel, '80s Alan Peitsch
Those are great bikes. You will enjoy it. I own one of the same vintage. Unfortunately, I am still in 'thinning the herd' mode so I will be moving mine on.
03-04-25 | 11:17 PM
#20
The Wheezing Geezer
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,862
Likes: 1,974
From: Española, NM
Bikes: 1976 Fredo Speciale, Rivendell Clem Smith Jr., Libertas mixte, Raleigh Super Record mixte
What an absolutely beautiful build!
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
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Beneath the valley of the underbikers.
Beneath the valley of the underbikers.
03-05-25 | 04:36 AM
#21
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,106
Likes: 2,762
From: Fredericksburg, Va
Bikes: ? Proteous, '65 Frejus TDF, '73 Bottecchia Giro d'Italia, '83 Colnago Superissimo, '84 Trek 610, '84 Trek 760, '88 Pinarello Veneto, '88 De Rosa Pro, '89 Pinarello Montello, 'Litespeed Catalyst'94 Burley Duet, 97 Specialized RockHopper, 2010 Langster
Somehow missed this thread!
Congrats on finding and building a "classic" yourself!
Beautiful blue!
I actually prefer the DR over the Pinny. I ride the Pinny more because it has A Triple T drive train and I need the 30 upon occasion until I get in better shape.
With a triple T also on the Litespeed, it will be interesting to compare.
Congrats on finding and building a "classic" yourself!
Beautiful blue!
I actually prefer the DR over the Pinny. I ride the Pinny more because it has A Triple T drive train and I need the 30 upon occasion until I get in better shape.
With a triple T also on the Litespeed, it will be interesting to compare.
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Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
03-05-25 | 10:21 AM
#22
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 5,856
Likes: 3,436
From: Los Angeles
Bikes: 82 Medici, 85 Ironman, 2011 Richard Sachs
Lovely bike -- and my size. A little acetone will correct your cable labels.
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I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs. But I do hate all e-bikes.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs. But I do hate all e-bikes.
03-05-25 | 11:10 AM
#23
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 838
Likes: 1,633
From: Sacramento, CA
Bikes: 2017 Sage Skyline, 2015 Co-Motion Periscope Tandem, 2006 Kona Jake, 1978 Richard Sachs, 1977 Peugeot PRN10, 1974 Allegro Schweitzermeister Model 76, 1972 Hugo Rickert Spezial, 1971 Fuji Finest
Looks like you are ready for Mt. Hamilton!
Jim, looking forward to seeing this in person on April 26th at the second annual Mt. Hamilton Vintage ride with Camellia City.
03-05-25 | 12:36 PM
#24
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,515
Likes: 4,930
From: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, 86 De Rosa Pro, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
but this should be good for the april ride here
I am thinking i need to hit all the California vintage rides...... have not broached this idea with significant other yet
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
03-05-25 | 02:29 PM
#25
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13,769
Likes: 3,945
From: Louisville, KY
Just finished my latest build, no ride report yet, just up and down the street for first fit adjustments, but based on that it wants to go fast
86 De Rosa pro (as we know De Rosa can be hard to get exact but everything points to 86)
here are the pics, ride report to come
86 De Rosa pro (as we know De Rosa can be hard to get exact but everything points to 86)
here are the pics, ride report to come
__________________
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),1990 Concorde Aquila(hit by car while riding), others in build queue "when I get the time"
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),