Your Favorite Classic Italian Bike?
08-16-07, 09:08 PM
#26
feros ferio
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Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
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Pogliaghi, anyone? My cousin had a gorgeous red one in 1971, when I did my first double metric century ride on his turf (Los Altos, Santa Cruz, San Gregorio, Palo Alto loop).
I realize they are common, but the Edward White (Edoardo Bianchi) marque has a venerable history.
Folks who don't know the story of Austro-Bohemian cycling champ Otto Cap assume Capo is an Italian brand. Actually, the frame lugs and many components on mine did come from Italy, and today's top-of-the-line computer-designed, custom-built Capo frames are manufactured there, as well.
I realize they are common, but the Edward White (Edoardo Bianchi) marque has a venerable history.
Folks who don't know the story of Austro-Bohemian cycling champ Otto Cap assume Capo is an Italian brand. Actually, the frame lugs and many components on mine did come from Italy, and today's top-of-the-line computer-designed, custom-built Capo frames are manufactured there, as well.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
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08-16-07, 10:14 PM
#28
Bottecchia fan
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Location: Colorado Springs, CO
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Bikes: 1959 Bottecchia Milano-Sanremo (frame), 1966 Bottecchia Professional (frame), 1971 Bottecchia Professional (frame), 1973 Bottecchia Gran Turismo, 1974 Bottecchia Special, 1977 Bottecchia Special (frame), 1974 Peugeot UO-8
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08-16-07, 10:27 PM
#29
Bottecchia fan
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And just for trivia - the only part left from my original Bottecchia that I bought back in 1974 is the rear Tipo hub (not the one in the picture). I just finished polishing it up and replacing the cones and bearings and will be using it to build the new wheels (so as to keep the tubulars for display). So I'll be able to say, "this is my old bike from back in the day, I've just replaced a "few" parts".
08-16-07, 10:35 PM
#30
Bottecchia fan
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Ray Dobbins old Bottecchia Equipe is my personal favorite after my own Giro d'Italia. I award it "King of Bling" status. I want one like it, even if I have to recreate it from scratch. (And I was thinking a modern polished stainless steel frame with Campy 10-spd)
https://www.raydobbins.com/bottecchia/photos/photo1.html
https://www.raydobbins.com/bottecchia/photos/photo1.html
08-16-07, 11:17 PM
#31
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beautiful
08-16-07, 11:35 PM
#32
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08-17-07, 12:26 AM
#33
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early-mid 80s Rossin. The first really nice racer I've ever had, and a real joy to ride. Kinda wish I had a few others to compare it to...
I also loved my Sabatini track bike, but I think more because it was sexy and not because I dug the ride. It was a bit big for me, and was just too twitchy for my taste. I'm totally in love with the bike I traded it for - a Nobilette cross bike with 600 STI - but it's definitely not a sleek sexy beast like the Sabatini.
My buddy rides a 70s orange Viner Special Pro that I passed onto him because it was too big for me. Man, that was a gorgeous frame. I'm still a little bitter about the whole height issue.
And I've still got a Colnago Super that's too big for me. If I play my cards right, I'll be swapping it for a 1960s Cinelli track bike in my size. I'll quit after that, I swear. Unless one of my top 10 bikes comes on the cheap
I also loved my Sabatini track bike, but I think more because it was sexy and not because I dug the ride. It was a bit big for me, and was just too twitchy for my taste. I'm totally in love with the bike I traded it for - a Nobilette cross bike with 600 STI - but it's definitely not a sleek sexy beast like the Sabatini.
My buddy rides a 70s orange Viner Special Pro that I passed onto him because it was too big for me. Man, that was a gorgeous frame. I'm still a little bitter about the whole height issue.
And I've still got a Colnago Super that's too big for me. If I play my cards right, I'll be swapping it for a 1960s Cinelli track bike in my size. I'll quit after that, I swear. Unless one of my top 10 bikes comes on the cheap
08-17-07, 12:41 AM
#34
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Yeah I was wondering if they counted, but the more I try to resist the popular classics the more they suck me in.. give me an early 70s Carlsbad Masi or perhaps a colnago super (early 70s).. and watch me melt.
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1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
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08-17-07, 05:14 AM
#35
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I have a mid/late '70's Colnago Mexico and an early '80's Pinarello Treviso. I don't think there's one part on the Pinarello that isn't pantographed.
08-17-07, 05:36 AM
#36
59'er
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Sweet bikes all. 
I've only had one Italian frame, so I'm partial to Pinarello's.
I've only had one Italian frame, so I'm partial to Pinarello's.
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08-17-07, 06:01 AM
#37
Senior Member
Sure we have. After Lawee discontinued the Italvega brand in favor of Univega, it was decided there was renewed marketed interest for an Italian brand, which they named Bertoni. The serial number format on some of these frames matchs Bianchi's, who appear to be the source for Bertoni.
Actually, this forum is the only place I've ever seen another Bertoni, which is a member's bike (I can't remember his name 
) I believe his is older than mine though, and in my opinion better looking.
08-17-07, 06:58 AM
#38
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Bellissimo!
There is something about the Cinelli, an understated look to it that appeals to me. No, I don't
own one but its up there on my list.
Lately I've been thinking about Masi, a lot. I seriously need to learn what all the buzz is
about.
As Luker said with the possible exception of Ray D's Bottecchia I think Tommasini was the most
elaborate frame made. I always considered them somehow plush, elegant almost to the point of
garrish, but not quite, and very different than the racing heritage of Colnago, de Rosa, Pogliaghi.
Which leads me to my current favourite.
Pogliaghi Pista (mine).
There is something about the Cinelli, an understated look to it that appeals to me. No, I don't
own one but its up there on my list.
Lately I've been thinking about Masi, a lot. I seriously need to learn what all the buzz is
about.
As Luker said with the possible exception of Ray D's Bottecchia I think Tommasini was the most
elaborate frame made. I always considered them somehow plush, elegant almost to the point of
garrish, but not quite, and very different than the racing heritage of Colnago, de Rosa, Pogliaghi.
Which leads me to my current favourite.
Pogliaghi Pista (mine).
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Sono più lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
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Sono più lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
08-17-07, 09:30 AM
#39
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And if I have a favorite forum member bike, well this could very well be it.
Bellissimo!
There is something about the Cinelli, an understated look to it that appeals to me. No, I don't
own one but its up there on my list.
Lately I've been thinking about Masi, a lot. I seriously need to learn what all the buzz is
about.
As Luker said with the possible exception of Ray D's Bottecchia I think Tommasini was the most
elaborate frame made. I always considered them somehow plush, elegant almost to the point of
garrish, but not quite, and very different than the racing heritage of Colnago, de Rosa, Pogliaghi.
Which leads me to my current favourite.
Pogliaghi Pista (mine).
There is something about the Cinelli, an understated look to it that appeals to me. No, I don't
own one but its up there on my list.
Lately I've been thinking about Masi, a lot. I seriously need to learn what all the buzz is
about.
As Luker said with the possible exception of Ray D's Bottecchia I think Tommasini was the most
elaborate frame made. I always considered them somehow plush, elegant almost to the point of
garrish, but not quite, and very different than the racing heritage of Colnago, de Rosa, Pogliaghi.
Which leads me to my current favourite.
Pogliaghi Pista (mine).
__________________
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
08-17-07, 09:58 AM
#40
Senior Member
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Cyclotoine,
thank you. . .
Marty
thank you. . .
Marty
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Sono più lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
Sono più lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
08-17-07, 10:18 AM
#41
Former Hoarder
I'm partial to my own Pinarello but I have to say that there are some Tommasini's around that I'd trade my whole fleet for.
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08-17-07, 02:02 PM
#42
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Seriously? Because I've got one of those framesets in excllent condition.
08-17-07, 02:22 PM
#43
Toronto
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08-17-07, 02:41 PM
#44
Bottecchia fan
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Location: Colorado Springs, CO
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Bikes: 1959 Bottecchia Milano-Sanremo (frame), 1966 Bottecchia Professional (frame), 1971 Bottecchia Professional (frame), 1973 Bottecchia Gran Turismo, 1974 Bottecchia Special, 1977 Bottecchia Special (frame), 1974 Peugeot UO-8
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08-17-07, 02:50 PM
#45
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Bellissimo!
There is something about the Cinelli, an understated look to it that appeals to me. No, I don't
own one but its up there on my list.
Lately I've been thinking about Masi, a lot. I seriously need to learn what all the buzz is
about.
Which leads me to my current favourite.
Pogliaghi Pista (mine).
There is something about the Cinelli, an understated look to it that appeals to me. No, I don't
own one but its up there on my list.
Lately I've been thinking about Masi, a lot. I seriously need to learn what all the buzz is
about.
Which leads me to my current favourite.
Pogliaghi Pista (mine).
The Pog has a chrome or stainless chain, decades ago, it was the SouthernCal Junior Racer thing to have, a "chrome" chain by D.I.D., Styling. I had one, I am sure it made me faster.
Sprint to Victory.
08-17-07, 04:33 PM
#46
Low Speed High Drag
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Rad's chrome Pinarello is my favorite, but this one is a close second only because I get to ride it.
And yes, my grass was/is too high. A lot of rain this year...
And yes, my grass was/is too high. A lot of rain this year...
08-17-07, 09:55 PM
#47
juneeaa memba!
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A minor confession, though. The bike that is making the most often ridden this year is a steel Havnoonian...Campy 9 speed, downtube shifters, and campy electron wheels. I suspect it just simply fits better than any of the others...
08-18-07, 12:31 AM
#48
Bottecchia fan
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Kinda of off topic but you gotta wonder are bikes like wines where scientists have been trying forever to figure out the right "formula" and the Italians just have the magic or is it simply a matter of taking a protractor to an Italian frame and reproducing it? It SEEMS simple enough, right? But then why did well known factories even back in the day have master builders contract their team race frames?
08-18-07, 07:09 AM
#49
Low Speed High Drag
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No...
I wish it was. I bought the frame in 88 from the LBS. It was just the frame and was a couple of years old at the time. My brother worked for the shop at the time and basically put it together for me as cheap as possible. I could kick myself today, but didn't really have a choice back then. $800 back then was like $8k for me today... It has Shimano 600 parts, would love to restore it with Campy, but wouldn't even know where to begin to find the right parts. Besides I'm a mechanical idiot, I'd have to find the right person locally to help me out. It rides fine, so I'll just learn to be content and not look at too many picture posts here.
08-18-07, 08:24 AM
#50
Senior Member
No mention of Ciocc yet? I guess it is because I have one but also, back in the '80s as a teenager, there was a certain mystique to it. My friends all had road bikes, mostly Mieles or Peugeuts, because the mountain bike thing hadn't quite caught on yet. I was the first to buy a mountain bike because I had been riding a BMX and couldn't keep up with the Mieles.
It was a pretty good bike but then one of my friends decided to one-up everyone by purchasing a Ciocc. It was nice. Champagne colour and full Campy parts, it flew. None of us had ever heard of this company before and we had no idea of how to pronounce the name, we just knew that it was beautiful and light and very fast. Ever since then, that brand, Ciocc, has had a special place in my memory as being an elite bicycle.
It was a pretty good bike but then one of my friends decided to one-up everyone by purchasing a Ciocc. It was nice. Champagne colour and full Campy parts, it flew. None of us had ever heard of this company before and we had no idea of how to pronounce the name, we just knew that it was beautiful and light and very fast. Ever since then, that brand, Ciocc, has had a special place in my memory as being an elite bicycle.