Your Favorite Classic Italian Bike?
#51
If I own it, I ride it
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Cardinal Country
Posts: 5,579
Bikes: Lejeune(14), Raleigh, Raysport, Jan De Reus, Gazelle, Masi, B. Carré(4), Springfield, Greg Lemond, Andre Bertin, Schwinn Paramount
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 591 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 662 Times
in
311 Posts
My favorite is the only Italian bike I own.....but that could change....
Hey Marty, that saddle looks pretty good on the Pog.
Hey Marty, that saddle looks pretty good on the Pog.
#52
Low Speed High Drag
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: NRH TX
Posts: 97
Bikes: An old Pinarello
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#53
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NW Burbs, Chicago
Posts: 12,045
Mentioned: 200 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3009 Post(s)
Liked 3,775 Times
in
1,405 Posts
#54
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Posts: 497
Bikes: 2013 Lynskey R340, 2014 Specialized Tricross
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
There are some seriously fine bikes in this thread! Just makes my fever that much worse.
#55
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,862
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1853 Post(s)
Liked 659 Times
in
502 Posts
I've had a Rossignoli, and I now have a Masi GC probably by Kirkbride or Roberson, and a Mondonico. I think the Mondonico rides better than the Masi until I get on the Masi. Then I think the Mondo is better when I return to it. I don't think the herd will ever get thinned!
Road Fan
Road Fan
#56
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Hervey Bay, Qld, Australia.
Posts: 2,928
Bikes: Colnago (82, 85, 89, 90, 91, 96, 03), 85 Cinelli, 90 Rossin, 83 Alan, 82 Bianchi, 78 Fountain, 2 x Pinarello, Malvern Star (37), Hillman (70's), 80's Beretto Lo-Pro Track, 80's Kenevans Lo-Pro, Columbus Max (95), DeGrandi (80's) Track.
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 179 Post(s)
Liked 197 Times
in
123 Posts
I've been reading and re-reading this thread but I can't decide on my all time favourite Italian bike (although I usually lean towards Bianchi, no Cinelli, no Bianchi). Just looking at all the wonderful photos I can only narrow my choice down to my favourite bike building country - Italy.
Last edited by Gary Fountain; 08-19-07 at 02:10 AM.
#57
Banned
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,258
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
6 Posts
I've had a Rossignoli, and I now have a Masi GC probably by Kirkbride or Roberson, and a Mondonico. I think the Mondonico rides better than the Masi until I get on the Masi. Then I think the Mondo is better when I return to it. I don't think the herd will ever get thinned!
Road Fan
Road Fan
#58
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NW Burbs, Chicago
Posts: 12,045
Mentioned: 200 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3009 Post(s)
Liked 3,775 Times
in
1,405 Posts
Forgot about the Grandaddy of Italian bikes - Gloria.
#59
If I own it, I ride it
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Cardinal Country
Posts: 5,579
Bikes: Lejeune(14), Raleigh, Raysport, Jan De Reus, Gazelle, Masi, B. Carré(4), Springfield, Greg Lemond, Andre Bertin, Schwinn Paramount
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 591 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 662 Times
in
311 Posts
Probably the answer to "your favorite classic Italian bike" is the last one you rode.
#60
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: n.w. superdrome
Posts: 17,687
Bikes: 1 trek, serotta, rih, de Reus, Pogliaghi and finally a Zieleman! and got a DeRosa
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
9 Posts
Lynn,
That is what I needed the flite for. Purpose traded!
Speaking of grandaddies of Italian we could discuss Umberto Dei but
this is about favourite for riding, I've never seen a Dei in person, let alone ride one.
Marty
That is what I needed the flite for. Purpose traded!
Speaking of grandaddies of Italian we could discuss Umberto Dei but
this is about favourite for riding, I've never seen a Dei in person, let alone ride one.
Marty
__________________
Sono piů lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
Sono piů lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
#61
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,862
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1853 Post(s)
Liked 659 Times
in
502 Posts
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.
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.
Road Fan
#62
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,862
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1853 Post(s)
Liked 659 Times
in
502 Posts
#63
Senior Member
My Basso Lotto. Full campy record w/ delta brakes
https://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2...01957124QnRFCE
https://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2...01957124QnRFCE
#64
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Hervey Bay, Qld, Australia.
Posts: 2,928
Bikes: Colnago (82, 85, 89, 90, 91, 96, 03), 85 Cinelli, 90 Rossin, 83 Alan, 82 Bianchi, 78 Fountain, 2 x Pinarello, Malvern Star (37), Hillman (70's), 80's Beretto Lo-Pro Track, 80's Kenevans Lo-Pro, Columbus Max (95), DeGrandi (80's) Track.
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 179 Post(s)
Liked 197 Times
in
123 Posts
iab - I'm thinking about legal action! My jaw hit the ground HARD! The Gloria should have came with a warning before viewing.
A wonderful example of the art of bike building - thankyou.
A wonderful example of the art of bike building - thankyou.
#65
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 547
Bikes: c'dale six13, bobjackson
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
an early 70's cinelli super corsa. like the most beautiful bike ever! with the chromed seat and chain stays and a sloping chromed fork crown. a true work of art! it was far ahead of other manufacturers at the time.
Last edited by alancw3; 08-20-07 at 09:47 AM.
#66
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,862
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1853 Post(s)
Liked 659 Times
in
502 Posts
#67
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NW Burbs, Chicago
Posts: 12,045
Mentioned: 200 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3009 Post(s)
Liked 3,775 Times
in
1,405 Posts
https://www.classicrendezvous.com/Italy/Gloria_main.html
#68
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Posts: 1,383
Bikes: Cinelli Supercoursa 69, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Mondonico Diamond Extra 05, Coors Light Greg Lemond (built by Scapin) 88, Scapin MTB, Stumpjumper 83, Specialized Stumpjumper M4, Lemond Poprad 2001
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
I have nothing but Italian road bikes:
1969 Cinelli Especial coursa Campagnolo Fiamme Red rims Mars Red paint.
1964 Bianchi Track bike Campy Pista group large flange hubs and Fiamme Red rims with tied and soldered spokes. Celeste (battle ship primer shade)
1990 Greg Lemond (pre-TREK) built by Scapin. C-Record group 8spd Autographed by GL himself with a black Sharpie covered with clear chainstay tape. Coors Light team colors.
2005 Mondonico Diamond Extra Lugged Columbus Neuron tubing Moltini orange. WOW! 2005 Record group 17.9 lbs and I am not even a weight wiennie! For a 2 year old bike it is absolutely fantastic. I sold a Ti Carbon bike in preference to getting back on steel. I was finding my self out on the old Cinelli or GL as often as the "moderne" wonder metal bike. I am even using a Pinarello steel fork instead of CF. Will never go back.
Any suggestions on how to add photos to a message**********
1969 Cinelli Especial coursa Campagnolo Fiamme Red rims Mars Red paint.
1964 Bianchi Track bike Campy Pista group large flange hubs and Fiamme Red rims with tied and soldered spokes. Celeste (battle ship primer shade)
1990 Greg Lemond (pre-TREK) built by Scapin. C-Record group 8spd Autographed by GL himself with a black Sharpie covered with clear chainstay tape. Coors Light team colors.
2005 Mondonico Diamond Extra Lugged Columbus Neuron tubing Moltini orange. WOW! 2005 Record group 17.9 lbs and I am not even a weight wiennie! For a 2 year old bike it is absolutely fantastic. I sold a Ti Carbon bike in preference to getting back on steel. I was finding my self out on the old Cinelli or GL as often as the "moderne" wonder metal bike. I am even using a Pinarello steel fork instead of CF. Will never go back.
Any suggestions on how to add photos to a message**********
#69
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Posts: 1,383
Bikes: Cinelli Supercoursa 69, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Mondonico Diamond Extra 05, Coors Light Greg Lemond (built by Scapin) 88, Scapin MTB, Stumpjumper 83, Specialized Stumpjumper M4, Lemond Poprad 2001
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
Sell your soul...you have no choice!!!! I purchased a Mondonico Diamond Extra that I had been lusting after for more than a year. I sold my Ti Carbon compact frame and bought the Mondonico. It is as close to my old Cinelli (my bench mark) in riding characteristics, better in some very important ways. I can go on 100 milers and not feel beat up after the ride. I think this is a fantastic bike. I went with a used Pinarello steel fork I had laying around. I have a Mondonico Chrome fork that I am saving. You will not regret getting the FL. See if you can put it away on a lay a way plan of some kind. The modern steels are fantastic. Why anyone would buy a CF bike built in China by some poor guy making $8 per day...now you have to worry about DiEthylene Glycol being mixed in with the resin. Sorry going down hill at over 50mph I feel better about some skilled builder silver soldering the tubes in the lugs or TIG welding the new steels which get stronger with the heating...no contest.
#70
Strong Walker
@Jab: that Gloria is a beauty
if i had the choice, i'd pick maybe a Bianchi Specialissima like this one:
i'm loving the integrated headset, and the heritage.
Of the bikes i own, my Learco Guerra is my favourite.
if i had the choice, i'd pick maybe a Bianchi Specialissima like this one:
i'm loving the integrated headset, and the heritage.
Of the bikes i own, my Learco Guerra is my favourite.
#71
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Gold Coast, Australia
Posts: 1,485
Bikes: Casati, ,Peugot,Mitchell,Raliegh,Nishiki
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
i only have one "Italian" but it was the first bike in my collection and i cant bring myself to part with it ! plus Casati,s are few and far between in my neck of the woods !
#72
Strong Walker
thats a very nice frame (Gold Line i suppose?) and it would deserve some love do the poor thing a favour, get it an alloy stem, cut the steerer tube and wrap some nice handlebar tape...
#73
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NW Burbs, Chicago
Posts: 12,045
Mentioned: 200 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3009 Post(s)
Liked 3,775 Times
in
1,405 Posts
#74
Strong Walker
In fact, i dealt with the seller in spring and he offered me this very bike shortly afterwards for a bit more than now on Ebay... its a nice bike, but around 2000€ is a lot of money to spend for a bike you really wouldn't use much. I got the cambio corsa Learco on the other pic for way less... and the Bianchi is restored. If it had been original condtition,i might have bought it nevertheless. Oh, btw i think the auction got closed, so i guess it sold.
#75
A Rational Bicycle Junky
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: United States
Posts: 26
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
No Rossin Ghibli yet? Man I always wanted one of those, still do! These are some awesome machines being displayed here. I don't know if I could pick just one of mine. Probably this Max Tubed Bianchi Proto.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/1164781...7601514392456/
Or my MS tubed Basso Ascot
https://www.flickr.com/photos/1164781...7601514867138/
No wait, my DeRosa Super Prestige
https://www.flickr.com/photos/1164781...7601534760260/
Hmmmmm...Masi's? Ones from italy and the other is a 74 Carlsbad, Ca (blue)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/1164781...7601515686816/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/1164781...7601541955689/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/1164781...7601514392456/
Or my MS tubed Basso Ascot
https://www.flickr.com/photos/1164781...7601514867138/
No wait, my DeRosa Super Prestige
https://www.flickr.com/photos/1164781...7601534760260/
Hmmmmm...Masi's? Ones from italy and the other is a 74 Carlsbad, Ca (blue)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/1164781...7601515686816/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/1164781...7601541955689/