Sommerhalder Bike - Info?
09-26-07, 06:11 AM
#1
Scozzese Ciclista
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Sommerhalder Bike - Info?
I recently acquired a bike identified as a "K. Sommerhalder". I was informed that after winning the Tour de Suisse, Herr Sommerhalder made these bikes. However, I have researched the Tour de Suisse, and find no "K. Sommerhalder" winner. (Apparently, there have been numerous Sommerhalder contestants, so there is hope).
Anyway, the bike is rather interesting. It is cherry red, with "K. Sommerhalder" decals in white. Columbus tubing and fork, with the Columbus dove embedded in the seat stay and fork crown. There is an interesting mix of components. The shifters, derailleurs and crankset are Shimano 600 (arabesque), but the headseat and seatpost are Gipiemme. Even more interesting - the hubs are Dura-Ace, with lubrication holes and covers. The rims are Nisi tubulars. The dropouts are Campy - drilled. The wheelbase (96cm) is pretty short for this 56cm bike, which makes it feel very lively and responsive. All told, including Gipiemme pedals, toe clips, and Silca pump, the bike weighs in below 21 lbs.
Obviously, I am interested in any information that anyone can provide on this one. I can provide pictures if desired.
Thanks in advance.
Anyway, the bike is rather interesting. It is cherry red, with "K. Sommerhalder" decals in white. Columbus tubing and fork, with the Columbus dove embedded in the seat stay and fork crown. There is an interesting mix of components. The shifters, derailleurs and crankset are Shimano 600 (arabesque), but the headseat and seatpost are Gipiemme. Even more interesting - the hubs are Dura-Ace, with lubrication holes and covers. The rims are Nisi tubulars. The dropouts are Campy - drilled. The wheelbase (96cm) is pretty short for this 56cm bike, which makes it feel very lively and responsive. All told, including Gipiemme pedals, toe clips, and Silca pump, the bike weighs in below 21 lbs.
Obviously, I am interested in any information that anyone can provide on this one. I can provide pictures if desired.
Thanks in advance.
09-28-07, 07:20 AM
#2
Lanky Lass
How did I miss this?
Of course we'd like to see photos
. Perhaps seeing the bike will spark someone's memories?
East Hill
Of course we'd like to see photos
. Perhaps seeing the bike will spark someone's memories?East Hill
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09-28-07, 12:48 PM
#3
Scozzese Ciclista
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Sommerhalder pictures
Fair enough. Here you go. More available if requested.
09-28-07, 12:50 PM
#4
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Sommerhalder pictures
One more for good measure ...
09-28-07, 12:52 PM
#5
Dropped
I'm curious as well. I was watching that one, but like you, couldn't find any information about Sommerhalder. Looks like you did well, however!
09-28-07, 01:18 PM
#6
Lanky Lass
Sorry I can't throw in any more information, but it looks nice. Perhaps a full bike view?
East Hill
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09-28-07, 01:32 PM
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Another Sommerhalder picture
I was pleasantly surprised when I first rode this bike. It is a joy to ride.
09-28-07, 01:38 PM
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There are a lot of times just like this that I wish I knew a lot more about road bikes 
wish I could help but Im sure someone will come along soon that can
wish I could help but Im sure someone will come along soon that can
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You see, their morals, their code...it's a bad joke, dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these...These "civilized" people...they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster. I'm just ahead of the curve
You see, their morals, their code...it's a bad joke, dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these...These "civilized" people...they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster. I'm just ahead of the curve
10-12-07, 08:46 AM
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Well, after doing some (pretty deep) digging, I found some further information. It appears that Kurt (and his wife Hanna) owned a bike shop in Swizerland that eventually got passed down to their son. The current website is: https://www.somazi.ch/sites/aboutus.htm. I will eventually attempt to email him using my high school German (unless someone else out there is more comfortable emailing in German) to try to find out more about the genesis of the bikes. My assumption is that Kurt either made the bikes himself (which would be really cool), or contracted out the work and put his name on the bike. We'll see.
10-12-07, 12:21 PM
#11
Lanky Lass
Thanks for that update! That is quite the shop, and I wish my German was up to the task of translating.
East Hill
East Hill
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TRY EMPATHY & HAVE LOVE IN YOUR HEART, PERHAPS I'LL SEE YOU ON THE ROAD...
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