KonAaron Snake 

The word grail gets thrown out quite a bit here, but this is really one of those bikes that might qualify for some. When I was a low level amateur, my riding partner (who was MUCH better than me) had the 87' Signature and he dreamed of owning one of these. I saved all my minimum wage job dollars to buy a Specialized Sirrus, and it's road feel was amateurish compared to my friend's De Rosa, especially at speed. All I dreamed about was owning a De Rosa - especially his Signature or, even better, the creme de la creme - the Anniversary. Merlins were the other bike on my lust list and getting one was thrilling for me - especially since it really did ride as well as I remembered. The thing I loved best about this model was the Georgia O'Keeffe headbadge, probably my favorite of all time.

I do have one of the correct panto'd delta brakes; for some reason it came on my Merckx. The other cover was somehow lost. The estimable CdM might be able to help me have another engraved, and that would be splendid. The stem is probably a lost cause, but the rest of the gruppo is sitting on my Montagner (except the c-record wheels...it has record). I also need to especially thank CdM for his assistance (and his friend's) for checking the frame out and making sure it's the real deal. It does have some unusual features for the model:

1. Sloping fork crown.
2. Fork has Campagnolo drops, rear drops are De Rosa

The fork's serial number does match the frame.

The consensus is that it was likely a custom request by the owner or, possibly, a replacement fork for a lost in transition one.

I'll post better photos when I have some light on Friday.

cpsqlrwn

Looks just a little small for you, eh Aaron!!!

bibliobob

That's pretty special. While I generally haven't been fully bitten by the DeRosa bug, that one definitely sings to me. Major congratulations! And, sorry about the delay in sending you that envelope. Work and the holidays had me spinning, but I'll get it in the mail to you this week.

Keep us posted. Can't wait to see it fully built!

I picked up a Benotto 3000 with a heart cut out in the bottom bracket this weekend. Is it the same thing? Just kidding...

Giacomo 1 

That is going to be one pretty bike Aaron!

I am loving that rose headbadge decal, but I think I already mentioned that in another thread. Very unique!

See, growing up and getting older does have it's advantages!

auchencrow

Congrats Aaron on snagging the bike of your dreams. I don't even want to know what it cost you, but in this case I know it was worth it!


- Now to make it better, all you need to do is find some good old Huret of Simplex "gruppo" for it.

KonAaron Snake 

I just appreciate you giving me such a cool and rare piece of bling! I am going to restore that bike, so your help is going to be perfect!

I actually did pretty well...surprisingly well for something like this. I think I might stick with Suntour

Like no bed time! Thanks

It is a little on the smaller side of my range, 55cm TT and 54 ST. I knew that 120mm De Rosa panto stem would come in handy eventually! This one won't be ridden much or hard.

gaucho777 

Congrats, again, Aaron. Beautiful frame. I love the way the dropout edges are filed to a point and chromed. The pearl paint is really lovely (though can be difficult to touch up properly: make sure you color match in the sunlight when looking for touch up paint.) Looking forward to seeing the finished build. One day, I'll get my own De Rosa...until then, I'll remain green with envy.

noglider 

I spy damage to the threads on the steerer tube. Whether this is consequential to the operation of the (future) bike, I can't say.

KonAaron Snake 

Threads are perfect - I think you're seeing grime.

KonAaron Snake 

I do have a question, I have one of those old titanium Campagnolo freewheels. Do those break? I know there were problems with the aluminum ones, but I'm not sure on the titanium. Also, do those work with synchros?

gaucho777 

I see what Tom is seeing. The top dozen or so threads on the steerer look flattened to me as well. In the 5th picture from the top, it's pretty clear the threading at the bottom of the steerer is not the same as the threads at the top. May not be an issue, but still...

nlerner

Maybe it's a lighting trick, but the first inch of threads sure looked squashed in this pic. Have you tried threading a headset on?

-holiday76

is it me or are those threads totally hosed??

rootboy 

Not to pile on but, I see it too. Got a chaser?

Beautiful frame Aaron. Great find for a great guy.

fender1

Will that fit 26" studded tires and fenders?

KonAaron Snake 

I see what you mean, but I've touched them and its picturing worse than it is. It won't be an issue.

I'll go try the experiment.

edit - thanks for the concern, but no problem:

16Victor

Schwing!

KonAaron Snake 

Have you ridden snow with fenders? No good! Free this weekend?

gaucho777 

gomango

What a fun project!

Too small for me though.

How the heck am I gonna ride this one when I show up at your doorstep.

KonAaron Snake 

It actually threaded VERY smoothly - buttery even. Not sure why it photo'd so poorly.

photogravity

Nice machine Aaron, and since it's you I'm only going to say nice things about the bike. She's a beauty just as she sits as far as I'm concerned! I'm looking forward to seeing this one built up. I reckon I'm going to have to pay you a visit soon.

KonAaron Snake 

There might be a Palo Alto in it for you

photogravity

The threads on fork of my Hercules Kestrel looked just the same, but they were fine also. I wish I had gotten some close-ups of the threads, but I doesn't seem I did for some reason. Anyway, what they look like and actually are ofter are not the same in practice.

photogravity

Well, if you're offering!