Who are the jewel in the crown of Italian bike makers ?

[papercorn2000]

De Rosa King

Pinnacle of frame building (IMO)

 

[Niall Estick]

Passoni

http://www.passoni.com/

 

[Niall Estick]

De Rosa King

Pinnacle of frame building (IMO)

Shouldn't that be pinnacle of mould building?

 

[mickle]

All Colnago carbon frames are manufactured inTaiwan.

 

[dodgy]

All Colnago carbon frames are manufactured inTaiwan.

I went to look at a load of bikes back in April (I think) and looked at Litespeeds, Colnagos and others. I eventually settled on a Dolan after being so disappointed by one tiny detail on the Colnago. I know it seems trivial, but it's a Colnago FFS! I wanted it to be perfect, but has anyone else examined the shoddy finishing of the front mech braze on? It had gobs of paint and other material around it. I voiced my concerns to the shop manager who was concerned as it seemed the chances of a sale that day were dwindling, but he was honest and told me "they're all like that".
I can't believe I didn't buy a bike because of this one very trivial detail, but to me a Colnago (or any other exotic machinery) is supposed to be perfect, it's all about pride of ownership and I freely admit that I do spend a lot of time looking at my bikes when I'm fettling them on the workstand I'd feel the same if the frame was scratched.
So I got the Dolan which has been brilliant, but I still hanker after something a bit exotic.

 

[Niall Estick]

Viner

 

[papercorn2000]

Shouldn't that be pinnacle of mould building?

Well, technically, but it looks so damn good. It could only be made to look better if it were made from titanium.

 

[mickle]

I went to look at a load of bikes back in April (I think) and looked at Litespeeds, Colnagos and others. I eventually settled on a Dolan after being so disappointed by one tiny detail on the Colnago. I know it seems trivial, but it's a Colnago FFS! I wanted it to be perfect, but has anyone else examined the shoddy finishing of the front mech braze on? It had gobs of paint and other material around it. I voiced my concerns to the shop manager who was concerned as it seemed the chances of a sale that day were dwindling, but he was honest and told me "they're all like that".
I can't believe I didn't buy a bike because of this one very trivial detail, but to me a Colnago (or any other exotic machinery) is supposed to be perfect, it's all about pride of ownership and I freely admit that I do spend a lot of time looking at my bikes when I'm fettling them on the workstand I'd feel the same if the frame was scratched.
So I got the Dolan which has been brilliant, but I still hanker after something a bit exotic.

My old Ferrari 412 had what appeared to be bits of old angle iron holding much of the front end on.

 

[Nicensleazy]

For me its Pinarello....one of the oldest makers in Italy and lead the way in design and technology. If we look at the Paris and Prince frames, they are just mouthwatering!

Sorry I didn't include Bianchi as I don't see them as a 'jewel'. Yes, they make a wide range of bikes but more on a commerical basis. I'm looking at it from more of a purist slant. I would say Bianchi are more of the Aprilia of the cycle world whilst the others are more of a Ducati or MV Agusta.

As for De Rosa, I actually owned an Idol for a short period. Lovely to look at with a hand paint job, but I wasn't that impressed riding it.

 

[Niall Estick]

Do you happen to own a Pinarello Nicen?

 

[Nicensleazy]

Do you happen to own a Pinarello Nicen?

Yes I do, but I love most Italian bikes!

 

[beancounter]

Cinelli

bc

 

[Nicensleazy]

Cinelli

bc

I have got a lovey stem made by cinelli, its a work of art. Presently its on my study shelf!

 

[Niall Estick]

Yes I do, but I love most Italian bikes!

Aren't Pinarellos made in Taiwan?

 

[Alan Frame]

Alan frames, naturally.