In a message dated 4/11/2002 8:06:46 AM Eastern Daylight Time, rauler47@hotmail.com writes:
<< Does anyone know about this marquee? The bakes have a nut on the end vs. the recessed allen bolt. Was this the time period that the allen bolt was starting to make a showing on frames.
rial=0&ed=1018992620&indexURL=0&rd=1 >>
This particular bike is a basic version, no chrome, no tricky details, etc. Picchio frames often had very tight geometry for their time especially as compared to Masi, Colnago, etc.
I am a little disappointed folks don't know more about Picchio as they are a good cut above many "super" bikes in execution and design. They were imported by William Lewis Imports of Texas for a few years in the late 70s to early 80s. I think he told me only about 50 frames were brought in in total.. There were perhaps a half dozen tandem frames imported too.
The top of the line "Super Special" model (as I own) had very interesting and unusual cutouts that characterize it See the pics here:
http://www.classicrendezvous.com./
This top model (only) came in silver and the Torino city colors as referred to by Richard Sachs. The lugs and bottom bracket shell were filed up to a degree unlike other frames and had a very old and distinctive look. Definitely not cookie-cutter similar or production.
For a few years only, Picchio very vigorously introduced creasing, flattening and indenting of the frame tubing. They even creased the backside of fork blades and seat stays in certain models.. I never saw that appear on any other frames..
Also of note in my opinion are their just plain gorgeous decal design.. VERY traditional and classy.
One funny detail is that they apparently only invested in an embossed (stamped? Pantographed?) right side seat stay top eye plate, so on the left side of the bike the seat stay top eye "picchio" reads upside down...
Dale Brown cycles de ORO, Inc. 1410 Mill Street Greensboro, North Carolina USA 27408 336-274-5959 Fax 336-274-6360 <A HREF="http://www.cyclesdeoro.com">cyclesdeORO.com</A> <A HREF="http://www.classicrendezvous.com/main.htm">Classic Rendezvous</A>