Cristiano De Rosa, youngest son of Ugo is a good friend of mine and in charge of sales and marketing. He explained that the reason that few bikes have ever made it over is that Ugo had never wanted to sell anything that he had not produced or at least checked over himself. It took forever for him to even accept that his other two sons, that work in production, are equally qualified to check the frames with the Rose. (He does not farm out any metal frames, but does get the paint done elsewhere!) The total production has never passed 5000 frames in a year and was recently around 3000 per year. Until perhaps 10 years ago, more frames were custom made than not. De Rosa is universally recognised and respected by other frame builders in Italy. He also set up Merckx's Belgian factory and at trade shows generally shared a stand with Merckx. They are sweet rides too, even the non-steel frames (my apologies to the sensibilities of listers for this blasphemous statement).
The whole De Rosa family are also among the strongest 'made in Italy' movement that has returned with such vengeance. If you look at the pro teams that they have supplied, I don't think you will see any Shimano anywhere. I have even had the pleasure to be able to eavesdrop on a discussion between Ugo and the people from what subsequently became the Vini Caldirola team when they were discussing sponsorship details. Ugo would have nothing of his bikes being kitted out with Shimano. Supposedly, he has always maintained this line (Can you confirm this Chuck?)
If you go to their premises, you will also see many retired ex-racers place hard cash down for one of his bikes. They certainly don't go there to spend time shooting the breeze with Ugo. He has to be one of the most taciturn people that you can imagine.
Steven Maasland
Moorestown, NJ
> I would put an early de rosa right at the top of my list at
> this point. the early/mid 70s frames are as tasty, or
> tastier, than anything else out there, then, or now. And
> they ride to die for. Them low bb shells ya know.
>
> Problem is, there was very little importation of De Rosas
> until the 80s, so finding an early 70s De Rosa (let alone a
> 60s frame--talk about the holy grail!), is not unlike trying
> to find a needle in a haystack...very, very difficult.
> Masis and Colnagos were easier to see and buy..hence their
> popularity with us over-the-hill geezers...but I'd love an
> early 70s de rosa, and every single serious vintage hound I
> know around here would like to have one too..
>
> The De Rosas that made it to this country in any quantity
> (far as I can tell) are 80s frames and use cast lugs. Very
> nice. But not as nice as the 70s iron.
>
> Charles "70s de rosa? Dream on!" Andrews
> So Cal
>
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