Art Yow wrote:
> I can answer some of the questions on Picchio frames.
> Prior to my trip to Italy in the mid-80's, I had asked the owner of a
> local pro-shop (Bicycle Odyssey, Sausalito, CA) of his recommendation
> for an Italian frame. The shop owner was an authority on pro frames
> (domestic and foreign) and truly a Master bike mechanic. He advised that
> Picchio's were particularly impressive to him, but unknown in the
> states.
> I travelled to Italy and met with Signore Picchio at his shop in Torino.
>
> I ordered two of his road racing frames (which took almost a year for
> delivery! never, never, never pay first and wait for a bike frame from
> any shop!).
> Picchio is an old master frame builder, very respected in Italy. I
> believe that he has mentored several notable Italian frame builders.
> Picchio's frames were among the first (if not the first) to employ
> creases in the tubes for both ridgity and tighter geometry. The lugwork
> was exquisite with an unusual curled "heart" shape and star cutouts. The
> seat tube was creased to permit the rear wheel to nest closely to it.
> The rear drop out was rearward facing, somewhat like a track frame, but
> not horizontal.
> The paint stripes on the seat tube are the colors of Torino and are hand
> painted; not decals!
> As for handling, I am selling my classic Colnago of the 80's, but not my
> Picchio; it handles beautifully, despite its tight geometry!!!
> Ciao!
> Art Yow