Angel wrote:
> I have a Benotto postcard picturing Francesco Moser, "Italian Champion
> 1975-76" and a logo that says BENOTTO Fabrica Bicicletas Mexico
> (note: that
> is Spanish), and this address: Bicicletas BENOTTO, Escuela Medico
> MilitarNo. 14, Mexico 1, D.F. And, a list of telephone numbers.
>
> There are probably some people floating around in Mexico City that
> wouldhave quite a bit of info. I'll try to track down a cycling
> club in Mexico
> City and see if anyone can tell us more.
In response to Marc's previous note:
>
> I don't know the answers about when the Mexico facility was
> opened, or when
> the Italian facility was closed. However, a least during the mid
> '80s, the
> high-end Benotto frames were still made in Italy, while the rest
> of theirt
> line was made in Mexico.s
Benotto has a web site at http://www.benotto.com.mx it doesn't say anything about their history, but I have an Italian book that describes how they started in Turin in 1931. One of the family members moved to Mexico City in the 70's and production was started up there. From the information that I have seen their top bikes were still built in Italy for a few years after the start-up in Mexico. Once the quality was at least as good in Mexico as it was in Italy, they moved all production to Mexico. They sponsored pro teams almost continuously from the 40's onwards and therefore are probably one of the most long-standing pro bike suppliers. I have a lovely 1952 Benotto with Cambio Corsa with original paint. I have sent photos to Dale to post to the Benotto page when he has time.
Steven Maasland
Moorestown, NJ