RE: [CR]Fiamme Components

(Example: Racing)

From: "R.S. Broderick" <rsb000@hotmail.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: RE: [CR]Fiamme Components
Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:11:42 -0500
In-Reply-To: <249DDD9704676C49AE6169AE3D2D9F4ECDB6CF@Exchange-SVR>
Thread-Index: Ack65OtjBtCqUvPxQ0mRNpi3r2GB/wADIZ4g
cc: JHurley@jdabrams.com

John,

I simply have not had the time to digitize but a very small fraction of those vintage cycling related catalogs on hand and post images of same to WoolJersey (...and my time will become even more "precious" over the next few months as we prepare for moving our entire household back once again to the Great Northwest), I do happen to have several pieces of literature from Industria Fiamme s.r.l. - several of which offer various insights into the company's history. In particular, you may be interested in reading the following prologue excerpted from their 1985 catalog (...complete with "continental" spelling - although I will warn you that it does contain a bit of marketing hyperbole):

"Fiamme is a company that was established around 60 years ago to make high-quality light alloy rims for racing bicycles. It is a company which has consistently prized the technical and qualitative side of manufacture, often 'sacrificing' quantity for this principle."

"Fiamme was the first company, back in the thirties, to design and develop a light alloy rim with ferrule-reinforced spoke holes, a concept based on a design developed at the Fiamme research centre that was patented and produced on an industrial scale."

"For years this patent was exclusive to Fiamme, but the company later authorised its extension to other manufacturers. Indeed, the Milanese firm has always followed a policy of close cooperation with reputable manufacturers, experts and cycling champions who have chosen Fiamme products - and this is a confirmation of the marked dedication to research and high-grade technical manufacture of a small-scale industry specialising in craftsman's taste."

"The main features of product development in recent years have been the improvement of competition rims, particularly the measurements of the rim cross-sections, the adhesion of tubular tyres and the use of improved types of reinforcers. These developments have made for greater adhesion to the rim in proportion to its weight and thickness, and also allow for quicker and simpler mounting."

"Thus Fiamme has been able to manufacture high-grade technical and Ergal alloy products which have met with real success."

"As well as making rims - which make up the most important part of our production - Fiamme has been manufacturing light alloy racing wheels for the last twenty years."

"In recent years Fiamme has increased its after sales service and extended its sales network to ensure it can effectively cover national and international markets. The professionals and amateurs who choose our products are increasing all the time - teams who choose our products for the high degree of reliability they offer, which is tested day after day in grueling competitions."

"Fiamme is consistently engaged in technical and product quality research, in keeping with its traditions - which have always been the competitive stimulus and incentive from the start to reach ever-impressive standards."

As one final note, the 1985 Fiamme catalog from which the above passage was cited, provides details regarding their extensive line of tubular and clincher rims, as well as their vastly smaller selection of handlebars and stems.

Regards,

Robert "queue rim-shot, please" Broderick ..the "Frozen Flatlands" of South Dakota Sioux Falls, USA

-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of John Hurley Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2008 6:12 PM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]Fiamme Components

List, I haven't been able to find anything on the web about the Fiamme company, their history, or products. I have not found any catalogs. Does anyone know of a source of info? It's interesting that on the classicrendezvous Italy page, Fiamme is listed right after Campagnolo as an Italian components maker, and there is a Fiamme page, but it contains very little information. Also, by the way, I was surprised that Ambrosio doesn't appear at all on the classicrendezvous website.
Thanks,
John Hurley
Austin, Texas, USA