I have just purchased a Saronni Bike made by Tecnotrat. It has the original decals on it - although it is in need of a respray. The tubing decal states " Superlight 0.8 Chrome Manganese - made by Tecnotrat Italy " This is about the same as Columbus Aelle - straight gauge tubing.The Tecnotrat seatstays are very thin at the top and are brazed onto the side of the seat lug - quite attractive. The seat lug is of a good quality and is cast. The head tube lugs , top and bottom , have a cut out in the shape of a heart. No cut outs on the BB. The frame is square 52.5 centre to top and has a 52.5 ctc top tube. The tubing shape is quite unusual - in the middle sections it is crimped and has 6 small ridged indentations along the length of the tube - probably about 30 cms long. The frame is of reasonable weight. It has one water bottle braze on. Appears that the brazing is good. It has a chrome fork with sloping top. No engraving on the frame. From the group set on the frame - Shimano 105 6 speed - silver group set it would appear to be manufactured mid to late 80's. Can anyone give me any info on Tecnotrat - I've never heard of it. Thought that after a respray and putting Campy equipment on it, that it would be quite a nice bike for the wife - Number 10 to the collection !!!! Soon I'll be running short of space in the garage.
Phil Grizic
Durban - South Africa