Steven Maasland wrote:
>>>>On Tuesday this week, I stopped by at Pinarello's shop in Treviso
and spoke
with Nanni. I was highly disconcerted to note that he has begun 'losing
it.'
At well over 80, he is finally showing that he too is human and is
showing
the signs of his age. It is a true pity because he has always been a
highly
vibrant and vital person in the Italian bicycle business. I told him of
Dale's and Chuck's meets and he seemed truly interested but then added
that
he can't travel on his own any more and must be accompanied by his
daughter
Carla or son. Even more than Alberto, Nanni is a true star of the
cycling
world as he has lived it first as a respected pro, then as builder for
well
over 60 years. In fact, I found a couple sets of mint NOS Pinarello
co-branded 3-piece FB hubs from the 50's while in Italy. That in itself
is
testimony to his position in the bicycle world. The brand will continue
into
the future under the guidance of his son Fausto, but it will be a sad
day
when Nanni is no longer available to all cyclists. In his shop there is
a
wall of photos of him with a true who's who of cycling. He is especially
proud of the time when he brought Indurain to see the pope and the pope
knew
who Pinarello was but not Indurain...<<<<
It is sad to learn that "Nanni" is starting to succumb to the effects of age, as I'm sure we all will eventually. I was fortunate enough to meet this amazing man two years ago while visiting Italy and actually staying with some friends of the Pinarello family. At that time, I was genuinely impressed and amazed by Giovanni's vitality, enthusiasm, and general good nature. While it was obvious that his son and daughter were running the business, Giovanni was still very much a presence and certainly reflected the "spirit" of the operation. Watching him warmly greet and chat with customers at the shop was fascinating. I wanted to talk to him (using my friend as an interpreter) about his "classic" bikes, but ended up talking about the latest Pinarello models instead. His enthusiasm for the sport of cycling and for still producing what he truly believed to be among "the best" bicycles in the world, was truly inspiring and infectious. Indeed, I ended up buying a "used" (marginally) Pinarello Prince. Giovanni graciously signed the frame, signed and gave me a jersey, and then posed for pictures with me and my new bike. A true gentleman and a wonderful ambassador for the sport, as well as the business, of bicycles.
Sadly, we are in a time when many of the true icons of the classic lightweight era are slipping (or have already slipped) away. The world of bicycles will not be quite the same without them.
Ciao, Nanni.
Wayne Bingham
Falls Church VA