In 1978 I bought a used early '70s De Rosa.It was a beautiful red and white bike with the heart shaped cut outs expertly contrast painted, nearly mint condition. I also had a same vintage Italian Masi (at the time I thought the bikes made in California were not "true" Masis). I road the Masi often and raced with it, but when I wanted to ride something special, where the quality of the ride itself mattered more than speed or distance covered, I always went for the De Rosa. Save the PX10 for long training rides in less than ideal conditions, the Masi for races and group rides. For me,it was the De Rosa that had the magic/mystique/mojo. After my lulu of a bike crash in '82(on a PX10),I sold the DeRosa along with the Masi to a guy who had been pestering me for 2 years to sell it to him. I think about that bike often. The buyer was a good caretaker of bikes, a collector with vision, so I know it's still out there, probably in as good condition as when I sold it to him for $500. I'v e been searching for years to replace that bike, chances are slim, but I'm hopeful. Jay Van De Velde Seal Beach,CA
On Sat, 29 Jun 2002 12:02:00
C. Andrews wrote:
>I would put an early de rosa right at the top of my list at
>this point. the early/mid 70s frames are as tasty, or
>tastier, than anything else out there, then, or now. And
>they ride to die for. Them low bb shells ya know.
>
>Problem is, there was very little importation of De Rosas
>until the 80s, so finding an early 70s De Rosa (let alone a
>60s frame--talk about the holy grail!), is not unlike trying
>to find a needle in a haystack...very, very difficult.
>Masis and Colnagos were easier to see and buy..hence their
>popularity with us over-the-hill geezers...but I'd love an
>early 70s de rosa, and every single serious vintage hound I
>know around here would like to have one too..
>
>The De Rosas that made it to this country in any quantity
>(far as I can tell) are 80s frames and use cast lugs. Very
>nice. But not as nice as the 70s iron.
>
>Charles "70s de rosa? Dream on!" Andrews
>So Cal
>
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