Hi all,
I've been also researching the early bikes, as I have one of the mid/late 70's frames. The pictures on the Classic Rendevous site gave me a good starting point, and show a few examples of the different models. Thanks Edward for that info on the timeframe for the THOMAS - I'd thought it was later. So cool you'd met with Irio - someone on the list offered that he is quite into the vintage models.
That recent gold colored bike (with the Gentleman wheels that are gold colored as well) on eBay actually sold TWICE recently. And without boring you on the specifics, the last offering was made by a nice bike 'reseller' fellow here in Whittier. I've had no luck in finding the proper decals for the 70's model, and the seller replied to me that even though the pictures didnt show it, there were faint outlines of the BLUE, BLOCK (not script) down tube graphics. And I also saw that the head decal was in very nice shape. So I drove over with my digital camera and have a bunch more info to go on as I do the decals. [not sure how soon they'll be done, but I'll let everyone know]
What I discovered is one MAJOR answer I'd sought. From the pic on the CR website, you can see the partial lettering of the word 'racing' on the right end of the graphic. But it's cut off, so I had no idea what preceded it, how it was layed out, etc. I found that the block letters of Tommasini have the letters T O M M A in a type style about 22mm high, then the S I N I is a only about 10mm high, and the sole word R A C I N G is above the reduced height last 4 letters of the name. (sorry for the description... a pic later will help some !). But bottom line is I'm jazzed to finally know the details.
I found this text layout interesting, especially in the transition that happened (at some point) over to just naming the bike THOMAS. From a distance, the bike probably seemed to be called a T O M M A - who knows!
The pictures of that late 70's model on the CR site show the transition to the script graphics..which continues of course into the contemporary models. I kind of wondered if that bike is later than 'late 70's - the braze on front der, plus that fancy rear brake 'block', I thought, was more like early 80's ??
I'm at the wrong computer just now, but from my earlier posts about Tommasini I got a number of photos from different list members. Roman... if you'd like, I'll find the example(s) of the THOMAS model, and forward them along.
As an aside, that gold bike on eBay had wildly differing selling prices - seems it was about 2 months ago it showed up and ended up as a quite a steal... and the recent sale was QUITE a bit higher ! After seeing the actual bike, even though it was not my size, I sure should have bought it the first time out !!
take care
Rich Pinder
Van Nuys, CA
CR Tommasini pages:
http://www.classicrendezvous.com/
Edward Albert wrote:
Roman, Although Irio Thammasini did not give me a date, when I visited his store in September he showed me some of his early 'Thomas' frames that he was importing to the States. I think these probably dated from the early 70's but cannot be sure. He used Thomas rather than Tommasini because he thought the name would be more acceptable to Americans. He quickly realized that this was a mistake and reverted to Tommasini. Edward Albert Chappaqua, NY
"Roman Stankus" <rstankus@mindspring.com> 01/20/06 8:06 AM >>>
On the subject of Tommasini's - does anyone in the biz or who knows the brand well, know when Tommasini's began to show up with the unique multicolor paint jobs and when they really started showing up in the US in significant numbers. One rarely sees 70's or earlier models. There was one from the mid 70's on ebay in the past couple weeks that was quite mundane but interesting to see nonetheless. I have one of the ubiquitous off topic '88-'92 range mid level models that rides very nicely but currently makes it's home on my trainer.
Roman Stankus Atlanta, Ga.
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Peter Naiman Sent: Friday, January 20, 2006 12:35 AM To: classicrendezvous Subject: [CR] For sale on Ebay; A Vintage very early 80s Tommasini Super Prestige 56cm.
I've just listed to Ebay, a nice early 80s Vintage 56cm Tommasini Super Prestige, with a 56cm top tube. Sorry it's frame only with no fork. Rear spacing is 126cm. If someone wants an inexpensive classic Italian Ride for every day riding in Columbus SLX, take a look at my auction. I've got it available at a $200 buy it now auction. Below is the auction URL or you can find my auctions under my Ebay handle Hetchinspete.
Peter Naiman Glendale, WI
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