[CR]De Rosa 35th Anniv - Posted on behalf of Steven Maasland

Date: Tue, 9 May 2006 20:19:42 -0700 (PDT)
From: Raymond Dobbins <raydobbins2003@yahoo.com>
To: Classic Rendezvous Bike List <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR]De Rosa 35th Anniv - Posted on behalf of Steven Maasland

I received the following from Steven Maasland:

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Ray,

I don't have access to the email account that I need to be able to post to the CR, so perhaps you can do it for me.

I was working for the German De Rosa importer in 1988 when the 35th anniversary bike came out and was therefore responsible for ordering a large number of them; I also hapen to own one myself (see: http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/De_Rosa_35th_anniversary) and I believe that it should be pointed out that not all the bikes were absolutely identical. The large majority of the bikes did not come with the Century finish, but were more often than not the regular anodizing. The saddles on the bikes when they left De Rosa's were indeed the Campionissimo saddles, but were frequently switched out prior to the bikes reaching the customer. Most bikes did not reach the customers with the white Almarc leather. These were very expensive bikes at the time, with a hefty premium over the 'regular' De Rosa bikes equipped with the same equipment, so De Rosa was prepared to make most modifications requested by the cust omers.

As Ben has pointed out, all the 'real' 35th anniversary bikes have a special anniversary serial number that makes recognition simple and for a knowledgeable seller to not mention the number shows either a lack of judgment or possible questions.

BTW, at the time that Ben was selling his honest anniversary frame, there was another full De Rosa bike with complete C-Record gruppo with aparently similar annversary paint scheme also for sale. Ben's naked frame sold for more than the complete bike; I believe solely due to the fact that Ben demonstrated the honesty of the provenance of the frame whereas the other seller did not.

Steven Maasland presently NYC, NY, USA

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Ray Dobbins
Miami Florida