Tom and Aaron,
Actually, they're not that rare. I've got 4 of them in 56-58 c-c size. 3 off of ebay and 1 from private seller. But they are very uncommon. Pix are on the Wool Jersey site, search on Picchio. Only 1 has the original paint, all of the others had been resprayed prior to my possession and I had them resprayed and new decals added.
Sr. Picchio made at least 2 versions of his Picchio Special, the Standard version and then in the early 80's he began to use creased tubing. This version was referred to as the Rigidio, because the creasing of the tubeset was suppose to make for stiffer and efficient ride. Don't know that could verified. Anyway, they are quick and responsive, well crafted, and about once a year a Picchio will be up for auction of Ebay.
I sure would like to know when he first began building on his own. Anyone know?
FWIW, I had a Cal Masi (#673) and the Picchio's are just as nice and the ride quality is comparable.
Rick Robbins Dunnellon, FL
5. Re: Re: Picchio Special...a few questions
>
> Date: Sun, 05 Aug 2007 19:15:04 -0400
> From: tonythreerings@aol.com
> To: lowiemanuel@yahoo.ca, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Subject: Re: [CR]Re: Picchio Special...a few questions
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>
> I just got mine back from JB not too long ago and will try and get some pictures up soon; it didn't make much of an impression at a recent SoCal ride!
>
>
>
>
>
> Aaron Lipstadt
> Hollywood, CA
> Tom Sanders wrote:
>
> > I am wondering why a bike so wonderful looking seems so
> > rare. Weren't many
> > imported? Are they more plentiful nearer their point of
> > origin? In Canada
> > or Australia? Were there production problems that limited
> > their production?
> > When were they imported to this country?. There were at
> > last two models ( I
> > think) ...were they all as cool as the one on Dale's
> > site?
> > Perhaps we have someone familiar with the brand that
> > could shed a little
> > light here?
>
> My thoughts exactly. Until yesterday's reference here I had
> never heard of this builder, had not even paid attention to
> the page on CR about him.
>
> Just look at those pictures. Peachy!
>
> It is so intriguing that the name of one of (arguably) the
> uppermost tier of Italian racing bike builders has been a
> virtual secret.
>
> Who here owns one and can show us pictures?
>
> Emanuel Lowi
> Montreal, Quebec