[CR]Confente

(Example: Humor:John Pergolizzi)

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:59:09 -0800
From: "EPL" <lowiemanuel@yahoo.ca>
To: "classicrendezvous@bikelist.org" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR]Confente

I am no expert. I mostly appraise bikes via on-line photos.

Still, Confene always stands out in the crowd of mid-70s bikes. What has shown up in the decades since isn&#39;t really part of the appraisal. His was then.

Look at the crisp clean work at the fork crown and drop-outs. Look at the smoothly bent fork rake radius. Check the extra details in all the lugs, the bottom bracket and bridges. The scalloped seat stay ends are just perfect, not a millimetre more or less than just right. See how the very subtle paint scheme -- never obtrusive -- draws your attention without screaming for it.

Less is more.

If you are the type that likes pantographing (not me) , the Confente style there isn&#39;t obtrusive either, unlike some other Italian marques.

A Confente is like a Maserati.

You can keep your Porsches, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Lotus&#39;, Morgans, Jaguars, etc.

The extra cachet of his connection with Masi, Merckx, etc., and how he set the proverbial cat among the pigeons of the nascent USA frame culture makes his work definitive, and therefore original & essential.

Many today owe him their debt. They&#39;ll say so too, if only privately. In every era there is someone who elevates the discourse.

Emanuel Lowi Montreal, Quebec (who thinks today&#39;s Weigle and Gangl are HOT)

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