Wow, this list is incredible. Mike if you are responsible for Sonny's bicycle, you are a great artist. I find it so beautiful I've had a picture of it up on my desk at work all afternoon.
Tom Sacco, Oakland CA
From: Michael Howard <95rivieramike@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [CR] Info on my Medici Pro Strada To: "David Weigel" <pulpbeats@yahoo.com> Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2009, 6:58 PM
Hi Sonny My name is Mike Howard and I was the head frame builder for entire existence of Medici Bicycle Co. So I guess I am your expert. Rich is correct 55 is the size center to top and it was the 2,615th Pro Strada made.They were other models so it would not necessarily be the 2,615th Medici. I would put it in the mid 80' era. Fortunately we were better bike builders than business men and did not keep very good records. Back in the day we never realized the importance of serial numbers in fact a lot of Italian and other frames had none at all. The earlier frames were made from Columbus tubing but yours most likely is Tange Prestige which (even though I hate to admit it) does have much better numbers on tonsil strength and other technical issues. Ride wise I doubt that many could tell you the difference in a blind test. Let me know if there is anything else you would like to know.
Mike Howard Santa Fe Springs CA
On Wed, Aug 5, 2009 at 2:27 PM, David Weigel <pulpbeats@yahoo.com> wrote:
> My Medici Pro Strada is
>
> 59 0258
>
> I bought it as a complete built up with gipiemme parts about 5 years ago
> along with a Windsor professional that was orange with chrome lugs and had
> Eddy Merkx decals. The Windsor was built with Campy NR parts. Got both
> from my uncle for $400
>
>
> Dave Weigel
> Portland, OR
>
> P.S. My Masi Prestige Pista is still for sale
>
> --- On Wed, 8/5/09, Rich Pinder <rpinder@usc.edu> wrote:
>
> > From: Rich Pinder <rpinder@usc.edu>
> > Subject: Re: [CR] Info on my Medici Pro Strada
> > To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> > Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2009, 10:28 AM
> > Hi Sonny,
> > Nice looker... On our So Cal vintage ride this last week, I
> > brought out my Pro Strada - and was reminded now nice it
> > rides.
> > Mike Howard was on the ride, and I asked him about the
> > Medici serial number database question. He didn't
> > think there exists a true 'database' of the various
> > Medici models that were built. The syntax is of the
> > numbering (i think) is logical and intuitive: You own
> > a 55cm frame, and it was the 2,615th frame made (or...
> > STAMPED !!).
> >
> > Mine has the 61 0387 - so it's a big 61cm,
> > pretty early one. Pic at:
> > http://www-hsc.usc.edu/
> >
> > Rich Pinder
> > Sherman Oaks, CA
> >
> > Sonny Tran wrote:
> > > Hello folks,
> > > I just recently acquired one of the bikes I've wanted
> > for a long time. It's a beauty and there is very little
> > damage aside from paint chips here and there. I wanted to
> > know if any Medici experts could provide some information on
> > it.
> > > Serial # 55 02615
> > > I bought the bike setup with;
> > > Handlebar/Stem - Cinelli 64 + Cinelli 1R stem
> > (black)Brakes/Levers - Campy Super Record brakesetHeadset -
> > Campy Super RecordFront Derailleur - Campy Super RecordRear
> > Derailleur - Campy C-RecordShifters - Suntour
> > SuperbeSeatpost - Suntour SuperbeCranks - Campy
> > C-RecordWheels - Suntour Superbe hubs + Mavic Open 4CD rims
> > > I'd love to know the exact year and possibly who built
> > the frame and who did the paint job. I was also told it was
> > made of Tange Prestige, but the frame does not have a decal
> > to indicate this is accurate. Picture links are below.
> > Thanks for the help everyone!
> > >
> http://img.photobucket.com/
> > > -Sonny
> > > -----
> > > Sonny TranSan Jose, CA
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > _______________________________________________