Hi, I rec'd an email about a bike and a builder, maybe some has heard of this person or bike.
My Grandfather's name is Florio Cappelletti.? He is from Chiasso but had a small bicycle shop in Mendrisio in the later 30's (roughly).? This came after he raced in the area and belonged to the "Velo Club Mendrisio" in the mid 30's.?
He built approx 25 to 30 frames a month and received a patent for one particular design.? After searching long and hard, we have tracked down one bike that I currently have in my possession.? It belonged to a member of his race team that had put it in storage.? It is intact with quite a bit of rust.? Considering the age, its in pretty good condition.?
I would like to restore it to its original condition or as close to it as I can.? We still have boxes of his frame drawings and paint samples that he used for his frames.?
We also have some metal frame tags like you show on your home page.? His read "Florio".? I think its pretty neat.? Do you know of places to buy parts and things from that era.? I don't know if the bike has been updated over the years.? It doesn't look like its been redone to much.? Let me know if you have info to share.?
Can anyone help on information on this. Unknown to me.
Regards
Craig Griffith
San Luis Obispo, Ca.
USA