In recent days I've received several inquiries about a problem that had vexed me for sometime-what, if any, was the relationship between ICS Magni (ItalCicliSystems of Zurich) and another cycle marque called "PEP Magni". Over the last few years, several framesets labeled "PEP Magni" have been offered both on eBay and privately-some are "On Topic" and others are not. Two are on sale on eBay at the present moment. Among other explanations, some sellers alleged these PEP Magni framesets were made by ICS, others by Fiorenzo Magni, etc. I've finally got an answer to this after a conversation with Mr. Artemio Granzotto, the owner of the former ICS Company. PEP Magni was a bike shop located in Baggio, Italy, and owned by Peppino Magni, the former mechanic of the Italian Professional Team (Fiorenzo Magni, the great "third man of Italian cycling," was a member of this team)-thus the name "PEP" Magni. However, the framesets were made for Peppino Magni during the period 1975-1980 by Giovanni Losa in Vittuone. Losa is a very respected framemaker who produced bikes under his own name and for others including Cinelli. Although Mr. Losa's firm still exists, he suffered a stroke two years ago and, sadly, is no longer active. According to Mr. Granzotto, the "top of the line" PEP Magni" framesets were made with Cinelli lugs. Now, in about 1975 Mr. Granzotto decided to enter the bicycle business and received his first supply of framesets from Peppino Magni. He then decided to retain the name Magni, dropping the "PEP" appellation. The framesets were made to his design by Losa and finished, i.e. chromed and painted in Zurich. As many know, Mr. Granzotto had patented several modifications to Campagnolo derailleurs and chainwheels. ICS was most renowned for their chrome and gold plating of Campagnolo and Cinelli parts-these are highly collectible. The framesets were also available in a variety of chrome, chromovelato, gilt and other elaborate finishes-the "carriage-trade' was the ICS target market. CR has an exellent section on ICS and Dale has placed some very remarkable examples of ICS best bikes in the hands of collectors. George
George Hollenberg MD
CT, USA