Another Tommasini ID thread
01-30-17, 12:34 PM
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Another Tommasini ID thread
There has been (rightfully so) a lot of Tommy love going around lately and I'd like to get some help with a date on mine. This bike has popped up in a couple of threads here; I bought it a couple of years ago as a frame and fork. There are features to the bike that confuse me and hopefully some of you will have some insight.
OK - Columbus SL tubing but I suspect also some SP as the seat tube takes a 27.0 post.Seat tube does not have bottle cage bosses and does not have FD braze on. These features with the under BB cable routing suggest ~ 81-83 to me but the rear brake cable is internally routed which I thought was a feature of later frames.
The "Racing" logo is on the top tube, whereas most often found on the chain stay and there is also the chewed up "Professional" decal which I haven't seen on others before. I'm also curious as to when the Air fork was first produced and the likelihood it is original to the frame. Thanks for any input!
OK - Columbus SL tubing but I suspect also some SP as the seat tube takes a 27.0 post.Seat tube does not have bottle cage bosses and does not have FD braze on. These features with the under BB cable routing suggest ~ 81-83 to me but the rear brake cable is internally routed which I thought was a feature of later frames.
The "Racing" logo is on the top tube, whereas most often found on the chain stay and there is also the chewed up "Professional" decal which I haven't seen on others before. I'm also curious as to when the Air fork was first produced and the likelihood it is original to the frame. Thanks for any input!
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N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
01-30-17, 01:15 PM
#2
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Some quick thoughts (and looking forward to input from others):
My impression is that the internal routing began in 1985. There seems to be at least a year or two of overlap when both top-tube and internal rear brake routing was used, and then it seems to be all internal going forward.
I've seen examples that have the signs of being 1982 or later, but which lack the FD braze-on tab. I think it became standard on the Tommasini road bikes at some point in the 1980s, but like many build details, there seemed to be an overlap between years where the bikes were built with and without the braze-on. It may have been something that the buyer had the option to declining.
I think your's is the only one I've seen with the 'Racing' decal on the top tube. My impression is that in the early 1980s they started labeling road bikes 'Prestige' and 'Super Prestige', with the decal always on the right front top tube. Prior to that the standard road model seems to be 'Racing' with the decal on the right chain stay. The 'Racing' versions with the chainstay decal have no 'Tommasini' decal on the seat tube. With the introduction of Prestige/Super Prestige decals, we also see the 'Tommasini' in stacked lettering on the seat tube. I'm guessing yours is from a transitional period, right around 1984ish.
I've never seen the 'Professional' decal that I recall. The Tommasini decals seem rather robust, and the fact that this decal is literally going to pieces suggests to me it was added later. Maybe the bike was meant for a racer, and slapped on later?
The AIR fork you have is what I consider the 'later' type fork. You see a more flat top fork with a raised gear surrounding a sunken 'T' and a dash-dot-dash pattern on the fork crown in the late '70s into around '82 and maybe '83. From '84 or '85 on they all seem to be AIR forks like yours. There there is a second type, as on my bike, that loses the raised gear logo and the dash-dot-dash, but which is more aerodynamic. It seems to be a transitional fork design, and I see it on bikes I identify as being in the 1982-1984 period.
Your bike looks like the next size up from mine, so I'm not surprised your seat tube seems to be SP.
What are the letters stamped on your BB? It looks like '52' and 'B5' but I can't quite tell.
Beautiful bike!
My impression is that the internal routing began in 1985. There seems to be at least a year or two of overlap when both top-tube and internal rear brake routing was used, and then it seems to be all internal going forward.
I've seen examples that have the signs of being 1982 or later, but which lack the FD braze-on tab. I think it became standard on the Tommasini road bikes at some point in the 1980s, but like many build details, there seemed to be an overlap between years where the bikes were built with and without the braze-on. It may have been something that the buyer had the option to declining.
I think your's is the only one I've seen with the 'Racing' decal on the top tube. My impression is that in the early 1980s they started labeling road bikes 'Prestige' and 'Super Prestige', with the decal always on the right front top tube. Prior to that the standard road model seems to be 'Racing' with the decal on the right chain stay. The 'Racing' versions with the chainstay decal have no 'Tommasini' decal on the seat tube. With the introduction of Prestige/Super Prestige decals, we also see the 'Tommasini' in stacked lettering on the seat tube. I'm guessing yours is from a transitional period, right around 1984ish.
I've never seen the 'Professional' decal that I recall. The Tommasini decals seem rather robust, and the fact that this decal is literally going to pieces suggests to me it was added later. Maybe the bike was meant for a racer, and slapped on later?
The AIR fork you have is what I consider the 'later' type fork. You see a more flat top fork with a raised gear surrounding a sunken 'T' and a dash-dot-dash pattern on the fork crown in the late '70s into around '82 and maybe '83. From '84 or '85 on they all seem to be AIR forks like yours. There there is a second type, as on my bike, that loses the raised gear logo and the dash-dot-dash, but which is more aerodynamic. It seems to be a transitional fork design, and I see it on bikes I identify as being in the 1982-1984 period.
Your bike looks like the next size up from mine, so I'm not surprised your seat tube seems to be SP.
What are the letters stamped on your BB? It looks like '52' and 'B5' but I can't quite tell.
Beautiful bike!
01-30-17, 01:33 PM
#3
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I had wondered as well about the quality of the Professional decal and I got the sense, also, that the fork is a mid 80's one but doesn't jibe with the rest of the bike. The bike came with a Miche headset which made me wonder if it was not original to the frame and the seller tossed in a cheap headset to hold it together.
It is a 62 and B5 on the BB. I mentioned in another thread that only the size was stamped on it, but clearly my memory was faulty. This bike would be a 58 or 59 and the only 62 I can measure is the down tube.
It is a 62 and B5 on the BB. I mentioned in another thread that only the size was stamped on it, but clearly my memory was faulty. This bike would be a 58 or 59 and the only 62 I can measure is the down tube.
Some quick thoughts (and looking forward to input from others):
My impression is that the internal routing began in 1985. There seems to be at least a year or two of overlap when both top-tube and internal rear brake routing was used, and then it seems to be all internal going forward.
I've seen examples that have the signs of being 1982 or later, but which lack the FD braze-on tab. I think it became standard on the Tommasini road bikes at some point in the 1980s, but like many build details, there seemed to be an overlap between years where the bikes were built with and without the braze-on. It may have been something that the buyer had the option to declining.
I think your's is the only one I've seen with the 'Racing' decal on the top tube. My impression is that in the early 1980s they started labeling road bikes 'Prestige' and 'Super Prestige', with the decal always on the right front top tube. Prior to that the standard road model seems to be 'Racing' with the decal on the right chain stay. The 'Racing' versions with the chainstay decal have no 'Tommasini' decal on the seat tube. With the introduction of Prestige/Super Prestige decals, we also see the 'Tommasini' in stacked lettering on the seat tube. I'm guessing yours is from a transitional period, right around 1984ish.
I've never seen the 'Professional' decal that I recall. The Tommasini decals seem rather robust, and the fact that this decal is literally going to pieces suggests to me it was added later. Maybe the bike was meant for a racer, and slapped on later?
The AIR fork you have is what I consider the 'later' type fork. You see a more flat top fork with a raised gear surrounding a sunken 'T' and a dash-dot-dash pattern on the fork crown in the late '70s into around '82 and maybe '83. From '84 or '85 on they all seem to be AIR forks like yours. There there is a second type, as on my bike, that loses the raised gear logo and the dash-dot-dash, but which is more aerodynamic. It seems to be a transitional fork design, and I see it on bikes I identify as being in the 1982-1984 period.
Your bike looks like the next size up from mine, so I'm not surprised your seat tube seems to be SP.
What are the letters stamped on your BB? It looks like '52' and 'B5' but I can't quite tell.
Beautiful bike!
My impression is that the internal routing began in 1985. There seems to be at least a year or two of overlap when both top-tube and internal rear brake routing was used, and then it seems to be all internal going forward.
I've seen examples that have the signs of being 1982 or later, but which lack the FD braze-on tab. I think it became standard on the Tommasini road bikes at some point in the 1980s, but like many build details, there seemed to be an overlap between years where the bikes were built with and without the braze-on. It may have been something that the buyer had the option to declining.
I think your's is the only one I've seen with the 'Racing' decal on the top tube. My impression is that in the early 1980s they started labeling road bikes 'Prestige' and 'Super Prestige', with the decal always on the right front top tube. Prior to that the standard road model seems to be 'Racing' with the decal on the right chain stay. The 'Racing' versions with the chainstay decal have no 'Tommasini' decal on the seat tube. With the introduction of Prestige/Super Prestige decals, we also see the 'Tommasini' in stacked lettering on the seat tube. I'm guessing yours is from a transitional period, right around 1984ish.
I've never seen the 'Professional' decal that I recall. The Tommasini decals seem rather robust, and the fact that this decal is literally going to pieces suggests to me it was added later. Maybe the bike was meant for a racer, and slapped on later?
The AIR fork you have is what I consider the 'later' type fork. You see a more flat top fork with a raised gear surrounding a sunken 'T' and a dash-dot-dash pattern on the fork crown in the late '70s into around '82 and maybe '83. From '84 or '85 on they all seem to be AIR forks like yours. There there is a second type, as on my bike, that loses the raised gear logo and the dash-dot-dash, but which is more aerodynamic. It seems to be a transitional fork design, and I see it on bikes I identify as being in the 1982-1984 period.
Your bike looks like the next size up from mine, so I'm not surprised your seat tube seems to be SP.
What are the letters stamped on your BB? It looks like '52' and 'B5' but I can't quite tell.
Beautiful bike!
__________________
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
01-30-17, 02:34 PM
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I had wondered as well about the quality of the Professional decal and I got the sense, also, that the fork is a mid 80's one but doesn't jibe with the rest of the bike. The bike came with a Miche headset which made me wonder if it was not original to the frame and the seller tossed in a cheap headset to hold it together.
It is a 62 and B5 on the BB. I mentioned in another thread that only the size was stamped on it, but clearly my memory was faulty. This bike would be a 58 or 59 and the only 62 I can measure is the down tube.
It is a 62 and B5 on the BB. I mentioned in another thread that only the size was stamped on it, but clearly my memory was faulty. This bike would be a 58 or 59 and the only 62 I can measure is the down tube.
https://steelspoke.blogspot.gr/2014/...alog-1992.html
At the same time, I'm kind of glad your BB stamping isn't the frame size. No stamping I've seen so far seems to be C/W frame size, so there's some other pattern at work here.
01-31-17, 09:50 AM
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That Columbus decal was used for both SL & SP but based on the size of the frame SP is most likely. Most builders converted form SL to SP somewhere in the 58-60cm range. The Columbus decal style also indicates pre-1988 while the Tommasini decal style is that introduced circa 1984-1985. It also looks like you're running 6 speed, so I'm assuming 126mm spacing, which would also fit the timeline. If it were 1990s, I'd expect 130mm spacing. The best I can say is that it appears to be circa 1984-1987.
The Racing model is very hard to nail down, outside of the fact that it is Columbus SL or SP. In the mid-1980s, it appears to have been the economical SL model, as it typically lacked the front derailleur of the Prestige. However KD has a Racing which appears to be circa 1982-1983 with this feature. What is curious about your sample is the use of internal brake cable routing, which is an expensive feature. Also, the ports are on the lower side on the top tube, All the others I've seen have been on the top side. I would have thought the money would be better spent on a front derailleur hanger and dual bottle bosses. I assume that all the variation we see is due to the variation in market preference or custom orders.
The Racing model is very hard to nail down, outside of the fact that it is Columbus SL or SP. In the mid-1980s, it appears to have been the economical SL model, as it typically lacked the front derailleur of the Prestige. However KD has a Racing which appears to be circa 1982-1983 with this feature. What is curious about your sample is the use of internal brake cable routing, which is an expensive feature. Also, the ports are on the lower side on the top tube, All the others I've seen have been on the top side. I would have thought the money would be better spent on a front derailleur hanger and dual bottle bosses. I assume that all the variation we see is due to the variation in market preference or custom orders.
01-31-17, 03:14 PM
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Thanks guys.
In one of these threads, someone mentioned he had his repainted at the factory and talked with Irio. It was rebranded as a Super Prestige with the repaint and when the guy asked why, Irio said something to the effect of "they're all built the same anyway".
In one of these threads, someone mentioned he had his repainted at the factory and talked with Irio. It was rebranded as a Super Prestige with the repaint and when the guy asked why, Irio said something to the effect of "they're all built the same anyway".
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N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
01-31-17, 03:57 PM
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Thanks guys.
In one of these threads, someone mentioned he had his repainted at the factory and talked with Irio. It was rebranded as a Super Prestige with the repaint and when the guy asked why, Irio said something to the effect of "they're all built the same anyway".
In one of these threads, someone mentioned he had his repainted at the factory and talked with Irio. It was rebranded as a Super Prestige with the repaint and when the guy asked why, Irio said something to the effect of "they're all built the same anyway".
Plus I've seen a very well restored/repainted Tommasini done by third party that was 'Racing' model from the factory, but became 'Prestige' model afterwards. I guess if the factory did that, too, then maybe it's not that big a deal.
Oh, and good eye, T-Mar. I hadn't noticed the unusual locations of the internal cable openings. Spaghetti Legs, that really looks like a one-of-a-kind frame.
01-31-17, 05:41 PM
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Thanks guys.
In one of these threads, someone mentioned he had his repainted at the factory and talked with Irio. It was rebranded as a Super Prestige with the repaint and when the guy asked why, Irio said something to the effect of "they're all built the same anyway".
In one of these threads, someone mentioned he had his repainted at the factory and talked with Irio. It was rebranded as a Super Prestige with the repaint and when the guy asked why, Irio said something to the effect of "they're all built the same anyway".
01-31-17, 07:02 PM
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My memory gets shoddier every day and I guess I mis-remembered the context of Irio's reply.
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N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
01-31-17, 08:22 PM
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Interesting discussion, I can't pin point my Tommie yet. Its got the top tube cable guides (3), two sets of bottle bosses, but no brazed FD mount. Any referrals for research beyond our Tommasini Lounge thread, and the others here will be greatly appreciated.
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Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
02-04-17, 01:21 AM
#11
Girardenghista
Yep, that was my quote from my paint job. I think the point here is that Racing and Prestige were both (at one point anyway) SL models. Since I was getting a newer factory paint job anyway and repaint Columbus decals were put on, there was no harm in "upgrading" the model to current and matching the paint style. Most likely they had been out of "Racing" decals for years anyway! When you realize that these artisans were making bikes out of what was on hand, to be used and not really thinking about some future collector market and maintaining a certain provenance I say it's all good.
Reminds me of a conversation with CdM quite some time ago about decals on really old bikes... it was very late that the tubing was even considered advertising space for a brand. The idea of Model A always using Brake Bridge widget number 209 up until July 1st of model year X was totally unimaginable and was of little importance when Brake Bridge widget number 209 maker may or may not have had more in stock the day I went over to pick some up. It's just how it was AND to me is a source of what makes this stuff so interesting.
Reminds me of a conversation with CdM quite some time ago about decals on really old bikes... it was very late that the tubing was even considered advertising space for a brand. The idea of Model A always using Brake Bridge widget number 209 up until July 1st of model year X was totally unimaginable and was of little importance when Brake Bridge widget number 209 maker may or may not have had more in stock the day I went over to pick some up. It's just how it was AND to me is a source of what makes this stuff so interesting.
02-04-17, 01:47 AM
#12
Girardenghista
I'll throw one more in here. Tonight I applied some decals to dress up the Vianelli I've had lurking about in Switzerland just waiting for its retrieval. I took it to Pierfranco's shop in October, post l'Eroica for some info, photos, etc. He handed me a decal sheet with four model names on it (among all the Olympic ring stickers, etc) and I asked him which model mine was. He said I could put just about any of these decals on here and it wouldn't make much of a difference! I asked for more specifics on where to put them and got an equally vague response.
So then you start checking these things out and realize that decals were put just about anywhere they could fit. Somewhat randomly at times even. Surely this may be a difference between a Colnago and a little local guy like a Vianelli, but look at the conversation we're having regarding, in my opinion, a master like Tommasini. It's a different culture in a small shop, and certainly even more so back 30 or 40 years ago when they were making tools for a purpose (the purpose was not collecting!).
More to the subject... what's the chance of finding a serial number on this frame?!? Any ideas what we're looking at here? Tucked away in a small room on the upper floor of the shop in Grosseto is what Irio claims to be his first frame. Maybe the first Thomas, or the first built in this shop, but I'm pretty intrigued by it.
Finally, I'm planning my next trip to spend some more time in this room... Irio has saved what looks like EVERY article or review written about his bikes. He has Gazzetta's in here with race results from the 40's. I mean floor to ceiling, stacks and stacks of pure Italian cycling gold!
So then you start checking these things out and realize that decals were put just about anywhere they could fit. Somewhat randomly at times even. Surely this may be a difference between a Colnago and a little local guy like a Vianelli, but look at the conversation we're having regarding, in my opinion, a master like Tommasini. It's a different culture in a small shop, and certainly even more so back 30 or 40 years ago when they were making tools for a purpose (the purpose was not collecting!).
More to the subject... what's the chance of finding a serial number on this frame?!? Any ideas what we're looking at here? Tucked away in a small room on the upper floor of the shop in Grosseto is what Irio claims to be his first frame. Maybe the first Thomas, or the first built in this shop, but I'm pretty intrigued by it.
Finally, I'm planning my next trip to spend some more time in this room... Irio has saved what looks like EVERY article or review written about his bikes. He has Gazzetta's in here with race results from the 40's. I mean floor to ceiling, stacks and stacks of pure Italian cycling gold!
Last edited by mrjav; 02-04-17 at 01:50 AM.
02-04-17, 04:51 AM
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Not getting into the discussion...just wanted to say...
What a gorgeous bike...at 5:51 am, it was just the bike porn I needed to see! Thanks for sharing!
What a gorgeous bike...at 5:51 am, it was just the bike porn I needed to see! Thanks for sharing!
02-04-17, 11:25 AM
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So then you start checking these things out and realize that decals were put just about anywhere they could fit. Somewhat randomly at times even. Surely this may be a difference between a Colnago and a little local guy like a Vianelli, but look at the conversation we're having regarding, in my opinion, a master like Tommasini. It's a different culture in a small shop, and certainly even more so back 30 or 40 years ago when they were making tools for a purpose (the purpose was not collecting!).
More to the subject... what's the chance of finding a serial number on this frame?!? Any ideas what we're looking at here? Tucked away in a small room on the upper floor of the shop in Grosseto is what Irio claims to be his first frame. Maybe the first Thomas, or the first built in this shop, but I'm pretty intrigued by it.
Finally, I'm planning my next trip to spend some more time in this room... Irio has saved what looks like EVERY article or review written about his bikes. He has Gazzetta's in here with race results from the 40's. I mean floor to ceiling, stacks and stacks of pure Italian cycling gold!
More to the subject... what's the chance of finding a serial number on this frame?!? Any ideas what we're looking at here? Tucked away in a small room on the upper floor of the shop in Grosseto is what Irio claims to be his first frame. Maybe the first Thomas, or the first built in this shop, but I'm pretty intrigued by it.
Finally, I'm planning my next trip to spend some more time in this room... Irio has saved what looks like EVERY article or review written about his bikes. He has Gazzetta's in here with race results from the 40's. I mean floor to ceiling, stacks and stacks of pure Italian cycling gold!
02-04-17, 12:46 PM
#15
Girardenghista
Thank you for this info, Rory. It adds crucial context to my sometimes obsessive research on IDing and dating Tommasinis (which I know is somewhat of a fool's errand, but that's part of the appeal). I look forward to hearing/reading your recently completed interview with Irio Tommasini, and I hope you are able to spend lots of time in the Tommasini 'reading room.' And please please (if it's OK with Signore Tommasini!) post photos/scans of some of those articles!! I would love to know more about not just the build philosophy and technique of Irio, but also the racing history of his bikes. And really just about anything about Tommasinis.
02-04-17, 03:36 PM
#16
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Over the past couple of days, I've been going though some old magazines and have noticed a few changes which may be helpful in dating Tommasini:
1. New graphics, 1985+: The new graphics with the multi-coloured swoops and curved stripes start appearing in the 1985 advertisements. The 1984 advertisements shows the traditional, straight bands that go entirely around the tubes.
2. Pump pegs 1986+: A 1985 road test discusses Irio's dislike for them but how he consented to put them on the 1986 models.
3. SLX, 1985+: Apparently, Tommasini did not introduce SLX upon it's release in 1984 but waited until 1985, as advertisements mention the SLX model being "New for 1985". Note: Ads call it Professional SLX not Super Prestige, so perhaps it was a working model name.
4. Bulgier catalog, p.1-9, 1985: The Bulgier site catalog would appear to be 1985 based on the presence of an SLX model and the lack of pump pegs. Note, there are errors in the catalogue. Obviously, it was not well vetted or things had not been entirely worked out.
5. Marble finish, 1989+: The last page in the Bulgier file, p.9b is actually a 1989 advertisement, which was the first year for the marble finish.
6. Bulgier catalog, p.9a,?: Unknown date but should be 1982-1984 based on old graphics and presence of Campagnolo front derailleur tab.
7. Air forks: The exact date of introduction could not be determined. They are readily evident in all the 1985 advertisements but the 1984 copy is too small to tell. Bulgier catalog, p.9a shows the traditional fork, indicating Air was introduced sometime 1983-1985. Per 1985 road test, Air fork crowns were "designed to look like the roof of a Japanese pagoda".
Please note that the above applies to American market models. Variations could exist in foreign markets. Irio obviously bent to American market pressure for things like water bottle bosses chrome and pump pegs. It's conceivable that he may not have introduced these features in all markets, at the same time.
1. New graphics, 1985+: The new graphics with the multi-coloured swoops and curved stripes start appearing in the 1985 advertisements. The 1984 advertisements shows the traditional, straight bands that go entirely around the tubes.
2. Pump pegs 1986+: A 1985 road test discusses Irio's dislike for them but how he consented to put them on the 1986 models.
3. SLX, 1985+: Apparently, Tommasini did not introduce SLX upon it's release in 1984 but waited until 1985, as advertisements mention the SLX model being "New for 1985". Note: Ads call it Professional SLX not Super Prestige, so perhaps it was a working model name.
4. Bulgier catalog, p.1-9, 1985: The Bulgier site catalog would appear to be 1985 based on the presence of an SLX model and the lack of pump pegs. Note, there are errors in the catalogue. Obviously, it was not well vetted or things had not been entirely worked out.
5. Marble finish, 1989+: The last page in the Bulgier file, p.9b is actually a 1989 advertisement, which was the first year for the marble finish.
6. Bulgier catalog, p.9a,?: Unknown date but should be 1982-1984 based on old graphics and presence of Campagnolo front derailleur tab.
7. Air forks: The exact date of introduction could not be determined. They are readily evident in all the 1985 advertisements but the 1984 copy is too small to tell. Bulgier catalog, p.9a shows the traditional fork, indicating Air was introduced sometime 1983-1985. Per 1985 road test, Air fork crowns were "designed to look like the roof of a Japanese pagoda".
Please note that the above applies to American market models. Variations could exist in foreign markets. Irio obviously bent to American market pressure for things like water bottle bosses chrome and pump pegs. It's conceivable that he may not have introduced these features in all markets, at the same time.
Last edited by T-Mar; 02-05-17 at 06:35 AM. Reason: corrected date typo
02-04-17, 06:53 PM
#17
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Over the past couple of days, I've been going though some old magazines and have noticed a few changes which may be helpful in dating Tommasini:
1. New graphics, 1975+: The new graphics with the multi-coloured swoops and curved stripes start appearing in the 1985 advertisements. The 1984 advertisements shows the traditional, straight bands that go entirely around the tubes.
2. Pump pegs 1986+: A 1985 road test discusses Irio's dislike for them but how he consented to put them on the 1986 models.
3. SLX, 1985+: Apparently, Tommasini did not introduce SLX upon it's release in 1984 but waited until 1985, as advertisements mention the SLX model being "New for 1985". Note: Ads call it Professional SLX not Super Prestige, so perhaps it was a working model name.
4. Bulgier catalog, p.1-9, 1985: The Bulgier site catalog would appear to be 1985 based on the presence of an SLX model and the lack of pump pegs. Note, there are errors in the catalogue. Obviously, it was not well vetted or things had not been entirely worked out.
5. Marble finish, 1989+: The last page in the Bulgier file, p.9b is actually a 1989 advertisement, which was the first year for the marble finish.
6. Bulgier catalog, p.9a,?: Unknown date but should be 1982-1984 based on old graphics and presence of Campagnolo front derailleur tab.
7. Air forks: The exact date of introduction could not be determined. They are readily evident in all the 1985 advertisements but the 1984 copy is too small to tell. Bulgier catalog, p.9a shows the traditional fork, indicating Air was introduced sometime 1983-1985. Per 1985 road test, Air fork crowns were "designed to look like the roof of a Japanese pagoda".
Please note that the above applies to American market models. Variations could exist in foreign markets. Irio obviously bent to American market pressure for things like water bottle bosses chrome and pump pegs. It's conceivable that he may not have introduced these features in all markets, at the same time.
1. New graphics, 1975+: The new graphics with the multi-coloured swoops and curved stripes start appearing in the 1985 advertisements. The 1984 advertisements shows the traditional, straight bands that go entirely around the tubes.
2. Pump pegs 1986+: A 1985 road test discusses Irio's dislike for them but how he consented to put them on the 1986 models.
3. SLX, 1985+: Apparently, Tommasini did not introduce SLX upon it's release in 1984 but waited until 1985, as advertisements mention the SLX model being "New for 1985". Note: Ads call it Professional SLX not Super Prestige, so perhaps it was a working model name.
4. Bulgier catalog, p.1-9, 1985: The Bulgier site catalog would appear to be 1985 based on the presence of an SLX model and the lack of pump pegs. Note, there are errors in the catalogue. Obviously, it was not well vetted or things had not been entirely worked out.
5. Marble finish, 1989+: The last page in the Bulgier file, p.9b is actually a 1989 advertisement, which was the first year for the marble finish.
6. Bulgier catalog, p.9a,?: Unknown date but should be 1982-1984 based on old graphics and presence of Campagnolo front derailleur tab.
7. Air forks: The exact date of introduction could not be determined. They are readily evident in all the 1985 advertisements but the 1984 copy is too small to tell. Bulgier catalog, p.9a shows the traditional fork, indicating Air was introduced sometime 1983-1985. Per 1985 road test, Air fork crowns were "designed to look like the roof of a Japanese pagoda".
Please note that the above applies to American market models. Variations could exist in foreign markets. Irio obviously bent to American market pressure for things like water bottle bosses chrome and pump pegs. It's conceivable that he may not have introduced these features in all markets, at the same time.
One tiny typo: on the first point you wrote "New graphics, 1975+:" when you obviously mean 1985.
02-05-17, 06:36 AM
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02-05-17, 10:41 AM
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T-Mar, great and useful info as always - Thank you1
A slight aside; I took the Tommy out for a spin a couple of days ago. Here's a clip of one of our local short descents. Who sez these old bikes don't go fast?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9pP...ature=youtu.be
A slight aside; I took the Tommy out for a spin a couple of days ago. Here's a clip of one of our local short descents. Who sez these old bikes don't go fast?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9pP...ature=youtu.be
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N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
02-05-17, 10:48 AM
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Thank you! I've changed the bars from those anatomic bend ones to a nice 3T shallow drop traditional bend. Bike feels and looks a lot better.
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N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
Last edited by Spaghetti Legs; 02-05-17 at 11:51 PM.
02-05-17, 08:20 PM
#21
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@mrjav, Rory that must have been quite an experience meeting and conversing with Mr Tommasini in his shop. I'd pay dearly for just a day in those stacks just to look through as much of his publication collection as possible. Thanks for sharing your recollections about the time there. I need to go and shower, I've tuned green from envy.
Bill
Bill
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I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
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