Bike importer Mel Pinto dies at 97
04-07-21, 11:23 AM
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Palmer
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Bike importer Mel Pinto dies at 97
https://www.bicycleretailer.com/indu...7#.YG3ovxNKhTY
Mel Pinto remembrances and anecdotes appropriate.
Feel free to post your Mel Pinto imported bike in his honor.
Mel Pinto remembrances and anecdotes appropriate.
Feel free to post your Mel Pinto imported bike in his honor.
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04-07-21, 12:07 PM
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https://www.bicycleretailer.com/indu...7#.YG3ovxNKhTY
Mel Pinto remembrances and anecdotes appropriate.
Feel free to post your Mel Pinto imported bike in his honor.
Mel Pinto remembrances and anecdotes appropriate.
Feel free to post your Mel Pinto imported bike in his honor.
Paging @rccardr
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04-07-21, 12:20 PM
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No direct experience or stories to tell, but I knew the name well when I worked at Bikecology, a Peugeot/Nishiki dealership, in the early 1970s. At least he had a good long run.
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
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04-07-21, 03:46 PM
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Bought my first 10 speed from Pinto's Falls Church, VA location back in '72 or early '73, a Gitane Interclub.
Had to go back and buy a fork after I wrecked it - so I "upgraded" and bought a TdF fork in Reynolds531. They also sold me Suntour derailleurs (Vx?) to replace the delrins after failure.
I don't recall if I actually met Mel during these visits or not, probably not. But who knows?
Had to go back and buy a fork after I wrecked it - so I "upgraded" and bought a TdF fork in Reynolds531. They also sold me Suntour derailleurs (Vx?) to replace the delrins after failure.
I don't recall if I actually met Mel during these visits or not, probably not. But who knows?
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04-07-21, 05:25 PM
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Mel Pinto was one of the Good Guys. He had a house brand called "Cortina." I had Cortina rollers and a pump; very nice and cost less than the big name brands. I sold the rollers years ago, but I still have the pump.
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04-07-21, 06:29 PM
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Never met Mel, myself, although have heard many colorful stories about him over the years.
I worked at a record store just up the street from his Georgetown store during that time, prolly knew some of the people who worked there....
I worked at a record store just up the street from his Georgetown store during that time, prolly knew some of the people who worked there....
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04-07-21, 07:11 PM
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My first set of Rollers was Cortina. The Var tool line was an exclusive that we bought all of the bike shop tools at Mel's. It is good that Wayne has taken on the Pinto shop and still carries the Var line. All of the old school tools are rebuild-able and Wayne still keeps an inventory of them. Mel, like Othon was of the old school that it would be nice to see in today's fast marketing scheme. RIP old friend. Smiles, MH
04-07-21, 07:13 PM
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Bikes are okay, I guess.
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I used to call on Mel during my repping days. He was always dapper when dressed for the bike shows and he liked people who liked bicycles.
04-07-21, 07:14 PM
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One of the foundation men of American cycling business, Importer Supreme. R.I.P. Mel
Bill
Bill
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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
04-08-21, 05:01 AM
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Thumpisim, can you post more pictures of the Mel Pinto bag? Is it one side of a rear rack bag? I'd like to try my hand at a reproduction.
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04-08-21, 05:47 AM
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Bikes are okay, I guess.
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04-08-21, 08:26 AM
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WOW! Yes! That would be fantastic. I'll PM you the particulars and by all means I'll cover the shipping.
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Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
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Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
