SOMEC vs. DeRosa
 

Looking at two vintage bikes this week. Both frames in VG to Exc. condition. THe SOMEC has a mix of Gipiemme and Campagnolo parts. The DeRosa is purported to have a pantographed Campagnolo Record gruppo. The DeRosa is of course, more expensive. We’re not talking acquisition costs, but quality and collectibility. Pros/con store on either?

What’s your deal with the dentist... Kept your lucky tooth? :roflmao2:

DeRosa... or whatever bike you like better!

DeRosa wins the resale value contest (tho both are very desirable with high-level of craftsmanship)

It would be helpful to know more about the bikes. Are the frames and groups of similar quality?

I’d vote for the Somec because I believe they are less common than a De Rosa.

I became a Somec convert ever since I got mine. Unfortunately have no De Rosa's (yet) and looking at the market I don't expect it would ever happen (although before finding mine I also thought Somec is way above my league). But to be fair the 80s models were cool on both sides (maybe the panto parts and the Mario Martini paintjobs for those who like such are a big plus again for Somec).

No solid decisions are ever made on this forum without photos.

I'd get the blue one.

Whose decals fall off by themselves the fastest?

Wait until Pinarello is on the vote. But to be honest, Somec is a close Runner up there. As for the decals, I'm sure all "pre-Adidas" ones with original decals have never left the first buyer's room. Same for the front top tube cable guide. I thought only mine was neglected, but saw a few others with the same problem.

Each and every Somec is truly and utterly desirable - some smart guy, sometime in the past.

Buy the one that fits and makes you smile.
Or, wait till you find a Colnago Super or a Masi GC.

A De Rosa will get you the MOST admiring glances and smilies; because everybody knows them.
But a SOMEC will get you the admiring glances from the real cognoscenti.

I do own a mid-80s De Rosa Professional. I've never ridden a Somec, but I've gushed over a few of them. One of the local shops had a display model with custom leather wrappings around the tubes--I imagine for urban protection--with custom stitched "Somec" lettering/graphics on the main tubes. Black paint & leather wraps with chrome lugs. It was a really attractive bike.

I'd expect the ride and craftsmanship to be very similar, but Somec may have some flashier details (extra chrome, internal cables, BB cutouts, engravings, unusual color schemes and graphics, etc.). All else being equal, I might give the slight edge to Somec for their tendency to include these extra embellishments and because I prefer brands that are a little more obscure. However, the pantographed Record parts package on the De Rosa might put it over the top. Classic first world problem.

I’m not sure there is a wrong answer here. Somecs are often stunningly exquisite. Derosas are timeless.

all I want is to find is a Ciocc that someone is about to toss...

Somecs are thinner on the ground, and as a result less well-known and likely to cost a little less. Also likely to give one more of a feeling of exclusivity if that's what one is after :)

Especially if it is embellished with pantographing and cat stickers:

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f6e5af5873.jpg

DD

Nice Air! What year is that? The one I’m looking at is not an Air, but does have the same seat tube decal and has the cool head lug panto.

I’ve been eyeing this SOMEC that has been on the local Craigslist for a while. https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/b...204877310.html

I don’t know the brand well but saw a similar paint scheme and Somec on FB market place a few months back. It was under $200 with crappy pics. I messaged within 15 min after it was posted but someone snatched it up quick. I wondered what it may have been as I’m not sure how “low end” the model line of SOMEC goes?

Shannon

You hate Dentists!
Cancel Culture: you!

One ends in a consonant.
One ends in vowel.
Difficult choice.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6ea387c84.jpeg
Somec

Problem: Poll doesn't have a "Get both" option.

-Kurt

I know right? Hey, that MAY still happen!

Shannon, that's the one I'm looking at on Friday!