Originally Posted by cudak888

Time for an early-in-the-thread sanity check:

No amount of lug filing, dropout slotting, or dead framebuilders on their front steps are going to elevate a frameset to god status. Don't let the legend cloud rational judgement.

Confentes are framesets built with loving attention to detail from a fellow whose life on this earth was cut far too short. Yes, they're art and they're special given his association with MASI. Nevertheless, he did not descend from the heavens with Columbus tubing forged by Zeus, and did not assemble this tubing using unicorn piss for brazing flux.

If one could ride blindfolded, I bet not a single one of us here could pick out a Confente from its peers, and I bet changing the wheels and tires mounted to each frameset would cause more change than anything else. Not to mention a lightweight rider will likely have a differing opinion per frame and wheelset than a heavy rider.

Remember, a lugged steel frame can be "springy," "dull," "not fit right," or "just perfect," but they can't be outright magic. Magical, perhaps, but not magic. Confentes stand out because they're understated art pieces, not because they're functionally superior to anything else of the time.

DD is right - that Medici will probably ride just like a Confente, as will many other bikes of that time, whether or not Mario had any connection or involvement.

Can you feel it coming in the air tonight? Oh lord, or lord. Well, I've been waiting for another Riv' thread all my life, oh lord...

-Kurt