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Tommasini - I just couldn't resist

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Tommasini - I just couldn't resist

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Old 12-15-22, 12:43 PM
  #1  
Caliwild
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Tommasini - I just couldn't resist

OK, so I had posted this ad on the "are you looking for one of these" thread yesterday:

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sf...568117135.html

Then, a split second later, I thought to myself, "What are you doing? You've been looking for a Tommasini or a De Rosa in your size for ages and this one has the loud paint job you like and is priced pretty darn fairly."

So, I deleted my post (bad forum form perhaps, who knows...). I drove out this morning and picked it up for $550. I think I did pretty darn well, especially since the bike looks nearly unridden. The owner said he built it up for his wife, who literally rode with him twice and then hung it up in the garage. Full Dura Ace groupset, hubs, and seatpost. The only thing I didn't like is that the wheels are sew-ups (tires are dried up). I need to decide whether I want to go with tubulars (never had them before and they sound like a pain... or, are they not too bad?) or if I should have my bike shop re-lace the wheels with clincher rims. If I go with the latter, which rims do y'all recommend? I'm thinking H Plus Son TB14's but am open to suggestions... The seller threw in the Look pedals too but I'm pretty sure I'm going to just throw on some clipless MKS ones.

Lastly, any idea how to identify this frame? Or, is this just like some of the other Italian bikes of the era, where it's hard to identify? Thanks, and sorry for listing the posting here and then retracting! I had convinced myself that I don't have room for another bike, but N+1 for life I guess...







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Old 12-15-22, 01:01 PM
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Nice score! I have very limited experience with tubulars but just had a similar experience where I ended up with a tubular wheel set and, since it had old Phil hubs, decided to try it out. Definitely more effort than clinchers, but cleaning the rims and glueing the new tires (veloflex raven 28s) wasn't so bad. I've gone on a few long rides and the ride is very smooth. Can't speak to longevity and haven't had a flat yet but I'm happy so far.
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Old 12-15-22, 02:29 PM
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That's a beauty.....I am glad that I didn't see it!
Best, Ben
I feel even better knowing it was not my size.........
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Old 12-15-22, 03:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Caliwild
OK, so I had posted this ad on the "are you looking for one of these thread" thread yesterday:

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sf...568117135.html

Then, a split second later, I thought to myself, "What are you doing? You've been looking for a Tommasini or a De Rosa in your size for ages and this one has the loud paint job you like and is priced pretty darn fairly."

So, I deleted my post (bad forum form perhaps, who knows...).
Hahahaha! Don't feel bad! I mean I love all you guys but no way would I post up a find in my size before I get first dibs on it myself
The bike is just beyond awesome. You scored!
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Old 12-15-22, 03:38 PM
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Nice catch, and basically unridden! Though I'm dying to know if there's a nice saddle under that gel seat cover.

I wouldn't sweat retracting the post- the important thing about the "are you looking for one of these" thread is that hopefully some of these bikes go to a good home.
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Old 12-15-22, 03:55 PM
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The Tommasini bike looks great! As far as the model name, "Comp." on the right side of the top tube may mean Competizione (ie, Competition).


Before rebuilding the wheels, I'd first check clearances of the tires to the frame and brakes. If the original tubulars hold air, use those first. Otherwise, temporarily install some other wheels and use those to check clearances, preferably with 25mm tires.


My personal first choice for a clincher rim today is the H Plus son TB14. I haven't used them (yet). Years ago, when I first rode Mavic Open Pro rims, I was shocked as to how firmly they rode compared to the Mavic MA2. The Open Pro rims were a tall height for their width, which I suspect made them stiffer. The TB14s are low for their width (like the Mavic MA2) and I suspect they'll be more comfortable. I sold the Open Pro rims and went back to MA2s.


Here's a review of the TB14: https://www.thebiketube.com/reviews/...b14-rim-review


My Mavic MA2 rims measure about 20.5mm wide, outside-outside at the brake track. The Hson TB14 rims are specified as 23mm wide, which will slightly increase tire width and height.
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Old 12-15-22, 04:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Clang
Nice catch, and basically unridden! Though I'm dying to know if there's a nice saddle under that gel seat cover.

I wouldn't sweat retracting the post- the important thing about the "are you looking for one of these" thread is that hopefully some of these bikes go to a good home.
Thanks! Yeah, it's a Vetta Lite saddle. Doesn't look too great. Maybe I'll replace with a white Concor I have laying around somewhere...
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Old 12-15-22, 04:39 PM
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Took it straight to the bike shop... They were shocked that everything looked great, including bottom bracket and headset. Basically, they're going to change out the front housing, change the bar tape, and re-lace the wheels. They also suggested the TB14's, which look amazing. They're going to look at other options too and get back to me. Here's a shot of her in the workstand:


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Old 12-15-22, 06:59 PM
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OK, I decided on a saddle... Used to have a black Selle Man Marco Rolls back in the day (the width was perfect for me), so just purchased a white one from 365 Cycles (great price and extra 10% off with code). Going to go with white Cinelli cork tape too. I figured a black saddle/black tape would ruin the look...
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Old 12-15-22, 07:31 PM
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If those are Mavic GP4 tubular rims then they're keepers. Mavic GP4 tubulars are like cockroaches. It takes a lot of abuse to kill them. 36 hole variants still work for cyclocross and gravel - they're just that tough. (I don't even like French parts! Full disclosure - my Super Prestige has the 32h versions.)

Easiest approach would be to gut the old tires, wire brush the adhesive, then get two rolls of Tufo tape and mount some 25cm Conti Sprinter Gatorskin tires. Or, if you need something Italian, you could go with Veloflex (but for much more coin; probably worth the money, though). Tape mounting of tubular tires is much easier than glue.
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Old 12-15-22, 08:01 PM
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Originally Posted by kunsunoke

If those are Mavic GP4 tubular rims then they're keepers. Mavic GP4 tubulars are like cockroaches. It takes a lot of abuse to kill them. 36 hole variants still work for cyclocross and gravel - they're just that tough. (I don't even like French parts! Full disclosure - my Super Prestige has the 32h versions.)
For the most part, I don't go for French parts, either, but I've ridden almost exclusively on Mavic offerings for most of my life. Bulletproof stuff, and their modern, machined-sidewall rims are the bee's knees when it comes to braking feedback; give me SUP or give me death

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Old 12-15-22, 08:01 PM
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I really like Tommasini bikes. Good choice with white saddle and tape.
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Old 12-15-22, 08:05 PM
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OP, a beautiful bike at a very nice price. And I don't blame you a bit for deleting your post (I once bought a bike a day or so after I shared it in that exact same thread); probably could be seen as a service - nobody headed over on account of your post, only to be disappointed to find it had been sold before arrival.

Oh, and black saddle/black tape would look just fine. Note the black edging which brackets each color panel; matching saddle and bar tape could be seen to reflect the same aesthetic.

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Old 12-15-22, 08:14 PM
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If you want an idea on the frame, send the serial number to Barbara at tommasini, she will get you some information.

info@tommasini.it

Tommasini's are fantastic bikes and have a magical ride. Enjoy it!
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Old 12-15-22, 08:33 PM
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If you’re dropping coin like that at the shop, get another set of hubs for your clincher wheel set, and keep that wheel set for a future foray into tubulars. D.A. Hubs aren’t too pricey.
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Old 12-15-22, 08:48 PM
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Very nice score. You will love it!

I will take this opportunity to zag and recommend against the TB14s. They look great and are well made but do not belong on a racing bike, even if you’re not going to race it. My experience with them (2 pairs) is they will suck the liveliness out of a good frame. I’ve used my set on a Cinelli Supercorsa, Pinarello Record, and a ‘92 Ciöcc. Each time, first few rides on the frame, I thought (especially with the Supercorsa) “nice but I don’t get all the fuss”, but ride quality skyrocketed on better rims. 8 speed Campy hubs and food quality tires btw. The Cinelli rolls on Campy Omega rims now and the Ciöcc on Open Pros. The TB14s are on my touring bike and city bike now and we’re living happily together like that.

I don’t think you need “full vintage” look with that frame, so shouldn’t feel obliged to pursue the shiny box section look. I’m a fan of the Open Pro. Velocity AC 23 and DT Swiss, I think RR415, are nice lower profile rims that are well regarded.
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Old 12-15-22, 09:48 PM
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Love the Tommasini. What size is it, 56?

I think it would be a huge mistake to not keep the sewups. A vintage SL frame like that deserves the smooth ride. Agree with Kunsunoke, go with some 25mm Continental Sprinter Gatorskins.
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Old 12-15-22, 10:21 PM
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Such a nice frameset. Similar to you, I scored a mint condition Tommasini Competitzione in 2013, perfect paint and chrome, 8 speed campy. A year ago I installed a Campagnolo Record 11 groupset on it, a Deda carbon seatpost and ordered a custom wheelset with Kinlin rims laced to Extralite hubs. What was a great riding bike is now exceptional.

I have to agree with Spaghetti Legs above, don’t worry about being period correct. That’s a high performance frame, with perfect geometry, handmade in Italy using Columbus SL tubing. It doesn’t get much better than that with steel frames.
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Old 12-16-22, 09:40 AM
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Originally Posted by gkamieneski
Love the Tommasini. What size is it, 56?

I think it would be a huge mistake to not keep the sewups. A vintage SL frame like that deserves the smooth ride. Agree with Kunsunoke, go with some 25mm Continental Sprinter Gatorskins.
Yeah, the seller said it was a 56, but seems slightly smaller. I'll have to measure once I get back from the shop...
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Old 12-16-22, 09:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Spaghetti Legs
Very nice score. You will love it!

I will take this opportunity to zag and recommend against the TB14s. They look great and are well made but do not belong on a racing bike, even if you’re not going to race it. My experience with them (2 pairs) is they will suck the liveliness out of a good frame. I’ve used my set on a Cinelli Supercorsa, Pinarello Record, and a ‘92 Ciöcc. Each time, first few rides on the frame, I thought (especially with the Supercorsa) “nice but I don’t get all the fuss”, but ride quality skyrocketed on better rims. 8 speed Campy hubs and food quality tires btw. The Cinelli rolls on Campy Omega rims now and the Ciöcc on Open Pros. The TB14s are on my touring bike and city bike now and we’re living happily together like that.

I don’t think you need “full vintage” look with that frame, so shouldn’t feel obliged to pursue the shiny box section look. I’m a fan of the Open Pro. Velocity AC 23 and DT Swiss, I think RR415, are nice lower profile rims that are well regarded.
Thank you for the suggestions... I'll take a look at those rims as well.
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Old 12-16-22, 09:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Caliwild
OK, I decided on a saddle... Used to have a black Selle Man Marco Rolls back in the day (the width was perfect for me), so just purchased a white one from 365 Cycles (great price and extra 10% off with code). Going to go with white Cinelli cork tape too. I figured a black saddle/black tape would ruin the look...
Super deal!
Rolls saddles are probably my favorites and I have one on my Tomma racing bike. You can save the replaced tubies and use for an emergency replacement to slowly roll home, given they hold air. Classic look is folded up under the saddle.
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Old 12-16-22, 10:01 AM
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That looks like a bag for holding tubular tires under the original saddle. Was there a spare in there?
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Old 12-16-22, 10:26 AM
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Caliwild
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Originally Posted by himespau
That looks like a bag for holding tubular tires under the original saddle. Was there a spare in there?
There was... but, unfortunately it was dried up and crusty. The tires on the bike actually starting separating and breaking apart as soon as the bike shop put some air in them.
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Old 12-16-22, 11:14 AM
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Superdeal you got there, bike looks in fantastic condition and love that paint scheme. Be sure to post it in here when your done: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...l#post22520356

I'm sure I've seen your paint scheme in there that may help with dating, but haven't the time to wade through all that now. As said above though Barbara at Tommasini is super helpful so I'm sure she'll tell you exactly.

I have a multi colored paneled Tommasini too, that Barbara dated to 1991 so my guess yours is around then, maybe a bit earlier.

Mine has modernish 10 speed and clincher wheels and 28c tyres for some more modern luxury. I'm sure the tubulars would ride great, slightly better than clinchers of the same wheel in my experience. I have some too but live in London where the streets are strewn with broken glass so I've never felt comfortable riding them around even when I do have spare pre glued tyre. Its undoubtedly more of a faff to replace tubulars and even then its really a limp home measure for fear of rolling tyre off the rim. So for the reduced anxiety more than anything I'm on clinchers and don't think you'll regret it.

I recently received this fresh in from Italy too
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Old 12-16-22, 11:22 AM
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Oooh I just searched the Tommasini Lounge thread for Tommasini Comp and see the Wino Ryder has a Comp similar to yours on page 10 that was dated to 1991, so maybe our bikes share a birth year. Click on link below to be taken directly to that one...
https://www.bikeforums.net/15708303-post230.html
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