1978 F Moser by De Rosa

[crazylasers]

Just gotten back from Italy where I picked up this gorgeous Francesco Moser pro team bike built in 1978, likely by Ugo De Rosa himself. It has original paint, with 1st Gen Super Record and lots of panto parts. Shown here with my other DeRosa, an Ariostea from around 1984/5.

The only thing I've changed, so far, is adding a 4 hole FD that I had already, bought awhile ago in the hopes of getting a De Rosa from this era.

Once the Benotto tape gets too worn and dirty I'm planning on replacing the bar wrap with black leather, and replacing the hoods with black ones.
I'll also take this as an opportunity to swap out the bars, I've got a set of 3ttt Superleggero that will finish it nicely. The saddle seems a little too worn to save completely so I'm going to try and get either a Yellow or Black San Marco Concor saddle.

Finally, although the panto chainring is period correct, I do prefer the earlier ones with the D in the heart so will be keeping an eye out for one of those.
In order to fund these add ons, and the perils of living in a shared house, I will have to let the Ariostea go. Let me know if you're interested in it.

 

[crazylasers]

Some more details

 

[vtwinvince]

That is worth a trip to Italy IMHO.

 

[tremolo1965]

Beautiful bicycle. I am fortunate to own one of the 1978 De Rosas as well, originally purchased at the shop owned by Roberto Poggiali’s (among other career highlights - gregario to Gimondi, and later Moser) - in Scandicci (Firenze). These are very rare frames, built with Georg Fischer sand cast lugs, blacksmithed pressed Dubois lugs and numerous hand wrought details. This was an interesting time period - Merckx was wrapping up his riding career Moser was still ascending, leading the powerful Team Sanson.

I’ve had some good conversations with a gentleman who visited Roberto Poggiali at his home three years ago - let me know if you’d like to talk about any of that - picked up some history.

VERY interesting tidbit - my bike is Columbus SL/SP frame, but De Rosa chose Reynolds 531 for the fork blades - I am able to visually detect ‘REYNOLDS’ stamped near the top of each of the blades about an inch below the fork crown. I have reached out to Andrea Bonfante and he stated he will be inquiring with Cristiano De Rosa on the subject. One of Andrea’s bikes - 1977 frame seems to have the Reynolds Imperial blades, as well.

I’m very curious what you’ve decided to do with the bike. Whichever approach you take towards preservation - hopefully you’re taking some nice rides. My wife knows how much I love this bike, and kindly supports my obsessive maintenance and after-ride cleaning protocols.

Chris

 

[tremolo1965]

Adding a couple of photos.