Italy

[dbnm]

I will be heading to Rome, Tuscany (Castelnuovo) and the coastal town of Sperlonga in about a week.

Not sure I will have time to ride, even though I am bringing a kit and pedals.

I would love to visit some cool shops or bike makers.

Thoughts? Advice?

Thanks!

[Powerful Pete]

Hello there. Not sure about Sperlonga (and in the summer season riding would probably be problematic with the traffic). Roman here (or rather, ex-Roman given the complications of life).

But do visit Lazzaretti in Piazza Fiume in Rome - http://www.ciclilazzaretti.it/

My team's shop from many years ago - in Ostia Lido so a bit of a drag... Cicli Petta - http://www.cicli.it/

Another "traditional" shop is Cicli Fatato - https://www.ciclifatato.com/

A shop with good prices and if you know what you want is Capobianchi, about halfway from Rome to Ostia Lido - http://www.capobianchi.it/

About the closest reputable bike maker would be Tommasini, in Grosseto, about 180km north of Rome. Not certain that they organize visits. http://www.tommasini.it/contatti_informazioni/contatti_informazioni

Let me know what else you would like to know...

[Dino Suegiù]

I will be heading to Rome, Tuscany (Castelnuovo) and the coastal town of Sperlonga in about a week.

Not sure I will have time to ride, even though I am bringing a kit and pedals.

I would love to visit some cool shops or bike makers.

Thoughts? Advice?

Thanks!

There are far too many suggestions, but one person who would be interesting for you to meet is Darren Crisp, if he is around when you are there.

He is American, but lives now in Italy, builds nice titanium frames, and is located right between Rome and Florence, in Castiglion Fiorentino (near Arezzo, which is well worth a visit in its own, a really beautiful place), on your way up to Castelnuovo.

http://english.crisptitanium.com/contact/

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Crisp+Titanium/@42.7240203,11.1525622,277689m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xcb79df49640dbf5f!8m2 !3d43.352473!4d11.930873?hl=en

[m_sasso]

Amazing place, just retuned this past week. So much to see and do, whatever you chose you will most defiantly enjoy your time there. Spent some time in Firenze and even an art heathen like myself was astounded by the beauty.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/honda-tech.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/80-img_0039_ddd4b095b14a3f7582348dbd160a1560af474f28. jpg

[csm]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190602/ee7fbe94161dd70d009db66e8dd67202.jpg

This was in Luca. Nothing but steel frames and old bike books. They also sold wine.
Might worth exploring.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[54ny77]

My only advice is.....POST PICS HERE!

Sounds like it'll be a beautiful trip. :cool:

[m_sasso]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190602/ee7fbe94161dd70d009db66e8dd67202.jpg

This was in Luca. Nothing but steel frames and old bike books. They also sold wine.
Might worth exploring.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Know that place, Ciclo DiVino, was there last week, only it was in Lucca. Go there for the wine, if you get to Lucca go to Chrono for bicycles https://www.chronobikes.com/the-shop/ Me in the middle, with school hood friends Pamala Atsoff and Michael Roper owner of the Hopleaf bar in Chicago. https://hopleafbar.com

https://scontent.fyvr4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/60481687_10215644850206660_3068640436617740288_o.j pg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ht=scontent.fyvr4-1.fna&oh=33e1b8efeec819e841d78e8b7af1d5c7&oe=5D8897AB

[Titanium]

I would second the recommendation of Tommasini in Grosetto. I had wanted to go when I was there a few years ago doing some concerts. We took the train from Genoa to Rome and it went through Grossetto,but I thought it would be difficult to get off the train,find the shop schlepping suitcase and saxophone so I decided against it. As we pulled into Grosetto, there was Tommasini not more than a few blocks from the train station. Next time for sure. Have a great time!

[54ny77]

I wonder if Italians coming to the U.S. have the same notion that so many of us have of visiting certain areas Italy--quality of life at every turn, great food, wine, beautiful bicycles, etc.

Especially if their first view is of Newark upon landing. :p

[wc1934]

I picked up a nice jersey etc. from this shop in Rome.

http://www.ciclilazzaretti.it/

[Mr. Pink]

I wonder if Italians coming to the U.S. have the same notion that so many of us have of visiting certain areas Italy--quality of life at every turn, great food, wine, beautiful bicycles, etc.

Especially if their first view is of Newark upon landing. :p

I know what you're saying, but Rome is no paradise these days.

[csm]

Know that place, Ciclo DiVino, was there last week, only it was in Lucca. Go there for the wine, if you get to Lucca go to Chrono for bicycles https://www.chronobikes.com/the-shop/ Me in the middle, with school hood friends Pamala Atsoff and Michael Roper owner of the Hopleaf bar in Chicago. https://hopleafbar.com

https://scontent.fyvr4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/60481687_10215644850206660_3068640436617740288_o.j pg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ht=scontent.fyvr4-1.fna&oh=33e1b8efeec819e841d78e8b7af1d5c7&oe=5D8897AB



Yes. Lucca. Apologies for the autocorrect. I was in Italy for the cars and less for the bikes.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[dbnm]

I'm going to be in Italy for 24 days. I'll try to keep my photo posting to a minimum. :)

[m_sasso]

Yes. Lucca. Apologies for the autocorrect. I was in Italy for the cars and less for the bikes.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk


Oh, you mean like these, visited Maranello a few days after Niki past away.

Funny story, how we mostly think of Ferrari as being next to perfection.

While I was visiting, the museum was having a contractor install some new timeline displays, the third picture below are the intended new display signs which were standing on end, waiting to be installed, I rotated the photo so you could easily read the signs. I was simply at the museum as an interested visitor and viewer, however read the signs and later asked to speak with the museum director and explained why he shouldn't have the Jody Scheckter description sign put up until someone re-proofread the sign again. Read the English version of the "Scheckter's Turn" story and you will understand why. No one at Ferrari had caught the text mistake until I brought to their attention and my language/communication skills are likely at the opposite end of the scale from perfection.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/honda-tech.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/80-img_0441_a73f85fa8d73166b3fa28d3043a99d01342c69f3. jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/honda-tech.com-vbulletin/1340x2000/80-img_0434_eb24bbb771c1fd2a30b9b48fb9d28ba3fb32eb5e. jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/honda-tech.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/80-img_0454_830348a72f0e7611df1fe3f720f89261508ba109. jpg

[simplemind]

Gawd, where do I start...just returned from my first trip to Italy last week. Blown away by the cleanliness, friendliness, and quality of the food/wine.
Rode in Lake Garda area then went to Tuscany. You should do the climb to San Gimignano, then spend some time there. Wonderful small mom-n-pop restaurant there if interested.
I'm ready to go back!

[nickl]

I wonder if Italians coming to the U.S. have the same notion that so many of us have of visiting certain areas Italy--quality of life at every turn, great food, wine, beautiful bicycles, etc.

Especially if their first view is of Newark upon landing. :p

Actually my friends and relatives, during their first visit from Italy, had largely very positive reactions while during recent visits. They were extremely impressed by the museums, monuments and architecture in NYC and DC where I accompanied them. Another cousin from Italy had an opportunity to attend a major university in Boston but after spending the summer traveling the US she instead returned to Europe to get her degree citing lifestyle and cultural considerations. Her experiences were quite than those of my Asian friends and their children who jumped at similar opportunities.

[Powerful Pete]

It's like everything, everyone and everywhere. There tends to be a bit of the "grass is always greener" approach, one enjoys and appreciates the things that are different.

And then characters comes into play... some people enjoy the different culture and lifestyle, others do not.

Certainly arriving in Fiumicino as an Italian I am always surprised that foreigners don't run away screaming... then I remember that sometimes my arrivals in the US have been great... and other times less than welcoming.

So it's all good...

[Mr. Pink]

Oh, you mean like these, visited Maranello a few days after Niki past away.

Funny story, how we mostly think of Ferrari as being next to perfection.

While I was visiting, the museum was having a contractor install some new timeline displays, the third picture below are the intended new display signs which were standing on end, waiting to be installed, I rotated the photo so you could easily read the signs. I was simply at the museum as an interested visitor and viewer, however read the signs and later asked to speak with the museum director and explained why he shouldn't have the Jody Scheckter description sign put up until someone re-proofread the sign again. Read the English version of the "Scheckter's Turn" story and you will understand why. No one at Ferrari had caught the text mistake until I brought to their attention and my language/communication skills are likely at the opposite end of the scale from perfection.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/honda-tech.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/80-img_0441_a73f85fa8d73166b3fa28d3043a99d01342c69f3. jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/honda-tech.com-vbulletin/1340x2000/80-img_0434_eb24bbb771c1fd2a30b9b48fb9d28ba3fb32eb5e. jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/honda-tech.com-vbulletin/2000x1333/80-img_0454_830348a72f0e7611df1fe3f720f89261508ba109. jpg


Were there still companies just outside the museum offering expensive drives in Ferraris? I did that in '15, after a visit to the museum (which was much more impressive than I anticipated). I rented a California for twenty minutes for 100 euro. Too short, but, gawd, that sound. I kept on hearing that the California is considered the girlie Ferrari, but, hell, I drive a Subaru, you know, so, I'll wear a dress for twenty minutes. Very easy to drive, push button hardtop convertible, 7 speed dual auto. Gawd, that sound. There's a second museum dedicated to Enzo almost in Modena, about twelve miles away. Very much worth seeing.

[m_sasso]

Were there still companies just outside the museum offering expensive drives in Ferraris? I did that in '15, after a visit to the museum (which was much more impressive than I anticipated). I rented a California for twenty minutes for 100 euro. Too short, but, gawd, that sound. I kept on hearing that the California is considered the girlie Ferrari, but, hell, I drive a Subaru, you know, so, I'll wear a dress for twenty minutes. Very easy to drive, push button hardtop convertible, 7 speed dual auto. Gawd, that sound. There's a second museum dedicated to Enzo almost in Modena, about twelve miles away. Very much worth seeing.

Yes, way more scavengers than I cared to encounter, walk anywhere outside around the museum and you are sure to be approached numerous times soliciting a test drive. Never driven a Ferrari, best ride was a track day at Seattle International Raceway with a Microsoft employee that owned an F40, quite the ride!

Spend 3 days in Modena, stayed at two BB's in the city centre, amazing food city, visited the Enzo Museum for one day. The flag at half mast for Niki.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/honda-tech.com-vbulletin/1280x853/80-img_0356_b3fa4d4175e0b11f31deb1346f418ade95206f45. jpg

[2000m2]

I am nearing the end of 2 weeks in Italy for my wife’s birthday: Rome, Vatican, Positano, Capri & Sorrento. We’ve had an amazing time, eaten amazing food and seen some amazing things. I finally made it to a proper bike shop in Rome yesterday, Lazzaretti. Great shop with some very nice gear! I left with a lighter wallet and their new kit, very nice looking and feeling. It would be great to get back here at some point and do some riding.

[wc1934]

Hello there. Not sure about Sperlonga (and in the summer season riding would probably be problematic with the traffic). Roman here (or rather, ex-Roman given the complications of life).

But do visit Lazzaretti in Piazza Fiume in Rome - http://www.ciclilazzaretti.it/

My team's shop from many years ago - in Ostia Lido so a bit of a drag... Cicli Petta - http://www.cicli.it/

Another "traditional" shop is Cicli Fatato - https://www.ciclifatato.com/

A shop with good prices and if you know what you want is Capobianchi, about halfway from Rome to Ostia Lido - http://www.capobianchi.it/

About the closest reputable bike maker would be Tommasini, in Grosseto, about 180km north of Rome. Not certain that they organize visits. http://www.tommasini.it/contatti_informazioni/contatti_informazioni

Let me know what else you would like to know...

YES to Lazzaretti - The Lazzaretti/Giordana jersey I bought there is still going strong as are the campy socks -

[Mr. Pink]

I am nearing the end of 2 weeks in Italy for my wife’s birthday: Rome, Vatican, Positano, Capri & Sorrento. We’ve had an amazing time, eaten amazing food and seen some amazing things. I finally made it to a proper bike shop in Rome yesterday, Lazzaretti. Great shop with some very nice gear! I left with a lighter wallet and their new kit, very nice looking and feeling. It would be great to get back here at some point and do some riding.

How was your day to day mask and vaccination issues? Was everybody masked on the streets of cities? Was your American vax card accepted with no issues?

[2000m2]

How was your day to day mask and vaccination issues? Was everybody masked on the streets of cities? Was your American vax card accepted with no issues?

Great questions - I plan on writing something for family & friends on these topics.
Not many Americans around at all. Hotels & tour guides told us all the tourists are coming from EU nowadays and are at about half of normal tourist numbers (I can't imagine what it's normally like!). All of the accents and languages I am hearing seem to be French & German, but I'm no expert. Mask wearing compliance is far better than I've seen in the U.S., but not many folks wearing masks outdoors, definitely are wearing indoors. Our vaccine cards from the U.S. have been checked in several places and readily accepted, when asked for QR code "green pass." We've had to show the card at hotels, on trains, restaurants and museums, but not consistently checked.
Hope that helps.

[Mr. Pink]

Yeah, thanks, it does. Struggling with myself whether or not to put a deposit down on a hotel in the Dolomites for skiing in March. Should be a lot easier up there, with no museum hopping and I'll have most meals in the hotel. Ski Dolomiti is requiring vaccine passes for "closed" lifts (trams, gondolas, maybe hooded chairs) and, yeah, they mention their green pass, but say our card is good. I just ordered a clear card holder with holes that I'll wear with a lanyard around my neck, so, probably have that covered. "Surgical quality" masks when required. Did you see that mentioned anywhere?

[echelon_john]

Do it. I was in the Dolomites and Tuscany in September and zero issues. Very good mask compliance compared to the US, passport + vax card universally accepted in lieu of Italy Green Pass. Much smaller crowds than usual. Also very easy covid testing in Italy for the way home.


Yeah, thanks, it does. Struggling with myself whether or not to put a deposit down on a hotel in the Dolomites for skiing in March. Should be a lot easier up there, with no museum hopping and I'll have most meals in the hotel. Ski Dolomiti is requiring vaccine passes for "closed" lifts (trams, gondolas, maybe hooded chairs) and, yeah, they mention their green pass, but say our card is good. I just ordered a clear card holder with holes that I'll wear with a lanyard around my neck, so, probably have that covered. "Surgical quality" masks when required. Did you see that mentioned anywhere?

[2000m2]

Yeah, thanks, it does. Struggling with myself whether or not to put a deposit down on a hotel in the Dolomites for skiing in March. Should be a lot easier up there, with no museum hopping and I'll have most meals in the hotel. Ski Dolomiti is requiring vaccine passes for "closed" lifts (trams, gondolas, maybe hooded chairs) and, yeah, they mention their green pass, but say our card is good. I just ordered a clear card holder with holes that I'll wear with a lanyard around my neck, so, probably have that covered. "Surgical quality" masks when required. Did you see that mentioned anywhere?

Is the hotel refundable? Seemed like most of ours were until a day or two before arrival.
Card holder is a great idea. I wish I had one so as not to beat up my card pulling it out of my pocket. We wore two mask on the plane: blue hospital type mask under a cloth reusable one. I've since just been wearing the reusable one. My wife switches between blue disposable ones and a reusable. I've seen both types all around, but probably more of the disposable type masks on others.

Do it. I was in the Dolomites and Tuscany in September and zero issues. Very good mask compliance compared to the US, passport + vax card universally accepted in lieu of Italy Green Pass. Much smaller crowds than usual. Also very easy covid testing in Italy for the way home.

Good point about the testing - seems like on every street corner there is a test tent outside of a Farmacia.

I wouldn't hesitate to come back and went forward with this trip mostly because of the smaller crowds.