Tommasini retro project complete

[axel23]

Here is the result of my Tommasini Competizione restoration project. I debated about whether to stay with the original Dura-Ace 7400 group, but realized that the lighter weight and greater functionality of newer components would be worth it (DA 7700).

It weighs in at 18 3/4 lbs, not bad for a 20+ year old chromed Columbus SL steel frame (texbike, you owe me a beer).

If anyone is interested, we can discuss components, and what the bike rides like (the most important thing).

I started on steel (Colnago, Serotta), went to aluminum (good old Vitus), then to ti (Dean) and carbon (Trek).

Anyway, if you have anything like this in your garage, would love to see the pix.

[Aaron O]

This is spectacular. I love the mix of old and new...it's truly beautiful, modern and classic all at once. LOVE IT.

[Muttleyone]

Looks out standing!!! I have a 91/92 Tommasini Velocista made with Columbus MAX tubing that I love. How do you like the ride compared to carbon and Ti?

Mutt

[Aaron O]

Looks out standing!!! I have a 91/92 Tommasini Velocista made with Columbus MAX tubing that I love. How do you like the ride compared to carbon and Ti?

Mutt
Should we do the MAX twins show?

[ultraman6970]

Omg!!!!!!!!11

[wooly]

I bet the old world steel and Topolino's should results in a magic carpet ride. Nice work!

[Muttleyone]

Should we do the MAX twins show?

Yes lets! Show off that orange beauty of yours.

Mutt

[dekindy]

Wow!

[Muttleyone]

I forgot the pics.
(clickies)
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i297/Muttleyone/th_P1000371.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/albums/i297/Muttleyone/?action=view&current=P1000371.jpg)
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i297/Muttleyone/th_DSCF0245.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/albums/i297/Muttleyone/?action=view&current=DSCF0245.jpg)

Hope to get better pics soon.

Mutt

[axel23]

Looks out standing!!! I have a 91/92 Tommasini Velocista made with Columbus MAX tubing that I love. How do you like the ride compared to carbon and Ti?

Mutt

I really had forgotten what steel rides like. I love the geometry and the handling in the corners. It feels "lively" and is amazingly responsive.

But while I love being nostalgic, there is a reason we left steel behind. Front end stability is definitely greater with Ti and carbon. I think that has a lot to do with the longer carbon steer tubes and the larger tube diameters in general. It's just amazing how pencil-thin the old tubes look and feel. On the other hand, I was afraid the bike would feel clunky and it definitely doesn't. The light wheels help.

[krhea]

Oh my...be still my heart...that is simply an Italian beauty. Nice build.


KRhea

[Aaron O]

I forgot the pics.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i297/Muttleyone/P1000371.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i297/Muttleyone/DSCF0245.jpg

Hope to get better pics soon.

Mutt

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Photo0473-1.jpg

[Muttleyone]

Aaron I love that bike and I'm still in line if you ever decide to sell it.

(sorry about huge pics, my post was corrected)

Mutt

[Aaron O]

Your's is completely amazing. That goes both ways. I'd find a home for that Tomassini!

[Muttleyone]

I really had forgotten what steel rides like. I love the geometry and the handling in the corners. It feels "lively" and is amazingly responsive.

But while I love being nostalgic, there is a reason we left steel behind. Front end stability is definitely greater with Ti and carbon. I think that has a lot to do with the longer carbon steer tubes and the larger tube diameters in general. It's just amazing how pencil-thin the old tubes look and feel. On the other hand, I was afraid the bike would feel clunky and it definitely doesn't. The light wheels help.

You should try a steel bike with either EL OS or MAX tubing it you are looking for larger diameter tubes. Again congrats on the bike, It looks great and way to go on keeping the older bikes up and running.

Mutt

[ultraman6970]

Why u guys have all the good stuff??? I did not know those models.

Awesome!

[allenwhy]

Awesome colors! Love the weird tommasini paint jobs out there.

Here is my Columbus slx 1987ish prestige. Originally came to me 6 or 7 years ago outfitted in 7400 and cinelli deeeeeeeep bullhorns and an early incarnation of tt bars that attached to the cinellis and had insanely large plastic bar end shifters. I wish I could find a photo!

Here it is with chorus ergo 10
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k284/allenwhy/tommasini/tommasini.jpg

Here is is with 600 tricolor 8 speed commute style
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k284/allenwhy/tommasini/PICT0863.jpg

And almost done with the latest build of all campy super record and those weird cinelli 68 tour bars no one has any info on anywhere
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k284/allenwhy/tommasini/864ae791.jpg

[texbike]

It weighs in at 18 3/4 lbs, not bad for a 20+ year old chromed Columbus SL steel frame (texbike, you owe me a beer).


LOL! I fully expected that beauty to break 19.5. Name your brew my friend!

Texbike

[axel23]

Nah, I'll provide the beer the next time you come over.
I did get the freewheel off the old wheelset and repacked the hubs (very smooth). I may keep the 7400 stuff afterall, though I doubt I'll ever use it.

LOL! I fully expected that beauty to break 19.5. Name your brew my friend!

Texbike

[axel23]

I like where you're going with that bike. The Campy SR is clearly what the bike most calls out for. Definitely send me the finished photos.

Awesome colors! Love the weird tommasini paint jobs out there.

Here is my Columbus slx 1987ish prestige. Originally came to me 6 or 7 years ago outfitted in 7400 and cinelli deeeeeeeep bullhorns and an early incarnation of tt bars that attached to the cinellis and had insanely large plastic bar end shifters. I wish I could find a photo!

Here it is with chorus ergo 10
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k284/allenwhy/tommasini/tommasini.jpg

Here is is with 600 tricolor 8 speed commute style
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k284/allenwhy/tommasini/PICT0863.jpg

And almost done with the latest build of all campy super record and those weird cinelli 68 tour bars no one has any info on anywhere
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k284/allenwhy/tommasini/864ae791.jpg

[Aaron O]

You should try a steel bike with either EL OS or MAX tubing it you are looking for larger diameter tubes. Again congrats on the bike, It looks great and way to go on keeping the older bikes up and running.

Mutt

I'm hunting an EL OS De Rosa Primato...and hoping it'll ride as well as the MAX.

[witcombusa]

How can you call that a retro build?
Brifters and those wheels? Saddle, pedals, hell it's just an older frame with all newer kit....

That ain't retro......

[Aaron O]

How can you call that a retro build?
Brifters and those wheels? Saddle, pedals, hell it's just an older frame with all newer kit....

That ain't retro......

It's a hotrod build, and a beautiful one. In a lot of ways it's the best of all worlds; a smooth riding, durable steel frame with a convenient and modern light weight build kit. I love it.

I especially love how he went with a quill stem and alloy bars with an alloy seatpost (though I'm surprised he got the weight down that low using those parts).

My Marnati weighs right around 20lbs with a slightly lighter frame and build kit, though a heavier saddle and much heavier wheels. Must be the wheels.

[khjr]

Columbus SL- Vintage unknown but I bought the frame new in 95 and it was spaced for 130 mm, so I assume it to be late 80s early 90s. Rides like a dream. This photo was taken just before I packed it up for an 800 mile ride through the Alps. Galibier, Lauteret, Columbiere, Ventoux, Sarenne, Huez, Izoard... rain, snow... no complaints from either the bike or its rider.

It's the only bike I ride, although I do feel guilty (and wet!) taking it out when the conditions get sloppy so I'm presently building a Soma Smoothie ES with fenders as my beater.

[firerescuefin]

Nicely done.....It works :beer:

[axel23]

How can you call that a retro build?
Brifters and those wheels? Saddle, pedals, hell it's just an older frame with all newer kit....

That ain't retro......

Well, I kind of agree. I had intended to put all the original equipment back on, but some of it was in marginal shape. Plus, the wheels I had were 126mm while the frame was spaced for 130mm. I thought long and hard about it: did I want to ride the bike or just have a period piece hanging in the garage.
It's a retro project that went off the rails, but the result is a cool hybrid.

A note on the equipment: Topolino wheels, white Bontrager Ti saddle (sold to me by Kevin Livingston), white Ti Speedplays, TTT stem and 199 Prima bars, and the old 7700 equipment off my wife's 1999 Litespeed.

Since I painstakingly cleaned or replaced every bearing and every race and every jockey wheel of the original DA 7400, I can always go back to a vintage correct retro ride.

[spacemen3]

Sweetness! :beer:

[old_fat_and_slow]

@axel23

Your restoration project results are wonderful. Hope you get 1000's of enjoyable miles together.

[flickwet]

I am sorry but I'm gonna get all Simon Cowell on this mother. First things first... that is an absolutely exquisite frame, perfect and beautiful in every way, you should be very proud...however...Shimano!!!*** well at least it is mostly shiny Shimano, but really wouldn't shiny Campy be a bit more apprpo. Lastly the Topolinos gotta go dude, they TOTALLY distract from the beauty of that frame set, like a set of 23's on a 64 Shelby, Not that the Topo's suck they just belong on something newer

[axel23]

I am sorry but I'm gonna get all Simon Cowell on this mother. First things first... that is an absolutely exquisite frame, perfect and beautiful in every way, you should be very proud...however...Shimano!!!*** well at least it is mostly shiny Shimano, but really wouldn't shiny Campy be a bit more apprpo. Lastly the Topolinos gotta go dude, they TOTALLY distract from the beauty of that frame set, like a set of 23's on a 64 Shelby, Not that the Topo's suck they just belong on something newer

I hear you. Would I take a complete Super Record gruppo from that era? In a heartbeat! But consider that the Tommasini was originally equipped with Dura-Ace. The DA 7700 stuff I substituted was just lying around and once I found an Italian-threaded BB, I was in business.

I kinda agree with you on the wheels, but they are light and do they really look that bad?

So help me either 1) find a complete Campagnolo Super Record group, or 2) a nice DA 7700 wheelset (32 hole LF, light rims). And thanks for the generous comment on the frame itself . . .

[Keith A]

Hey axel23 -- I like Italian frames and Shimano too and have two of them equipped with Shimano components...and they don't complain one bit :)

[Aaron O]

I hear you. Would I take a complete Super Record gruppo from that era? In a heartbeat! But consider that the Tommasini was originally equipped with Dura-Ace. The DA 7700 stuff I substituted was just lying around and once I found an Italian-threaded BB, I was in business.

I kinda agree with you on the wheels, but they are light and do they really look that bad?

So help me either 1) find a complete Campagnolo Super Record group, or 2) a nice DA 7700 wheelset (32 hole LF, light rims). And thanks for the generous comment on the frame itself . . .

It's your bike, it looks fantastic and I'd ignore anyone who says otherwise or who wants to advise their personal aesthetics.

I have Dura Ace on a Richard Sachs..MIXED WITH CAMPY NO LESS...and the world hasn't ended. It rides quite well, which is really the ultimate test.

[RonW87]

Another neo-retro tommasini:

Link to big image (http://public.blu.livefilestore.com/y1pCKiVEYa2_UJv7lId_SjqJG1Jebuq3pY29r07ozyXE5FKnI4 LjIm-ODrby6GS3gwQQwQI0mhdEyotBaAc5mSrEA/IMGP0997.JPG)

[gomango]

Been down a similar road.

Bought my 1994 Sintesi with mostly DA bits and the bike rode fine. Actually went like a bat out of.....

Had a chance to upgrade with a 10 speed Campy Chorus gruppo and never looked back.

Here's the bike with the DA goodies, and I'll see if I can't dig up a pic with the Chorus.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2691/4198457910_3f113ff120_o.jpg


Cool bikes posted above!

[witcombusa]

Here is the result of my Tommasini Competizione restoration project. I debated about whether to stay with the original Dura-Ace 7400 group, but realized that the lighter weight and greater functionality of newer components would be worth it (DA 7700).

It weighs in at 18 3/4 lbs, not bad for a 20+ year old chromed Columbus SL steel frame (texbike, you owe me a beer).

If anyone is interested, we can discuss components, and what the bike rides like (the most important thing).

I started on steel (Colnago, Serotta), went to aluminum (good old Vitus), then to ti (Dean) and carbon (Trek).

Anyway, if you have anything like this in your garage, would love to see the pix.


Axel.... Here is my Dave Tesch built Specialized Team Allez (SLX) from around the same time period (1987) with DA 7401 kit.

[Aaron O]

I have a few builds like this:

This bike is the opposite of a Tomassini with Shimano, it's a Miyata with Campy C-record and Record:

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Photo0489.jpg

Note - no black hole killed a kitten for the above build.

Richard Sachs Sexenstein -

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Photo0107.jpg

Steve Bauer's Motorola Merckx - with, hissssssss, CAMPY ERGO! Again, the Earth has not swallowed a city in anger.

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Photo0556.jpg

I ended up electing to sell the following bike, a De Rosa with Campy Ergo. All is right in the world, except a Tange headset! The steerer was cut too low and no campy HS's would fit:

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Photo0474.jpg

[gomango]

Aaron,

Wow!

You have so many options!

I'd be like a kid in the candy store with those beauties. :)

[Aaron O]

Aaron,

Wow!

You have so many options!

I'd be like a kid in the candy store with those beauties. :)

Coming from you?

If I'm a candy store, you're Willy Wonka!

I miss having a De Rosa...the first bike I truly fell in lust with was a De Rosa. The second was a Merlin.

[Aaron O]

Coming from you?

If I'm a candy store, you're Willy Wonka!

I miss having a De Rosa...the first bike I truly fell in lust with was a De Rosa. The second was a Merlin.

All of these options and the one I ride most often is this:

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Photo1279.jpg

A mule touring bike with a humble Shimano 105 group (which seriously needs to be replaced with a Campy triple group). It's also long over due replacing that hideous bar tape and that horrendous stem. I have some Nitto Noodles and a Tek. all lined up.

Maybe black handlebra tape :)

[axel23]

I have a few builds like this:

This bike is the opposite of a Tomassini with Shimano, it's a Miyata with Campy C-record and Record:
Note - no black hole killed a kitten for the above build.

Richard Sachs Sexenstein -


Steve Bauer's Motorola Merckx - with, hissssssss, CAMPY ERGO! Again, the Earth has not swallowed a city in anger.


I ended up electing to sell the following bike, a De Rosa with Campy Ergo. All is right in the world, except a Tange headset! The steerer was cut too low and no campy HS's would fit:

What a great assortment. I feel vindicated!

[axel23]

Another neo-retro tommasini:
I love that term: Neo-Retro. I'm going to use it from now on. The irony is that while ,y frame is 20 years old, the newest of the components (except for the saddle) is over 10 years old.
Anyway, love that Tommasini.

[chuckroast]

...although I did do a double take on the OP's wheel set. That was a little out there for me.



(PS, I'd sure ride it though)

[wc1934]

I hear you. Would I take a complete Super Record gruppo from that era? In a heartbeat! But consider that the Tommasini was originally equipped with Dura-Ace. The DA 7700 stuff I substituted was just lying around and once I found an Italian-threaded BB, I was in business.

I kinda agree with you on the wheels, but they are light and do they really look that bad?

So help me either 1) find a complete Campagnolo Super Record group, or 2) a nice DA 7700 wheelset (32 hole LF, light rims). And thanks for the generous comment on the frame itself . . .

whatever you want to call it is ok by me as that is one fine looking bike -and bet it rides as nice as it looks - wheels provide a nice new contrast to the vintage frame -nicely done.

[BengeBoy]

Did someone ask to see a picture of my Tommasini?

http://i52.tinypic.com/30aay6h.jpg

[gomango]

Did someone ask to see a picture of my Tommasini?

http://i52.tinypic.com/30aay6h.jpg


I've always admired this bike.

I think you did a great job on this one. Sooo nice.

[axel23]

Did someone ask to see a picture of my Tommasini?
Omg! Don't let it tip over and fall in the water!
Beautiful bike, but fish can't ride.

[oldpotatoe]

I really had forgotten what steel rides like. I love the geometry and the handling in the corners. It feels "lively" and is amazingly responsive.

But while I love being nostalgic, there is a reason we left steel behind.We did? I didn't. I sell lots of steel.