Firenze Italy

[foggypeake]

I just returned from a trip to Florence and wanted to plug a fantastic bike shop: Filofficina (AKA: https://italiansteelbike.com/).

I had drooled over the website and decided to visit. In Italy, sometimes store hours seem to be a "guideline" as opposed to here in the States. I was initially crestfallen when the door was locked at the shop. Lorenzo, the owner, saw me at the door and opened it for me, apologizing that he wasn't really open yet as the previous weekend was the Eroica ride in Chianti. I explained that I was from the States and I viewed his website (several times over) and that I was just killing some time as my wife worked. He showed me some things and we talked about bikes (and the bike business) for almost an hour. Truly, Lorenzo was a gentleman to take some time to talk to a rambling American - and he even apologized for his poor English (as opposed to my almost non-existent Italian)!

In all, it was a great experience and if anyone is interested in looking for a vintage(ish) bike, consider buying from him. I almost pulled the trigger on a beautiful Bianchi built with 8 speed Campy (built with Columbus Genius tubing), but sadly didn't (yet) as I already have a great steel bike from the mid 90s.

[jpritchet74]

Wow - if I ever make it to Florence again, that's a must on my list!

[jamesdak]

Originally Posted by foggypeake

I just returned from a trip to Florence and wanted to plug a fantastic bike shop: Filofficina (AKA: https://italiansteelbike.com/).

Looks like an awesome shop to me. Found it a little funny that he had the same saddle on on the Bianchi in the last picture that I first had on the one I'm sorting out.

[m_sasso]

Obviously some nice bikes in his shop, missed when I was in Florence, however someone needs to teach him how to properly work on bicycles. This video at 53 seconds https://vimeo.com/271627402?embedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner=59 696305 of him hammering a headset race on a fork with the dropouts resting on a workbench makes me cringe. Turn the entire assembly upside down and hit the race driver on the work bench or the floor. Zero damage to the drop outs or fork.

[AngryScientist]

Originally Posted by foggypeake

I explained that I was from the States and I viewed his website (several times over) and that I was just killing some time as my wife worked.

mama mia what a problem to have

killing time in the italy while my wife worked!

Keep living the dream foggy!

Seriously though, thanks for sharing, cool stuff here!

[teleguy57]

I was in that so about 14 years ago. Found it somewhat randomly on a family vacation. They were very helpful and were very proud of their involvement with Eroica. They even found a pink Giro jersey for an, ahem, big American.

[foggypeake]

Funny, as I was eyeing this pink jersey for this "ahem" large American also, but then I noticed the signature on it (Tony Rominger). I didn't even ask if it was available.

Believe me, I'm ready to retire to Florence after only a week's experience.

[zmalwo]

hmm... walked pass Palazzo Pitti a few dozen times when I was there before but never went to that direction. Next time I guess.

[jimbolina]

Originally Posted by m_sasso

Obviously some nice bikes in his shop, missed when I was in Florence, however someone needs to teach him how to properly work on bicycles. This video at 53 seconds https://vimeo.com/271627402?embedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner=59 696305 of him hammering a headset race on a fork with the dropouts resting on a workbench makes me cringe. Turn the entire assembly upside down and hit the race driver on the work bench or the floor. Zero damage to the drop outs or fork.

I always hold the fork in my one hand and slide the tool onto the steerer and on home to the race, then hammer while everything is suspended in the air.

I was and remain too paranoid to put the fork on any surface while wailing away on any aspect of it with a hammer, or anything like that!

Always worked out well over these past 38 years, or so…

[alancw3]

Great thread and video! I would venture to say that mechanic knows exactly how much pressure can be used to install fork race w/o damage to fork blades.