Sophia

1988 Marinoni

along the Bow River, first ride July 2013

In the summer of 2013 I had saved for a road bike. I was going to pick up a new Surly Pacer frame, strip the 8 speed Shimano 105 components from Bonnie and then upgrade from there. The Pacer frame was not available before I left for Calgary so while there I started checking for used road bikes. I was hooked the first time I saw her picture. She was on the opposite corner of Calgary so I asked Mike to drive me over.

I struggled to get my feet in the leather straps which can be seen in the first ride photo. Nothing was set up for my height and even though it was an awkward few minutes I knew I was paying the asking price.

The white with blue fade paint was what attracted me in the first place, gorgeous. Shimano 600 components (which evolved into Ultegra) from stem to stern. After reading all about Giueseppe Marinoni I knew I wanted to take this bike home before I even put my hands on it. An Italian immigrant who setup shop outside of Montreal, Marinoni studied frame making with one of Italy's masters, Ernesto Colnago.

The steel tubing is Italian made Columbus Cromor. Originally a 7 speed drivetrain with downtube shifters, she now has 9 speeds courtesy the new Shimano Ultegra rear derailleur. I decided to keep the old school feel and just upgraded to 9 speed Dura-Ace downtube shifters. The upgrade included a Mavic Open Pro rim and 36 hole Shimano Ultegra hub. The plan is to upgrade the front wheel and brakes to Ultegra as well.

Some how being able to see a picture and read about the man who made your bike sets it apart from anything new. The ride is everything expected from steel, plush but reactive. We will share a lot of miles.

Update: 4-1-2015 Ultegra dual pivot calipers are installed, front wheel assembled and fresh bar tape wrapped.
Update: We both got to go to the screening of Fire in the Frame. Sophia was front and center as an example of his work for the audience to check out.

first ride with 9 speed upgrades. Sept. 2013

Giuseppe Marinoni still at work making frames

riding in his day

even rode his bike down the aisle