A handmade Pegoretti bike

The true art of framebuilding 

A handmade custom Italian road bike is a wonderful thing. The other day I was fortunate to see and touch a Dario Pegoretti handmade Italian steel bike. This bike was so special it had it's own hand-painted finish. I was told these bikes can take more than 6 months (the website says up to 24 months) to receive after ordering. The frame geometry is built to spec according to the rider's measurements, and although a customer may request a color scheme, no other exact details may be requested. Dario Pegoretti is a true artist, and artists are not told how to create their next masterpieces. The Studio asks simply, "Please don’t ask for a reproduction of a Ciavete paint scheme you’ve previously seen, as the idea behind Ciavete is for each frame to be a unique work displaying Dario’s aesthetic creativity."

Can you imagine placing your order and waiting to see the one-of-a-kind bike that arrives on your doorstep? I can tell you, this beauty was worth waiting for, I could see the iridescent gold paint sparkle and the individual paint strokes of the artist's hand. Photos do not do this masterpiece justice - it was spectacular!

A Dario Pegoretti work of art click any images to enlarge (please!).  

©Photo by PedalDancer

©Photo by PedalDancer

©Photo by PedalDancer

©Photo by PedalDancer

©Photo by PedalDancer

©Photo by PedalDancer

©Photo by PedalDancer

©Photo by PedalDancer

©Photo by PedalDancer

About the bike builder

Dario Pegoretti is considered one of the best modern frame builders in the World. He is 55 years old and lives in the town of Caldonazzo, outside of Trento, in the Dolomites, Italy. He is considered both a master frame builder and an artist. In an interview with Cycle Exif Pegoretti explained he takes inspiration for his paint designs from 60's street art. He added, "The paint sequence is primer, base coat, clear coat. But for many of my ‘WILD’ paint schemes I use piece of newspaper, powder, water color, coffee grain as i feel myself on that day."

Pegoretti was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, but still builds the bike frames. The studio produces approximately 600 frames a year. Prices range from $2000-$5000. Pegoretti has created bikes for champion riders including Stephen Roche, Marco Cipollini and five-time Tour de France winner Miguel Indurain. Watch a sample of the Frame of Mind video featuring Dario Pegoretti. Images below by © Nadav Kander.

Dario Pegoretti

Inside the frame builder's shop

The Pegoretti workshop in Italy

Pegoretti uses only steel and aluminum to build his frames, you may choose from the Responsorium, Big Leg Emma (named after Frank Zappa), Marcelo (named after Thelonius Monk), Duende, Luigino, Love #3, and 8:30. See images of more Pegoretti bikes. View his amazing one of a kind artwork on bikes. Would you like to place an order? Search for a dealer in the USA. Visit the official Pegoretti website.

Or if you cannot wait for the bike to arrive on your doorstep, you may purchase the Rapha Pegoretti inspired pink club jersey now.

Rapha's Pegoretti bike jersey

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