Nice Rossin.

Hugely popular in the US in the 80s.



For good reason ....

Back when Shimano took risks.

In 1980, Shimano Dura Ace AX parts were perhaps one of the most radical redesigns of modern racing bike parts.

The aerodynamic effort started a huge push by the Japanese to out pace the Europeans with technology (some would argue they have to this day).

In a strange sort of "co-operation" across the Japanese manufacturers, aero was the new black. Tange created expensive, heavy, relatively flexible and hard to frame build aero tubes. Nitto produced some radical aero handlebar and stem designs.

But is seemed that that old european "reputation" could not be overcome, yet.

The Japanese aero challenge was relatively short lived as AX was withdrawn from the market in 1982. It was not until the rise of the Triathlon market about ten years later that aero bikes started to command market share.

This time the Japanese were ready, and have dominated the Triathlon market ever since.

Steel, it's a complicated affair.

I want my fifty bucks!

Approx 10 B.C. ("before children", wives, and mortgages). Everything was fluoro and steel. Suspension forks were in the magazines only.

I had this bike refinished and rebuilt for a friend, whilst I was working managing a bike store.

The guy still owes me fifty bucks!

We all you know you only read ClassicVelo for the articles!

Of course you do.

Modolo - burning brighter, but for a shorter time.

In an age when steel was real, and tour victories were measured in hours not seconds, Italian Modolo brakes were the advanced alternative to the venerable Campagnolo Record.

Over a period of 20 years, one could argue that Modolo was responsible for far more innovation than most component manufacturers – especially in road brakes and handlebars.

Bicycle restoration is a dirty business.