Pegoretti

History

Dario Pegoretti is one of the most fabled Italian framebuilders. In the 1980′s and 1990′s his frames were in high demand by the elite of the cycling world (back when the pro tour just used their sponsors’ stickers on frames made by a select few artisans), and have been ridden to numerous victories around the world. Miguel Indurain, Stephen Roche, and Mario Cipollini are just a few of the famous names that have ridden Dario’s creations to victory over the years. Now, Dario builds a select few frames every year in his workshop in Northern Italy. Although there is typically a long wait time for one of his creations, those who know what magic will eventually arrive also understand that the wait is more than worth it. Every frame is welded and painted by Dario and his team of two assistants, and there is a level of detail in his workshop that is seen practically nowhere else in the cycling industry today.

Performance

Riding a Pegoretti is an experience that will show you not only that metal has not been surpassed by carbon fiber as a frame material, but also that the knowledge of the frame builder makes a massive difference. At some point in every rider’s life, riding a bicycle stops being about the technological trends and the only thing that matters is the quality of the ride.  When you’re ready to take this step, there is a Pegoretti waiting for you.

Every Pegoretti has incredibly balanced ride qualities that rival the best designs from any company and in any material, but there are also subtle nuances between the models that give each of them a magical ride quality in their own ways.

Art

The passion that Dario puts into his frames’ ride quality is matched only by his artistic flair.  When you ride a Pegoretti, you are also riding a piece of art that is instantly recognizable and never mainstream.

If you are looking for the ride quality without the avant-garde, there are also several Pegoretti designs that are subtle yet still uniquely Dario’s work.


Precision

Dario is widely recognized as a pioneer and master of TIG welding in the bicycle industry.  This method of constructing a frame is very complex and time-consuming, but results in a strength and beauty that is untouchable by other welding methods and is a very large part of what makes Dario’s TIG welded frames comparable to today’s best carbon fiber frames.  There are also two classic lugged frames available for those who prefer the vintage look but still want the Pegoretti feel.

The Process: Ordering a Pegoretti

The Pegoretti process is simple yet complex, as you might expect.  Here is the usual flow:

  1. Select the frame and fork
  2. Measure your geometry
  3. Choose the finish
  4. Place the order
  5. Determine components
  6. We build then deliver your bicycle

Current wait times range from eight to eighteen months and are dependent on a number of factors including Dario’s production schedule, availability of a given type of tubing, and (of course) very high global demand for these frames.  The US distributor keeps a small selection of frames in stock, and if you fit the standard Pegoretti sizing (see below) that we can deliver your Pegoretti in around two weeks.

We would be delighted to help you choose a Pegoretti that is tailored exactly to your needs. Please contact us via e-mail or phone to get started.


Frame Geometry

Custom Colors

Frame Options & Upgrades

  • Custom Geometry – No Charge
  • Carbon FALZ Fork – $475
  • Custom Steel Form – $700
  • Each non-standard paint color – $170
  • Non-standard paint scheme – $170
  • Custom non-Pegoretti paint scheme – $300
  • Venetian Stucco paint process – $300
  • Ciavete paint scheme – $740

Ciavete Paint Scheme

The Ciavete scheme is when you give complete artistic license to Dario.  From the Pegoretti web site:

The Ciavete paint scheme is “Dario’s Choice”. If you order this, you will get a frame hand painted by Dario, but the colors and graphics will be whatever he chooses to do at the time. Due to the unique nature of this paint scheme, each will be one of a kind. 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.

Fork Options

Dario has spent considerable time working on the new Falz carbon fork, and he matches the performance of this fork to his frames quite nicely.  A stiffer steel fork is also available, and both the FALZ and steel forks will be matched to the paint scheme.

We also have excellent options available from ENVE Composites, Ritchey, and other manufacturers if you are looking for a performance or color match to other components.

Marcelo/MXXXXXO

This is the frame that everyone thinks of when they hear the name “Dario Pegoretti”.  This  is the classic, the stiff traditional European racing frame taken to an ultimate level, and has been the most popular Pegoretti frame since its introduction.

Choose a Marcelo if you want the classic Pegoretti.

Price: $3,950 (frame only)

Duende

The Duende is the most comfortable of the Pegoretti lineup.  Using the same steel as the Marcelo and sharing its front triangle, the Duende has a simpler and softer rear triangle.

A Duende is perfect for lighter riders or those looking for a comfortable long-distance performer.

Price: $3,350 (frame only)

Responsorium

At its core, the Responsorium is a Marcelo built with stainless steel.  This drops a fair amount of weight from the frame and adds a bit more flex versus the Marcelo, providing a quick and snappy ride quality that adds plenty of excitement and a little bit of comfort.

This is the frame of choice for people who want the ultimate Pegoretti steel experience.

Price: $4,950 (frame only)

Big Leg Emma

The Big Leg Emma is where Dario gets serious about stiffening, then takes it up another notch just because he can.  Taking the Marcelo foundation and adding oversize tubing, he then uses a laser to cut slots in the downtube where stiffening plates are placed in order to remove lateral flex.

Only the most powerful or heavy riders should consider the Big Leg Emma.

Price: $4,950 (frame only)

Love #3

The Love #3 is the lightest Pegoretti frame, made from scandium aluminum instead of steel.  Its oversized tubes give it the look of the Big Leg Emma, but the natural stiffness characteristics of aluminum give this frame similar handling abilities without requiring any additional treatments.

Racers looking for a superb lightweight metal frame will adore the Love #3.

Price: $3,650 (frame only)

Luigino

An absolutely gorgeous lugged frame built using Columbus Pegorichie tubing, the Luigino is a testament to Dario’s craftsmanship bringing pieces of metal together to form a piece of art.

Lighter riders looking for a classic steel bike need look no further than the Luigino.

Price: $4,500 (frame and fork)

Day Is Done

The newest frame from Dario’s workshop is the Day Is Done.  Very similar to a Luigino in specification and construction, the Day Is Done shares the Columbus Spirit tubing used in the Marcelo, Duende, and Big Leg Emma.

Those who are considering a Luigino but wanting more stiffness and race performance will want to step up to a Day Is Done.

Price: $4,900 (frame only), $5,250 (frame and steel fork)

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