1983 De Rosa Professional
Frame & Tubing
'83 De Rosa Professional ~ 59cm C-C ~ Columbus SL Tubing
Fork and Headset
De Rosa w/Chrome Engraved Crown & Heart cutout Lugs (Columbus SL) ~ Specialized/Campagnolo SR
Handlebars and Stem
Cinelli Giro D' Italia ~ Cinelli 1A 120mm ~ Ambrosio Bike Ribbon - White
Brakes
Campagnolo Super Record Calipers w/Pads & Super Record Levers ~ Ame Anatomical Hoods
Front Derailleur
Campagnolo Super Record (Braze-On)
Rear Derailleur
Campagnolo Super Record
Shifters
Campagnolo Super Record
Gearing/Freewheel
Regina Extra 7 (13,14,15,16,17,19,21)
Crankset and Bottom bracket
172.5 Campagnolo Super Record Strada 52/42 & Phil Wood Ti BB
Pedals and Chain
Campagnolo Superleggeri w/Campagnolo Alloy Clips & Alfredo Binda Straps / Regina
Saddle and Seat Post
Selle San Marco Regal Ti & Concor Supercorsas / Campagnolo Super Record Post - 27.2
Front wheel
Mavic GL 330 Tub (36) ~ Mavic 550 RD Hub ~ Vittoria Corsa CX Squadre Prof tubular
Rear wheel
Mavic GL 330 (36) ~ Mavic 550 RD Hub ~ Vittoria Corsa CX Squadre Prof tubular
Water Cage
Vintage TA Steel
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This '83 De Rosa Professional is now my daily rider along with my other favorite
'74 Raleigh Professional. They are different beasts and I've now decided that to
declare a favorite is not possible as each has its strengths and both are so enjoyable
to ride, it's a hard decision which to pull down from the rack.
The De Rosa Pro frame is Columbus SL and is simply a joy to ride on all fronts. I
finally see what the fuss is all about with an Ugo De Rosa bike as it just feels "Right", this
whether you are hammering the beast, throwing it into a corner, descending, or flying
down the straights. It's light and responsive, with an amazing ride exhibiting an ability to
communicate the road as well as respond to your commands. It accelerates better than
the Raleigh Pro and simply feels even more alive with a soul. Of course, I love my Raleigh
and will never part; it's just this De Rosa has shifted the paradigm a bit and is an
exceptional conglomeration of performance, feedback, and grace.
I feel as if I've acquired a great sampling of handling/geometry with my 70s Raleigh Pro,
'83 De Rosa Professional, and later, more aggressive geometry 01 Cinelli Supercorsa which
is STILL waiting to get built. Looking forward to finally comparing the three.
I get compliments on this bike daily, though the number one comment inducer is still the
Mink Blue Raleigh Pro, even though the De Rosa is in eye popping Ferrari red. The red
Michelin Pro2 Race are a bit much aesthetically, but the Veloflex Pave are the perfect
match if going clincher, the best I've ridden to date. For the ultimate rolling ease and road
feel, I moved to the GL 330 with Vittoria Corsa CX Squadre Prof tubs. Moving to the Mavic
GL 330 combo is eye opening although the Rigida Score w/Veloflex Pave's are not far
behind (Tubs are hard to beat, however). What a joy to ride.
Alternating between 74 Raleigh Pro & 83 De Rosa Pro is a pleasure, each offering its own
take and a wonderful way to move at speed, all with more connection with something
handmade with Quality and detail.
- kh



