Really Handmade in Italy: Dario Pegoretti

Dario Pegoretti. When you hear someone say the name, someone who is, at least somewhat, familiar with the handiwork of the man, you might just make out a certain weightiness. There is a notable substance behind the seven syllables. Substance built upon a lifetime of work, and even though that lifetime was cut far shorter than it should have been.

Legends in the bicycling world come in different shapes, sizes, and capacities. Not all make their marks as racers; the worth of some is measure by other means. When the writers of the sport talk of the finest climbers and sprinters they may frequently make reference to a certain athletic artistry; it is a common reference across many different sports, comparing  and relating artistry and athleticism. And so it is with the makers of bikes - there are those who are able to combine function and art like few others. Few people in the world of handmade bicycles can aspire to the level of distinction attained by Pegoretti.

I may never have the opportunity to own a Pegoretti bicycle, but they will always remain up near the top of that wish list.

During my last visit to the Interbike trade show I only half joked that at some point during the week everyone sought out the Pegoretti's on display. That is not fake news, nor is it truth that isn't truth (whatever truth that senile old dude was trying to reach with that statement). I feel there was more truth in that half-joke than I ever imagined - whatever schedule one may have made, however lengthy the list of manufacturer's to visit, somewhere on that schedule, or written on that list, was the name Dario Pegoretti.

Ride, and make, in Peace Signore Pegoretti.