[Attn flaggers: though you perform a valuable (?) service to CL, please note the date of this listing as well as its high literary quality. Do you really think you are 'protecting' anyone by flagging this?]

It's time for me to start to whittle down my extensive collection of valuables.

So for (almost) the first time, I am willing to sell this rare and desirable vintage (possibly) Italian racing bike!   I am open to reasonable offers but expect them to start at $2000.

Photo 1:


Look at the racing physique of this bike, the swooping rake of the fork, the insouciant tilt of the handlebars. Eat your heart out, Ugo!

Photo 2:


Closeup reveals the gorgeous patina of years of loving use...perhaps sweat from the immortal Merckxx or Hinault dripped and caused it. (Really, 'The Badger' had notoriously acidic perspiration.) Cables are secured with the traditional 'bande d'electricien.' Note how the shifters are cleverly placed on the *top tube* rather than the traditional downtube, the work of an innovative, visionary fabricator. All the more reason to think that this is a true thoroughbred. And the lack of a headbadge only heightens the mystery!

Photo 3:


The rear dropouts are clearly works of art...note how carefully they are jammed into the stays and secured with a neat little dimple. The 'pie plate' of chromed steel prevents a careless shift from sending the chain into the spokes on a rapid descent--even the best riders can have a bad shift! (Right, Andy?) The maker of the rear derailleur is unknown, but the initials 'SIS' doubtless stand for 'Sylvestro I Stallone' or something equally Italian.

Photo 4:


The detail shot here shows the high-tech braking system of the bike, along with the uniquely textured tire, and a glimpse of the front wheel. These wheels are of chromed steel and weigh at least FIVE POUNDS EACH. It's a complete myth that you want a racing bike to be lightweight. Because this bike can go so fast, it needs these massive wheels to keep it tethered to the ground! And that super-smooth surface really aids in braking--on a wet day you can easily stop within a city block. (Braking performance not guaranteed.)

Photo 5:


The rear cluster shows the placement of the seatstays, which are held in place by what appears to be a dab of a high tech cement, possibly JB Weld (or its Italian equivalent). Note that though this bike precedes the era of TIG welding, yet there appear to be NO LUGS! In fact it's a complete mystery what is holding the tubing together. What an exciting bike to ride!

'BMA/6' was evidently a racing association, devoted to new bike technology.

Photo 6:


And here we have the ultimate mystery of the bike, the seat tube decal obscured by the mists of time. You have to admit that the paint color and 'harlequin' graphic leave no doubt about the bike's Italian heritage. Traces of letters remain: an E and A are fairly certain, followed by an R and possibly a final S. Is it fair to point out that ALL THOSE LETTERS ARE CONTAINED IN THE NAME 'DE ROSA'???

But despite that tantalizing hint, we can't be sure of this bike's origin. All we can do is marvel at the survival of this priceless relic of a bygone age in cycling.

Not quite priceless though. I will take $2000.00. Maybe.

• Location: Lincoln Square
• it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests