The project that restarted this blog at the beginning of the year with this post is almost complete. Some spectacular stuff coming, as soon as I can sort out a vintage headset problem... more on that later. It has also sparked my interest in the Rossin brand and especially the Ghibli as a flagship frame that set the standard in the late 1980's.That research led me to a recent discovery. Other than the fact that Rossin catalog scans don't seem to be very common online like those of Bianchi, there seems to be quite a bit to discover about the Ghibli.
A recent eBay post led me to a conversation with Enrico about his listing for a beautiful (in an 80's way) Rossin "Super" Ghibli. I questioned where he got the "Super" from and his response included a scan previously ignored on my prior searches. It doesn't show in the 1988 catalog scan that seems to be out there, even though the layout and graphic seems very similar.
The Super Ghibli then, seems to be a Ghibli with a fork from a Prestige, which creates an even more striking combination. The Prestige fork is stunning and quite a departure from other microfusion lugs/crowns of the day. They also call out exclusive RC 40 dropouts. The dropout/hanger in the photos matches mine at the cable stop. Could mine be a Super without the Prestige fork crown?
Enrico's listing. Thank goodness it's not a 56 - I'm out of room in the paddock!
The Prestige crown mated to a Ghibli.
Stunning Ghibli paint job, the gorgeous BB shell... yep, it's a Ghibli!
Grezzo forks can be had on eBay... should I?
That ad. Other than the fork crown it boasts of exclusive RC 40 dropouts.
So I'm calling all Ghibli experts... William, any ideas?!?
Wonderful job with the Ghibli restoration! I got myself a Ghibli bike last year but equipped with a full Dura Ace 74xx series...I thought that the Prestige fork was a mismatch until I saw several similar versions of it online, and this ad just confirms it was a real production bike. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteI have a Ghibli in 52CM. It is a lovely riding bike and I have owned it for many years. Mine is Columbus SLX and has the standard Rossin fork crown like most of their standard Rossin road bikes.They really went over the top which the Prestige and the rear triangle crowns are lugged in the ones I have seen.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I understand they went to the Prestige the last year of production, and I thought the whole bike was Prestige tubing that year ?
I think yours was the last year of Rossin production.
Keep it ride it, they handle very well but the racers in the day called them "the tank" because they were so heavy and overbuilt. Mine was a team bike in the last 1980's.
I actually found a Rossin Ghibli tubed mountain bike on E-Bay NOS a few years back that I plan to build up someday.
Regards
Rory: I have followed your projects, especially the Ghibli, with interest. You've inspired me to start my own Ghibli project and I'd like to take advantage of your experience. I've also been in touch with some European pals about your Ghibli + Prestige fork question. Would it be possible to be in touch directly? If so, just text me at 202 286 6489.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Dan