Photograph courtesy of The Bike Artisans
The Fiat Seicento, an update of the Cinquecento, is a classic of the automotive world. Dario Pegoretti, on the other hand, is a bicycle frame building legend. He is one of the most revered and respected steel frame builders in the world. His frames, exclusively in Columbus steel, are unique. Frames which are turned into works of art by paint that expresses his artistic passions.
The Bike Artisans brought Dario to Kuala Lumpur to meet his fans, and more importantly, to take orders from aficionados eager to own a custom-built Duende, Mxxxxxxo, Responsorium, or Big Leg Emma frame.
Graphic courtesy of The Bike Artisans
Over two days Dario measured and interviewed more than thirty individuals. He suggested which of his frames would suit each person’s build and riding style. Then, each customer had to decide whether to have that frame finished with a stock paint scheme, or to go for the “surprise me” option of a hand-painted Ciavete design.
Photograph courtesy of The Bike Artisans
The Bike Artisans very kindly organised two events to mark Dario’s visit to Kuala Lumpur.
The first was dinner on Saturday night at Timbre, conveniently located next door to the bike shop.
It was an opportunity for Pegoretti owners to get their bikes autographed by Dario, for wish-we-were-owners to ogle the bikes and frames on display, and to get a photograph with the master.
Photograph courtesy of Alvin Lee
Photograph courtesy of Mark Lim
The second was the Pego-Raduno Asia Edition ride, from The Bike Artisans to Genting Sempah and back.
Photograph courtesy of Griffin Yong
Photograph courtesy of Marco Lai
It has been unusually cool over the past few days. Which helped make the Sunday morning ride very pleasant.
The ride ended with a satay lunch outside The Bike Artisans.
Photograph courtesy of Alvin Lee
And the opportunity to look over what was probably the largest collection of Pegorettis ever assembled in Kuala Lumpur.
Photograph courtesy of The Bike Artisans
Photograph courtesy of Alvin Lee
Photograph courtesy of The Bike Artisans
Photograph courtesy of Alvin Lee
Photograph courtesy of Alvin Lee
Photograph courtesy of Alvin Lee
The thirty or so who ordered frames now have a ten month or so wait while Dario cuts and welds tubes, and paints frames in his workshop in Verona.
Perhaps Dario will visit Kuala Lumpur again at the end of the year to deliver those eagerly awaited frames.
Photograph courtesy of The Bike Artisans
Old Roots, New Routes 