Never let it be said that Italians shy from grandiose opulence. One need only think of the extravagant fashion of Pucci and Versace, the cars of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati, or the flamboyant bicycles of Colnago or Tommasini. Neither do they cower from coating their bicycles in gold, as a few popes are aware. Chesini continues that heritage with a new release named Prima.
The ancient city of Verona is the seat of the Chesini brand, after Gelmino Chesini established his factory there in 1947. Gelmino had previously been building his frames in Nesente, a small village near Verona. The Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheatre built in AD30, features prominently the Chesini logo, as it is only a short bicycle ride away.
Prima is a new offering from Chesini, built from Columbus Spirit Oversize tubes. This example is TIG welded but fillet brazing is an available option. The frame is designed with asymmetric chain stays, tapered seat stays and a seat tube that is ovalized towards the BB30 bottom bracket. The €1,500 price includes frame and carbon fork, although the 18kt gold leaf on the down tube is optional.
