The Cromovelato of Wilier’s Gioiello Ramato, or Copper Jewel, has resulted in one of the most iconic finishes in the history of cycling. They brought it back for their 110th anniversary in 2016, but it still looks far more authentic on a frame made in 1988.
Leonardo Ragusa de Vargas Macciucca works wonders with worn out frames — we featured his lovely Solemio townie last week — but while he usually builds up old frames into totally new configurations, he stayed true to form for this project.
The opportunity to purchase an original 1988 Ramato was too much for Leo to resist, but it was in shocking condition. The Campagnolo C-Record groupset was intact but very crusty, the precious paint was chipped and flaking.
After acquiring the bike late in 2015, Leo embarked upon the long restoration process, which has taken him up until now to complete. It was dismantled and the frame was sent off to a painter who also does work for Bianchi, Pinarello, and Wilier.
It’s plainly obvious Leo’s painter had inside knowledge to the secret of the Cromovelato. Once the frame had cured it was returned to Leo, who had been painstakingly polishing and re-assembling the C-Record components, including the Delta brakes.
Once the mechanicals had been reinstalled, the 3ttt handlebars were re-covered in Almarc’s leather wrap by none other than the owner and founder. It’s now ready to ride, although we’ll forgive Leo if he just wants to keep it safe and look at it for a while…
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