198? GIANNI MOTTA PERSONAL

There are many who would argue that the best vintage road bicycles were of Italian origin.  This is not necessarily an absolutely correct statement but it does ring true, in many instances.  This lovely, near time bubble condition, eighties something Gianni Motta Personal is of Italian origin and certainly a presentable bicycle.

Gianni Motta, born in the village of Cassano d'Adda in 1943, pursued a career in racing bicycles, winning the 1966 Giro d'Italia.  Other competitive achievements include numerous wins in such contests as The Giro di Lombardia in sixty four, the Tour de Suisse in 1967 and two Tour de Romandie victories in 1966 and 1971.  Perhaps his most remember win was third place in the 1965 Tour de France, finishing third behind the Italian, Felice Gimondi and Raymond Pouilor of France.

As was the case with other successful racers in his day, he later turned his attention to the manufacturing of bicycles and the Gianni Motta bicycle was born.  The Gianni Motta was considered to be a well made bicycle, often leaning in the direction of being very stiff rides, offering remarkable power transmission and frequently all wrapped up in Italian national colors. red, green and white.

The Personal does not represent one of Gianni's top of the line offerings of its day, but it is of very good mid level quality.  The Columbus Special tube set is fitted with forged Motta drops, the origin of which is a mystery at the time of this writing.

NEXT - FINDING THE MOTTA PERSONAL