So, favourite takeaway: Chinese or Italian?
Dream bike: carbon or titanium?
If you're playing a game of 'this or that' with the folks at Italian handmade bike brand Passoni, the answer is always going to be 'both'. At least that's the impression you get from their latest creation: a fusion of ti and carbon with a resplendent red and gold paintjob to celebrate the Chinese year of the Dragon.
"In the Chinese lunar calendar the dragon holds a special place of honour, symbolising power, strength, good fortune and success," say Passoni.
"To celebrate the Year of the Dragon, which coincides with 2024 in the Gregorian calendar, Passoni has created a unique bicycle limited to just 24 pieces that perfectly embodies the qualities of the mythical beast."
Based on the Italian handmade titanium specialists' Vinci model, which was created for Passoni's 30th anniversary, the Year of the Dragon bicycle is decorated with "a sinuous dragon design inspired by 19th-century Chinese artwork that winds around the frame from the fork to the seatstays."
The contrasting background colour is a deep candy gloss red with a translucent finish so that Passoni's carbo-titanium weave - which includes titanium filaments within carbon-fibre - is visible through the paint of the top tube, seat tube, upper chainstays and fork, like a modern supercar.
The head tube, down tube and chainstays are made from grade 9 titanium manufactured by Reynolds in the UK to Passoni's specific design, double and triple-butted, while the parts machined from solid pieces are in titanium grade 5, produced for Passoni by skilled workshops near the company's factory.
As with all of Passoni's bikes, each one will be made to measure for the customer, and all include an engraved titanium badge on the seat tube depicting the head of the dragon, 'Year of the Dragon' written in Chinese characters, Passoni's Vitruvian Man logo and the individual number from the 24 produced.
The Passoni Year of the Dragon will be offered as a complete bike with Campagnolo's Super Record WRL wireless groupset with Bora Ultra C23 wheels and Vittoria Corsa Pro tyres. The custom Selle Italia Passoni saddle completes a sumptuous, all-Italian build.
Passoni's owner Matteo Cassina said: "The Vinci model that we used for the Year of the Dragon bicycle is already the perfect blend of titanium and carbon. Now adorning it with this beautiful and extraordinary design represents the perfect meeting of Italian craftsmanship with Chinese art. It is an instant icon."
The Passoni Year of the Dragon complete bike is priced at €19,299 while the framekit is available at €11,999.
It's a gorgeous bike, but €19k buys a lot of Chinese takeaways. On the other hand, it'd make an ideal steed for the Dragon Ride...
The Passoni Dragon is expected to be on show at Rouleur Live later this year. In the meantime, you can find out more by contacting [email protected] or go to www.passoni.com.
0 Comments