Queue up some smooth jazz, or your favorite Zappa tune, and dive into this week’s BOTW: the Pegoretti Elio. AC has carried Pegoretti, the Verona-based artisan framebuilder, since the beginning, and their maxim has long remained unchanged: steel efficiency, timeless lines and a personality as unique as the late Dario Pegoretti himself.
That unwavering focus defined the brand, but it also meant resisting many of the conventions of modern road design. The Elio is Pegoretti stepping deliberately into the present—a fully modern steel frame that embraces performance without losing the playful character that has always set Peg apart.
The artistry and intention behind Pegoretti frames is unmistakable. From the striking custom paint and embedded gold flakes to the small details that reveal themselves over time, this is a frame that refuses to go unnoticed.
The Elio is designed around modern trimmings like internal routing, disc brakes, UDH compliance, and electronic-only drivetrain compatibility. It’s also the first Peg to feature a sloping top tube, a subtle shift that opens up fit options, particularly for smaller sizes. While there’s no mistaking the Elio as a big, beefy steel frame, it retains Peg’s iconic ride feel while positioning itself squarely for the modern road rider.
After twenty years of working with Pegoretti, and countless conversations around this new frame, it was a pleasure to finally have an Elio in the studio. Ted set it up on the stand and got to work, building it in true Above Category fashion.
The result is confident and unmistakably Pegoretti. An ENVE integrated bar and stem paired with a Chris King headset add visual contrast against the oversized head tube, while the stiff carbon fiber fork up front reinforces Elio’s modern character.
For an unapologetically pure road experience, the build rolls on Lightweight Meilenstein ART wheels paired with Vittoria Corsa Pro 32mm tires. An ENVE seatpost and Bjorn Seldo saddle keep weight in check without sacrificing ride comfort. Visually, the tan wall tires soften the composition and bring out the classic Pegoretti character.
Staying true to its Italian DNA, the build is finished with Campagnolo Super Record. Additional modern touches appear in the details, including 3D-printed dropouts and Pegoretti’s distinctive rear brake mount.
From its modern intent to the oversized steel tubing and ride feel rooted in Italian tradition, the Elio is a build that resists easy classification. It isn’t designed for the masses, but it is a welcome addition to the Pegoretti lineup, one that speaks to the modern road rider without sacrificing soul. From the stories etched into the paint to the miles ahead, it’s a build as unique as the rider in the saddle.
If you’re looking for a truly unique ride of your own, drop us a line and let’s start the conversation.
- AC
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