With eight different models and numerous paint choices, deciding which Dario Pegoretti frame is right for your next aspirational bike build can be challenging. Pegoretti is quick to point out that all their frames are efficient, comfortable and beautifully hand-crafted. However, what suits one cyclist may not suit another. Hence, Pegoretti's range offers something for every type of rider, from racer to weekend road cyclist alike. To help you find your perfect Pegoretti, we've put together an overview of our most popular Pegoretti models so you can understand which frame best suits your riding goals.
Pegoretti Elio
Elio is Pegoretti’s most modern road frame to date. Built from Columbus XCR stainless steel, it most notably brings internal routing, disc brakes, and clearance for 32 mm tires without compromising the ride feel that defines the brand. The handling is sharp and balanced, with a more planted front end and improved high-speed tracking. It's a Pegoretti for riders who want modern performance, but still care how a bike feels at 30 rpm and 30 mph. Elio is disc-only.
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Pegoretti Responsorium
Responsorium is Pegoretti's most popular frame due to its magical blend of comfort, speed and handling. Composed of Columbus XCR stainless steel, this frame handles the elements without fear of corrosion or material degradation. The "Respo" is a phenomenal bike for shorter and longer rides, and given its blend of comfort and efficiency, it's the accessible pick for most riders' goals. Responsorium is available in both rim brake and disc brake variants.
Pegoretti Marcelo (MXXXXXO)
For those looking for something more on the race side of the spectrum, Pegoretti makes Marcelo. Some people don't think steel bikes are stiff or efficient enough to win stage races or sprint for the line, but Marcelo is the middle finger to that outdated idea. Indeed, this frame was Tom Boonen's choice when he raced for the Green Jersey in the Tour de France, albeit secreted under his other bike sponsor's decals.
In contrast to Responsorium's XCR stainless steel, Marcelo uses Columbus LIFE tubing. It also features a larger seat and chain stays, which help turn every watt into speed on the road. Having won numerous global bike races over the years, Marcelo proves that steel is as relevant as ever for the racers (or wanna-be racers) in all of us. Marcelo is only available in rim brake format.
Pegoretti Round
Pegoretti Round takes the durability and disc brake compatibility of Responsorium and adds the race-inspired stiffness of the Marcelo. And like Responsorium, the Round uses Columbus XCR stainless steel tubing but differs with the addition of 3D-printed stainless steel dropouts.
If you want race-bred performance in a frame that shrugs off corrosive elements as quickly as you'll end up dropping any haters when the pace picks up, then meet your new frameset. The Round is available in both rim and disc brake editions.
Pegoretti Duende
Some riders want something classic, comfortable and fun. More comfort-oriented and less race-inspired than the bikes listed above, Duende is Pegoretti's ode to people who love to ride. Composed of Columbus ZONA and with more traditional tapered stays and dropouts, Duende quietly states that the best part of getting from point A to point B is the joy of the ride itself. Duende comes in either a standard 28mm clearance road version or a CX configuration, allowing clearance for up to 40mm tires. Both versions are rim brake-only.
Pegoretti Love #3
Pegoretti Love #3 is an Above Category favorite for its lightweight, pure power transfer and sexy good looks. Love #3 is the racer's alloy delight! It comprises Columbus Alloy tubing and uses a larger 43mm, head tube than the other Pegoretti frames. Ride it hard, put it away wet and do it again day after day. More comfortable than most alloy race frames, the Love #3 gives the weekend racer a bike they want to keep riding even after the podium ceremony.
Pegoretti Big Leg Emma
When stiffness and efficiency are priority number one, Pegoretti Big Leg Emma has your back. You'll find the same Columbus LIFE tubing here as Marcelo, reinforced with plates brazed throughout the downtube. Yeah, it's crazy. Enormous chainstays matched with the reinforced downtube ensure that every ounce of energy from your legs punishes your rear wheel and, therefore, your poor friends trying to hang onto your wheel. If you think you're too big, too powerful or aggressive to ride a steel race bike, Big Leg Emma dares you to come out and play. Big Leg Emma is only available in rim brake.
Pegoretti Day is Done
Just because a rider wants modern oversized tubing doesn't mean they have to sacrifice the beauty and style that comes from a lugged steel frame. Pegoretti serves up this juxtaposition in Day is Done. Utilizing Columbus SPIRIT tubing, a 1 1/8" headset and gorgeous Cadnezia oversized lugs, Day is Done seamlessly blends the modern with the classic in a single comfortable riding frame. Built up properly, this could be the ultimate cafe racer or touring rig for those looking for a more retro-looking ride. Day is Done is only offered in rim brake with a steel fork.
Pegoretti Luigino
No write up of Pegoretti range would be complete without Luigino. Shown here in ‘Pista’ single speed format, Luigino is Pegoretti’s paean to the classic Italian race bicycle from cycling’s hallowed past. Originally developed in homage to Dario’s mentor, Gino Milani, Luigino is a lugged steel frame, complete with a traditional 1” headset and double-plate crown steel fork.
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