Marco Marastoni Classic Road Bike 1979

Licinio Marastoni was born in Reggio Emilia in 1922, as the third son of a reasonably successful amateur racer. He was originally destined to become a priest but left school at the age of 11 and decided for cycling and how to build bikes. He made such a progress that by his 17th birthday, he built frames under his own name.
Many of his bikes became known for great paintjobs, mainly a very distinctive green colour, to which he was inspired, when he found a green lizard on the side of the road on his way home.

After the war he had to start over again with a companion. And he started to built bikes which were pretty modern for their time.
From braze-on solutions for bottles, cable guides and front derailleurs to the first investment cast lugs in 1970: Licinio did not make too many bikes but every single piece was spot-on regarding the details.
He built frames for several professional riders, including a time trial frame carrying Bianchi decals for Fausto Coppi, and a bunch of frames for Francesco Moser, one of which he rode in his victorious Giro.

Sadly, Licinio's only child Marco Marastoni was fatally injured in a car accident in 1972. - Deeply grieved, Licinio stopped working altogether. But after many requests, he decided to return to the torch after a hiatus of one year.
From then on, his best frames were labeled Marco Marastoni and were only given to people of whom he knew they would treat them well. This might be the reason that our Marastoni Rare Artisan Road Bike is in such a good condition.

The frame consists of delicate lugs which connect light and strong Columbus tubes to a masterpiece. Details like a custom integrated front derailleur holder show the artisan skills of its maker.
A frame like this does not deserve anything but the best parts possible. So a Campagnolo Super Record groupset is the perfect match for it.

To honor Licinio's heritage, this frame should go to someone who really cares for special bikes and also rides them from time to time. L'Eroica would offer a good opportunity for that.