Monterosso - Bicycle - Prima del 1950

From the MONTEROSA EXTRA LUSSO personal collection, 1948 – Turin, Headquarters via Monterosa.
In the prewar period the production of bicycles under the Monterosa brand began. It was a factory of considerable size, famous for the great care of detail and aesthetics, as well as for innovative technical choices, first among them the internal braking system with the sliders of the brake shoes moving inside the housings. The activity ceased in the second half of the 1950s, therefore the models that have reached us are scarce and sought after.
The frame with visible joints and the famous Benotto heart under the collar clamp bearing, presents the inward release of the front brake and the external rear brake, with a special small bridge of the rear high chain stay that incorporates the support for the mudguard and the holder for the brake arch. The fork, with its peculiar head featuring a slot, has the dynamo bracket welded on. The handlebar with collar-clamp fastening, chrome like the headlight holder, with internal levers, features brake levers with engraved branding, bone/ivory grips, and a beautiful enamelled motif; it is completed by a tool rack. The brake system, partially internal, presents brake shoes concealed inside the fork blades and the rear stays, with enlarged aluminum brake pads. The chain guard has an oval shape with a small bowl in steel, both with relief engravings; the fenders are vented with a central chrome rib, as are the other chrome details. The chain tensioners consist of a small plate that slides along the dropout inside a race, branded as the hardware. The headset caps are by Gnutti as the crankset and chainring, chain and Regina Extra freewheel.
NB: the brake shoes are not present as they are purchased; in the event of sale they will be properly mounted.