Monterosso - Bicycle - Prima del 1950

From the Monterosa Extra Lusso 1948 personal collection – Turin, Headquarters via Monterosa.
In the prewar period the production of bicycles under the Monterosa brand began. It was a factory of modest size, famous for the great care of detail and aesthetics, as well as for innovative technical choices, first of all the internal braking system with the pawls of the pads sliding inside the forks. 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-stem clamp bearing, presents the internal front brake return and the rear external one, with a distinctive high rear bridge that encloses the support for the mudguard and that for the brake arch. The fork, with its distinctive head with slot, features the welded dynamo bracket. The handlebar with a collar clamp, chromed like the headlamp mount, with internal levers, has brake levers with engraved branding, bone (ivory) grips, and a beautiful enameled ornament; it is completed by a tool holder. The braking gear, partially internal, has brake pawls hidden inside the fork blades and the frame, with enlarged aluminum brake pads. The chain guard has an oval shape with a steel dish, both with relief engravings, the faired mudguards have a central chromed ridge, as are the other chrome details. The chain tensioners consist of a little plate that slides along the derailleur inside a guide rail, branded as the hardware. The MC caps are from Gnutti as is the crankset, chain and Regina Extra freewheel.
NB: the brake pads are not present, as they were purchased; in case of sale they will be properly mounted.