Pinarello Lungavita
There are bikes that you need. And then there are those bikes that you just lust after. Bikes that you might not bring home to your Mother, but that you would just love to roll around with for a while on a dark and sultry summer night. Maybe in the rain. They may not be practical enough for a long-term commitment, but they look super hot and are probably a whole lot of fun.
Pinarello Lungavita… the name rolls off the tongue like a good puttanesca sauce, making me want to say it out loud over and over again. The only thing that would make me love this bike more is getting a double on it by Pippo Pozzato. In Florence. Naked.
The Lungovita is sexy, Italian and styled after the classic Pinarellos of the 1950’s. It’s aluminum, rather than the traditional steel (which is a pity) and has a flip-flop rear hub which allows you to ride it as a free-wheel singlespeed or a fixie when you’re feeling dangerous. It features equally dangerous bar-top brakes, which I am willing to risk for a chance to fondle the gorgeous head badge.
The tubing is a little fatter than a nice old steel bike, but don’t we all get a little wider as years go by? It comes in a number of lovely vintage-inspired colour schemes, including this one, which I might even consider riding even though it’s pink. But only in a dark, deserted parking lot somewhere on the edge of town.
I would not, however, under any circumstances, ride this one, which looks like a creepy uncle sleeping on a dirty old couch in someone’s back lane. I think the designers at Pinarello had a little too much grappa the night they concocted this hideous atrocity. Or maybe they were just kidding.
The Lungavita retails for under a grand, so while not exactly a cheap thrill, it’s not going to totally break the bank. And goodness knows it’s sexy enough to make your commitment bike a little jealous.
Until we meet mio amore, ciao!
Factiod: Pinarello was founded by Giovanni Pinarello – who, in 1951, won the maglia nero (black jersey) for being in last place in the Giro d’Italia.
I saw that bottom one at B&B last year.
Yeah, I saw it in person for the first time at La Bicicletta in Toronto (http://winnipegcyclechick.com/?p=4855) . I thought it was one of those one-off gag bikes. Horrible.
You can see one if you stop in at Pizzaria Gusto for dinner, er, dessert tonight.
I do remember seeing a bike there… then it was gone. Is this what it was? I thought it was a Masi… but now that I think about it you’re probably right. I remember loving it when I saw it!
Hey there, I totally found your blog by accident, but glad I’m did. I’m originally from Portage La Prairie and came across your post a year or so ago about your ride to-and-from Winnipeg. Really enjoyed the ride and your other posts too!
I live in England right now and am going to be back in Portage for the month of July, and looking to keep up the riding. I won’t have my own whip with me, but if you know of anyone who might be able to help me out that would be awesome!
Many thanks 🙂
Hi Jonathan
Do you know the Junk Yard Dogs folks? Bob and Nettie, etc? And Two Tired Boys bike shop? I’m not sure if the shop rents bikes, but if not, maybe if you contact someone from the JYD club they could scare up a bike your size.
If you find yourself in Winnipeg, maybe we’ll see you out for a ride! Feel free to contact me on twitter!
Thanks for reading and sending the note! Cheers!
I guess (like the auto sales people) they charge extra for pedals……
Oh……..you want duo ruota anche??
I have a few black jerseys.
Re: Pizzaria Gusto – the bike on display changes from time to time. I’ve seen a Masi there before, too. The plaid Lungavita was there a week ago.
The PLAID one?? Gross.
[…] funny, […]
If it’s good enough for your boyfriend…
I love you CycleChick, you just helped me find my next ride.
Are you single?
Perhaps if I’m ever in Winnipeg I’ll take you on a spin on my new ride.
Grazie!