Having only recently started at RCUK it was somewhat humbling and unnerving to be entrusted with a bike where the frame and fork by itself are worth £2950 to be given to test.
What made me more apprehensive was the bike itself, a Pegoretti Responsorium. For those not in the know, Pegoretti is Dario Pegoretti, a living legend amongst cycling enthusiasts. He is considered one of the greatest of bicycle frame builders, having reputedly built frames for Miguel Indurain, Marco Pantani and Steven Roche to name but a few.
Now, one of his creations is in my hands, which may mean a few sleepless nights… for him.
On first look it seems as though the Pegoretti attempts to combine traditional geometry with various modern accoutrements like a carbon fork and carbon crank set. Interestingly, this mix of new and old-school elements works.
The frame is handmade using a technique pioneered for bicycle frames by Pegoretti himself. Tungsten Inert Gas, or TIG, welding which means that the steel-tubed frame has no lugs at the tube joins. Instead, there are neat welds and the areas between top tube and down tube are almost seamless. The custom barb wire paint job on white drew a few double takes from passers by in the streets.
The Responsorium’s frame is made from Columbus XCR tubing which makes it phenomenally light for a steel frame giving the confidence to put the power down on the bike. The downside of minimal weight is that in high winds and adverse weather it becomes unstable and you constantly have to make adjustments just to stay on the bike.
Pegoretti only supply the frame and fork, the rest is up to the Mosquito Bikes customer to specify what parts and accessories they want. As this particular Responsorium was a test bike it came equipped with a Campagnolo SuperRecord 11 speed groupset. Shifting was very responsive to the touch and movement through the cassette was sharp.
New to me, Campagnolo’s SuperRecord crank set allowed power (or in my case lack of) to be put down efficiently and the Neutron wheelset (Campagnolo too!) enhanced the ride, meaning for a steel frame, you get quite a quick bike and a fast ride. The bike was complemented by comfortable and sturdy Deda Zero100 stem and handlebar set. The SuperRecord brakes were firm and strong although when stopping for junctions a little too strong!
A complaint about the set up; the Fizik Antares saddle personally was too hard and too uncomfortable. However, with saddles, everyone has their own preference… Another complaint was with the Continental GP4000 Four Season tyres which, on smooth road surfaces, worked fine but if the road got a little rough, handling and rolling resistance became problematic.
Riding the bike for the first time was a great experience, especially as it was through the heart of London at rush hour. The first major point to make was that it was seriously fast, even though I was wearing commuter civvies with baggy jeans and leather shoes. The Responsorium helped me keep up with other road users and the direct steering helped me point it through and navigate the overwhelming London traffic with surprising ease.
When I finally got it back to my gaff in the south Oxfordshire Chilterns and took it out for a ride it was more in its element on relatively traffic free roads. On a short stretch of road from Christmas Common to Henley-on-Thames and on recently resurfaced roads the bike was solid and stiff and gave me the chance to focus on nothing except pedalling. It was a great feeling being able to forget the miscellany of the bike and put the power down. Turning a big gear it ate the miles up with ease and the only thing letting it down was the rider, who eased off once in Henley. Even though I had complaints about the saddle the position on the bike was perfect.
Traditionalists and handmade enthusiasts will love the bike for its looks and classic geometry whilst appreciating the addition of more modern accessories whilst people not familiar with Pegoretti or his ways of manufacturing will be amazed that old and new are fused so well to give a fast and responsive ride.
Pegoretti Responsorium frame and all-carbon fork £2950, bike spec. to order
