Roberto Conti's 2000 De Rosa Merak
I have three bikes in my collection that were owned and used by former pros. I am not sure whether the two oldest ones were ever ridden in the Tour, but am absolutely sure that the newest of them was definitely used. It is a 2000 De Rosa Merak that was ridden by Roberto Conti in 2000 season when he placed 16th in the GC of the Tour. I wouldn't generally present this bike here as I don't really feel that it can yet be classified as "vintage", but given the special focus on Tour bikes this one seems perfect. The bike is all original except for the tyres and the stem length (Conti used the same model stem, just 2 cm longer).
The year 2000 was in many ways a transition year. There was teh appearance of the first carbon bits from Campagnolo (brifters and rear derailleur), but still metal front derailleur, alloy cranks and dual pivot brakes front and rear with full arms (the cost-cutting single pivot rear and skeleton brakes were still to come). It was likewise just prior to the carbon seatpins (the one here is still titanium). The wheels are also note-worthy as they were teh very last year of Campagnolo supplying the pros with separate hubs and rims. The next year, they had moved on to integrated wheels. It is also significant that in 2000, there were still more teams still riding with clincher/wire-on tyres, just as seen on this bike. The particular model of Campagnolo Montreal rims used by Conti's team were apparently never commercialized and the following year Campagnolo moved into the integrated wheels big time and shortly thereafter all teams seemed destined to exclusive use of tubulars once again. The frame is also a throw-back as it is aluminium and not carbon (the fork is carbon and surprisingly enough was made by time).
All told, there is very little of or on this bike that can be seen on today's pro team bikes...
The more provenance the better.
