Iride Bicycles

Iride Bicycles Established in 1919 in northern Italy, is the brand of bicycles manufactured at the Gemmati Velocipedi factory, near the city of Venice, in the town of Cintello di Teglio Veneto. The trademark was originated by Umberto Gemmati and continues to be produced by his grandson Carlo Gemmati. In Italian, the word iride means the iris of the eye, and is pronounced like the root of the word iridescent.

Iride Bicycles
TypePrivate
IndustryBicycle industry
Founded1919 (1919), Teglio Veneto
FounderUmberto Gemmati
Headquarters,
Italy
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Carlo Gemmati
ProductsBicycles and Bicycle frame
Websiteiridecicli.it

History

Iride had a race winning heyday during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. Victories on road courses and velodromes were made by notable racers including Nino Florean. The office of the factory displays many trophies. The nearby Mecchia velodrome, in Portogruaro, is featured in historical photos of the racers.[1]

The company is best known for producing hand-brazed lugged steel frame bikes using primarily Columbus tubing, also Oria tubing; and mainly utilizing Miche components because of the high performance[2] and the fact that they are close by in San Vendemiano. The Iride workshop pays special attention to finish, using a large powder coating oven. Gemmati Velocipedi also uses imported aluminum frames and Italian components to make a range of more ordinary bicycles including (what Americans would call a hybrid) their popular City Bike.

Bicycles

The prestigious Robb Report called Iride "The Maserati of Bicycles"[3] for the similar history of the two brands: early race success, uncomplicated classic Italian design, up to current manufacture of premium road vehicles.

Iride is also grouped with "top bike makers" in Barron's,[4] and called "nimble" in Details.[5] Iride bicycles have been available in North America since 2010.

See also

References

  1. U.S. importer website “
  2. News article about Miche components “
  3. The Robb Report: The Maserati of Bicycles ""
  4. Barron's Penta Magazine: The $22,550 Bicycle ""
  5. Details Magazine: Cycle Chic, Best New Bikes ""
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