Some of the rarest and most sought after frames were made by Italy's Mario Confente. After moving to the US to help set up MASI USA, Confente built bikes under his own name. His bikes were revered for their style and quality by even the most recognized builders, as evidenced by this letter: "Dear Mario, A few days ago I passed your house to say hello but I was surprised to see your mother and father a little demoralized by your leaving [to the USA]. They assured me that you will be back in 20 to 30 days. This pleases me because as we agreed I was going to propose a business with large profits. Come back soon and when you arrive in Milan, give me a call and I will come and get you and bring you home. Write to me. Sincerely, Ernesto Colnago" By his death in 1979, only 135 frames bearing his name were ever made. #cyclinghistory #WNDcyclinghistory #MarioConfente #Confente (at West End Bikes PDX)
