ZULIANI Oria 'helical' tubing 80s

[Jesper]

I am aware of the racer Aldo Zuliani (1929-2011), but I have no idea if this brand has anything to do with him being directly involved with the brand, other family tie-ins, or just a tribute to him. Who knows; I have never seen another frame of this brand nor even a pantographed component.

I don't know if the paint is original so the "ML 25" "3 TUBI" Oria decal may not be original. I have seen other frames with this style of helically grooved tubing (Conti, and Ciöcc), but no direct reference to the "ML 25" tubeset having helical grooves. I only have a couple other Oria tubeset frames, and of those only one has shaped tubing (late 80s Moser Leader SC with somewhat 'octagonally' cross-sectional shaped tubing- very lightweight that I believe is the "GM 0.0" tubing). Seat post is 27.2mm, 126mm rear fork; Gipiemme drop-outs.

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

After some research I found that Aldo Zuliani rode for Faggin in 1951; specifically recruited by the company before he went professional in 1952. That might mean that Faggin produced the frame, but I have no evidence that they used Oria tubes for their frames. It's possible that Faggin used Oria tubes for frames not bearing their name, but that is pure speculation. I'll try to see if they used Oria for any of their contract frames. Again, there may be no connection to Aldo Zuliani or Faggin regarding this frame.