Boschetti Special Shape Columbus MS, 1998, Italy
History & Specifications
Cicli Boschetti was founded in 1973 by Rino Boschetti in Marano sul Panaro (MO). He quickly earned a reputation for high-quality, custom-made frames. In the Modena region, he was regarded as one of the leading innovative frame builders, producing frames in small batches. Many frames were created in collaboration with the master frame builders at MAZA (Antonio Mattioli & Soldino Zanasi).
Boschetti’s curiosity and technical ingenuity earned him great respect within the industry. By the late 1980s, he belonged to the exclusive circle of frame builders to whom Columbus entrusted the special “Multi Shape” tubing set (MS / Gilco Design); a Boschetti Multi-Shape frame was presented to great acclaim at the Milan trade fair in 1987. The two catalog images are from a Boschetti catalog from 1990–91.
In 2020–2021, Rino Boschetti (then in his late 70s) continued to work on projects in his small workshop in Marano sul Panaro, at the foot of the Apennines.
This Boschetti frame received a distinctive, high-quality airbrush paint job by Gianni Schivazappa of Parma, who was considered one of the best painters of his time.
Based on the “25°” engraving on the derailleur—which I interpret as marking the 25th anniversary—and the components installed, I date this Boschetti Special Shape to 1998. A specific frame number was stamped into the bottom bracket at the request of the Swiss importer. In the Baden/Döttingen/Fislisbach area, there were bike shops that sold Boschetti bikes in the 1980s and 90s. A high-quality Campagnolo Record 8-speed groupset, Modolo stem and handlebars, Mavic SUP Ceramic rims, and a Turbo saddle complete this road bike. The derailleur pulleys have been replaced with original Campagnolo parts.
Frame size: seat tube 57 cm (center-to-top), top tube length 56 cm (center-to-center), weight 10.25 kg without pedals