The Duemila

The Duemila
An unusual 1960s Italian folder

			The Italians have never produced a really good small-wheeled bicycle, despite their considerable engineering tradition. They have, however, occasionally produced interesting machines that provide a talking point - even if the riding experience is less than exhilarating. The Duemila, made in Padua, was a case in point. The interesting aspects were the exceptional fore and aft adjustment of the motor-scooter-style saddle and the integral front carrier, created by the unusual fork configuration. Opposite is the front of an English-language brochure for the bike, showing how all the family could ride it - though ideally not at the same time. There is no evidence that the bike was ever marketed in the UK, which at the time (mid to late 1960s) was not part of the European Common Market, as the EC was then known.

The back of the brochure is shown opposite. This shows not only the adult version but the children's model, the Duemila Minor. The photo below, which I took in Bruges (Belgium) in the summer of 1970, shows the only Duemila I have ever seen. Any further information would be appreciated.