The Giro d’Italia is renowned for inclement weather, which often forces cancellation of it’s ‘queen’ stages over the Alps. But on the 5th of June, 1988, blinded by snow and ice, Andy pushed himself to the limit and secured the Maglia Rosa. Hampsten Cycles are borne upon the grit and determination that Andy and his brother Steve, share as a family trait, and their Team UOS is the perfect vehicle to test your own mettle.
These days, Andy and Steve encourage people to enjoy the pleasure of Italian high-country riding—albeit in less frosty conditions—through their tour company, Cinghiale Cycling Tours. Their Team UOS is designed for such sportif riding, constructed from a mix of Columbus’ Pego-Richie and Spirit-for-Lugs tubes and Richard Sachs’ new UOS (Uber Over-Sized) lugs. The frames are built by Martin Tweedy at the Hampsten base in Seattle, WA.
Once the frames have been brazed by Martin, they’re sent to Russ in Chico, CA, who painstakingly paints them and lines the lugs. I’m still unsure about the boar that adorns the head tube, because this ain’t no pig of a bike. I’ll wager it has the potential to dance up Alps with the greatest of ease. See more on the Hampsten Cycles website. For more information on the tours, led by Andy himself, head to the Cinghiale website.
