QUICK RELEASE:
Pino International, Ltd. (Pino Morroni) - curved handle quick release mechanisms - second edition simply marked "PINO" on their end caps - aluminum alloy end caps and knurled adjusters with nylon screw fittings - titanium skewer rods ... [Despite the fact that those titanium skewers normally associated with O.M.A.S. Titanio hubs are quite nice and light in their own right, I thought it only appropriate in consideration of this bicycle’s heritage to replace them with genuine Pino International, Ltd. (Pino Morroni) quick release mechanisms having similarly titanium skewers - specifically, those late model second edition types having only the single word "PINO" stamped into their end caps. These oft sought and fairly uncommon QRs debuted in to the general cycling populace back in 1975 and were commercially available in strictly limited numbers until roughly the mid 1980’s. It might also be worth pointing out that Pino’s unusual quick release mechanisms would appear to have been used as a basis for the earliest version of American Classic skewers which were introduced to market in 1983. The primary differences between the American Classic and its Pino predecessor being the QR handle lever which is more rounded and simplistic in design than the original configuration and the fact that the actual axle rod was of standard steel composition and not titanium - both of these being practical concessions with respect to the higher volume production / lower cost basis sought by American Classic. My guess (...as in this is wonton speculation on my part, but I would like to think that it is at least carefully considered speculation) is that Pino in effect licensed the design to Bill Shook of American Classic on some sort of quid pro quo basis given that the two had already established a codified business relationship wherein Bill was supplying the unique built-to-specification ferrules and spokes that Pino was using to produce his own "triple nut" wheelsets during this same time frame.]
