It’s an established fact that the work of Dario Pegoretti has an acquired taste. Personally, I acquired that taste the moment I first laid eyes on one of his hand-painted frames. The green stucco Responsorium may not be for everyone, but I would gladly accommodate one in my garage.

The frame itself might sear the eyes of some, but the sight of it dressed up with a well-chosen selection of parts such as this might make them think otherwise. It’s both surreptitious and gregarious, and simultaneously gaudy and chic — as only the Italians can be.

Sausalito’s Above Category Cycling were struggling to garner interest in the green stucco finish which, by the way, is also offered in other colours, but this combination will turn the heads of those looking for a completely individual ride.

Above Category installed Campgnolo’s Record groupset on the Responsorium, which is a perfectly natural and national fit to the frames of Dario Pegoretti, whose own workshop is located in Roncegno, Trentino in the north of Italy. That should tick the boxes for the Italophiles out there.

So too, should the fi’zi:k cockpit: their Bull R1 handlebar, married to the Cyrano stem, was specifically chosen for the clear finish which matches the frame. Of course, in this situation, black Microtex tape was an easy choice.

A pair of Zip 404 wheels get the Responsorium moving, while the fi’zi:k Antares saddle and Cyrano R1 post top off the build list. The Columbus decal, a nod from Antonio Colombo to Dario, is a nice touch — from two godfathers of Italian cycling culture and art.

Big thanks to Matt White and Above Category Cycling for the photos. Head to the website for more.