Atala Bikes of Italy
The name Atala was considered one of the great manufacturers of Italian bicycles, particularly racing models of the past. It was founded by Cesare Rizzato in Padua, Italy.
Since the early twentieth century Atala ran its own cycling team, participating in the first editions of the Tour of Italy and having success to win the unusual competition for teams of 1912.
Following a high period which saw many victories on the road at some of the world championships in the 80s the company hthen experienced a period of crisis, being sold by the Rizzo family in 2002, forming the new group Atala, owned by a group of owners of Milan and Banca Antonveneta. It is currently owned by the Turkish company Bisiklet Bianchi, with Turkey being almost the entire centre of production, so famous an Italian brand with production in Turkey.
Today Turkey produces mainly a leisure bike with various lines, but imports from China also accessories, spare parts and items for fitness.
Atala also diversified like many other manufactueres into motorcycles.
From 1938 to 2002 was a remarkable motorcycle production in the field of small displacements and some models were powered by the electric motor.
From our point of view looking at classic bikes Atala was definitely a full range manufacturer. They did produce entry level models and during the 1970's bike boom these models were barely above department store models. These bicycles left a lot to be desired, but they attracted the customers, because the Italians made sure they emphasized the cosmetics with lots of chrome and elegant paint. During the 1980s there were many lower mid-range model made which can still be picked up today and restored into an interesting project. During this period many of the Italian manufacturers simply named the bicycle based on the tubeset and/or grouppo eg Atala Aelle Triomphe. It may have been Campy Triomphe or Gran Sport equipped but more likely it was Campagnolo derailleurs mixed with various Miche, Gipiemme, Modolo, Ofmega and/or Universal componentry. If you are lucky enough find an old Italian frame to work on you might want to consider sourcing these components to keep it unique.
