Classic & Vintage - 1983 Marinoni "Special" - Porteur - IT IS DONE!!!!!!

So, after months of various aspects of this project coming together, my porteur is complete!
I do have a few things I'd like to to, namely disassembling the pedals, removing the orange paint, and polishing the alloy; and finishing the elk hide grips with some twine and shellac. I also need to go through with some touch up paint in a few spots like the front dropout area.

The project began with a bargain purchase of the frameset from the Calgary Craigslist. When I got the frame, a couple of things were immediately apparent. First, one of the previous owners had brazed on a front derailleur hanger, followed by a horrible rattlecan paint band in the area. Second, the frame geometry was very relaxed for a Marinoni. 40+" wheelbase, eyelets on the fork and rear dropouts (Campy long slot). Given this, I knew I wanted to build something nice and casual, with a retro feel. Sporty yet relaxed. After some contemplation I decided to do something in line with the sporty 1975 porteur by Rene Herse (pages 148 and 149 of "the golden age of handbuilt bicycles"). Not a complete replication, mind you, but a sporty porteur nonetheless.

Here's a "Before" shot of the frame:

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l564/canyoneagle/1983%20Marinoni%20Special%20Porteur/MarinoniSpecialBefore-Side.jpg

As an IGH convert with no desire or need to utilize a conventional derailleur drive train, I knew the front tab and rear hanger would not be necessary, and my penchant for clean aesthetics called for their removal (let the purists wail and gnash now).
I also knew that the IGH would most likely be a Sturme Archer, and that I would want to utilize the right DT shifter boss for the lever. Well, the useless (and ugly if unused) left shifter boss had to go as well.
I sent the frame to the Marinoni workshop in Montreal, and had it completely refurbished, with the unnecessary bits removed, an additional set of eyelets on the fork for the porteur rack, and a beautiful new paint job.

I fabricated a bracket for the front rack from raw stainless steel flatstock, which was a fun side project.

I'm now back home in Salt Lake City, and had an opportunity to take it out for a spin. What a lovely ride this frame has, as should be expected from an artisan workshop such as Mr. Marinoni's.

So, here's the result:

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l564/canyoneagle/1983%20Marinoni%20Special%20Porteur/83MarinoniSpecialPorteur-fronthub.jpg

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l564/canyoneagle/1983%20Marinoni%20Special%20Porteur/83MarinoniSpecialPorteur-rearhub.jpg

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l564/canyoneagle/1983%20Marinoni%20Special%20Porteur/83MarinoniSpecialPorteur-frontcrown.jpg

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l564/canyoneagle/1983%20Marinoni%20Special%20Porteur/83MarinoniSpecialPorteur-drivetrain1.jpg

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l564/canyoneagle/1983%20Marinoni%20Special%20Porteur/83MarinoniSpecialPorteur-frontdetail1.jpg

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l564/canyoneagle/1983%20Marinoni%20Special%20Porteur/83MarinoniSpecialPorteur-seatpost.jpg

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l564/canyoneagle/1983%20Marinoni%20Special%20Porteur/83MarinoniSpecialPorteur-fronttriangle.jpg

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l564/canyoneagle/1983%20Marinoni%20Special%20Porteur/83MarinoniSpecialPorteur-frontquarter.jpg

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l564/canyoneagle/1983%20Marinoni%20Special%20Porteur/83MarinoniSpecialPorteur-side.jpg

You had me at pic#1. That's gorgeous. I've always wanted to build something similar but always get distracted and, honestly, too cheap.

I had my doubts when I read the title.
A Marinoni Porteur??? Really?
But I'm a believer now...
Awsome build!!!

You had me at pic#1. That's gorgeous. I've always wanted to build something similar but always get distracted and, honestly, too cheap.

Thanks!
Yes, it was a costly process, to be sure. As with all of my bikes I did the entire build myself from high-end components. Here's a build list:

Frame and Fork: 1983 Marinoni "Special" - apparently custom (still trying to get the build sheet)
Bottom Bracket: Phil Wood
Crankset: IRD "Defiant" track Crank - Nuovo Record style, 1/8" 46T
Stem: Nitto Technomic
Handlebars: VO Porteur
Seatpost: VO Grand Cru
Saddle: Brooks Swift - Honey
Front hub: All-City "Sheriff's Star" Campy C-Record style
Rear Hub: Sturmey Archer S3X
Spokes: Wheelsmith DB
Rims: Ambrosio Excellight SSC
Tires: Panaracer Pasela Tourgard 32mm
Fenders: Honjo 43mm
Brakes: Paul "Racer" Medium, polished
Rack:VO Porteur, stainless
Pedals: Crank Bros Acid 1
Chain, Miche track 1/8"
Cog: Surly fixed 16T, 1/8"
Grips: VO Elk hide
Levers: Dia Compe

not bad for a drewed up Italian bike ;) :love:

Nice work. A very beautiful bike, and that color is fantastic.

not bad for a drewed up Italian bike ;) :love:

At least all the "drewing" was done by the Marinoni shop.

Wow, fantastic!
Can you tell me/us more about the brake cable housing? They look almost like they are made of fabric... and pliable?

Wow, fantastic!
Can you tell me/us more about the brake cable housing? They look almost like they are made of fabric... and pliable?

The housing is Jagwire "racer" housing. I love it! I was originally looking for some stainless braided housing but had difficulty finding any in stock at the time.
I think the gold braid in the Jagwire housing is a nice compliment to the bike! One of the cool things about this housing is that it has a more flexible section at the end, making the routing from the top tube to the cable stop really smooth.

http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=9650&category=844

At least all the "drewing" was done by the Marinoni shop.

Correctamundo!
Believe me, I hemmed and hawed about cutting such a nicely brazed frame. The previous owner's hack job FD braze made the decision far easier ;)

It was nice knowing that the same shop that brazed the frame was un-doing some of the old work. When I inquired with Marinoni about who did the work, I was told that Guiseppe did the work himself. =)

[ZB] BTW, that's CANADIAN bike.

Awesome results. I see nothing wrong with your decision. It's now a Marinoni porteur, by Marinoni. ;)

I see a noodle being used at the back...how about some detailed pics?

[ZB] BTW, that's CANADIAN bike.

Awesome results. I see nothing wrong with your decision. It's now a Marinoni porteur, by Marinoni. ;)

I see a noodle being used at the back...how about some detailed pics?

Sure! I'll get some more pics up shortly.

The rear cable extension does look like a noodle. However, it is a secondary flexible housing with a silver braided section under clear housing. This came with the Jagwire housing kit, and I really like it! The flexibility really made the routing very easy, without any awkward springiness between the top tube braze and the rear cable stop.

And yes - ZB - Guiseppi Marinoni studied under Ugo De Rosa in Italy before moving to Montreal in the early 70's to build bikes.

Beautiful job! I'm just about finished my low-budget Peugeot version of your bike - can't compare but it does give me something to compare to. Its a great job and hangs together extremely well.

Mark

Absolutely beautiful! Classic looking, fast, elegant...I really like it. Great color.

Especially love the leather tape and Brooks swift with bag. What a great mix of styles as well!

I like it. I have been inspired to fire up the Dremel tool!!

Really beautiful...BTW...what happened to necessitate paint touch-ups after Marinoni repainted it...???

what happened to necessitate paint touch-ups after Marinoni repainted it...???

I nicked the soft (fresh) paint a couple of times while "dry fitting" the rack and fenders. Nothing major - you can see the nicks in the first photo.

it is very rare that i find a bike that was built 100% to my liking. you sir have done it. everything, it is all perfect. im not even sure i would need to change the saddle height much. what is your inseam?

it is very rare that i find a bike that was built 100% to my liking. you sir have done it. everything, it is all perfect. im not even sure i would need to change the saddle height much. what is your inseam?
Firstly, thank you!

My inseam is a 35" in bare feet.

The frame is a 60cm (seat tube), and the TT just hits my privates when I'm in bare feet (the 32mm tires add some height to the TT vs 23's), with a small clearance in shoes. I know that a 62-64cm would yield a more "French Fit", but the 60 cm still fits very nicely.

Firstly, thank you!

My inseam is a 35" in bare feet.

The frame is a 60cm (seat tube), and the TT just hits my privates when I'm in bare feet (the 32mm tires add some height to the TT vs 23's), with a small clearance in shoes. I know that a 62-64cm would yield a more "French Fit", but the 60 cm still fits very nicely.

i am 34" exactly bare ft and ride a 60cm for tt length. a 1in drop in saddle height, maybe a 1.5in drop in bar height and she would be good to go.

ive got crank brothers pedals on my cross bike so there would be no need for you to send your shoes with the bike ;)

very nice! congrats!

canyoneagle, that conversion came out wonderfully! It's a beauty! Your front rack bracket came out very nicely and I like the thoughtful little touches, like the way you routed the IGH cable through the RD cable guide. Great job, all around.

i am 34" exactly bare ft and ride a 60cm for tt length. a 1in drop in saddle height, maybe a 1.5in drop in bar height and she would be good to go.

ive got crank brothers pedals on my cross bike so there would be no need for you to send your shoes with the bike ;)

:lol:
:D

Snazzy.

I'd have to guard her with my life at the grocery stores for fear of theft.

Have you tried hauling groceries yet?

Snazzy.

I'd have to guard her with my life at the grocery stores for fear of theft.

Have you tried hauling groceries yet?

I have put a couple of loaded toolboxes (45 lbs total) up front and done some slow speed testing. It does okay with heavy loads (though much floppier than a proper front-bias design would yield). I would not feel comfortable riding hands free with that kind of load.

My main use will be as a fair weather commuter, coffee house runs and light duty errands, so I'd imagine my front loads will remain in the 5-15 pound range.

...Guiseppi Marinoni studied under Ugo De Rosa in Italy before moving to Montreal in the early 70's to build bikes.

With all due respect, that's incorrect. He apprenticed with Marc Rossin.

With all due respect, that's incorrect. He apprenticed with Marc Rossin.

and didnt marc rossin work for colnogo?

just trying to sort this out...

I have put a couple of loaded toolboxes (45 lbs total) up front and done some slow speed testing. It does okay with heavy loads (though much floppier than a proper front-bias design would yield). I would not feel comfortable riding hands free with that kind of load.

My main use will be as a fair weather commuter, coffee house runs and light duty errands, so I'd imagine my front loads will remain in the 5-15 pound range.

I feel about the same way with my Jeunet-porteur. Looking closely at your fork, it appears that both of our bikes (formerly road bikes) have similar trail.

I feel about the same way with my Jeunet-porteur. Looking closely at your fork, it appears that both of our bikes (formerly road bikes) have similar trail.

Nice bike! I checked out your flickr album for that bike. Beautiful!

With all due respect, that's incorrect. He apprenticed with Marc Rossin.

Good to know - apparently my prior research was incorrect, then. I'd like to get the facts straight, and you seem to have a sense of this maker's history. Would you be able to recommend a website or other resource that has more than the smattering of (apparent) half truths and supposition?

Thanks for any pointers you may have!

t-mar is the source, there is probably no site he can direct you to.

I doubt there is any record at Marinoni beyond geometry and tubing type and the name of the shop it was sold through. The records are pretty basic that early on.

And 531? That is the first 531 Marinoni I have ever seen, the bike is beautiful and you did a very nice job with it. Enjoy!

And 531? That is the first 531 Marinoni I have ever seen, the bike is beautiful and you did a very nice job with it. Enjoy!

Same here. I've only seen Columbus stickers on any Marinoni pics I have seen.
When I purchased the frame the decal was a 531 tubing/fork model, and I found a NOS replacement and applied it after the paint work was done.

I've actually sent an e-mail to Marinoni to confirm the validity of the 531 decal that was on the frame (if they produced frames with Reynolds tubing in that timeframe).

Keen eye!!!!!!!!
-Michael

and didnt marc rossin work for colnogo?

just trying to sort this out...Good to know - apparently my prior research was incorrect, then. I'd like to get the facts straight, and you seem to have a sense of this maker's history. Would you be able to recommend a website or other resource that has more than the smattering of (apparent) half truths and supposition?

Thanks for any pointers you may have!

There isn't any specific website. I got my info straight from Marinoni himself, during one of my visits to his shop. If I recall correctly and translated properly, the apprenticeship was actually served at Colnago, immediately prior to Rossin setting up his own company.

Edit: Here's a link to another Marinoni thread where I posted some brief background on the man and the company. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/701688-Italian-bike-builder-created-high-art-in-canada-anyone-familiar-with-Marinoni?highlight=Marinoni


And 531? That is the first 531 Marinoni I have ever seen, the bike is beautiful and you did a very nice job with it. Enjoy!

Yes, that caught my eye too. Marinoni used Columbus almost exclusively. However, the OP doesn't have to await a reply to determine if it's Columbus or Reynolds. A Columbus frame will have five spiral ridges inside the bottom of the fork's steerer tube. However, they are quite small (3.5mm wide by only 0.35mm thick) and easily get obscured by wheel splatter, so clean it well and use a good light source.

There isn't any specific website. I got my info straight from Marinoni himself, during one of my visits to his shop. If I recall correctly and translated properly, the apprenticeship was actually served at Colnago, immediately prior to Rossin setting up his own company.

Edit: Here's a link to another Marinoni thread where I posted some brief background on the man and the company. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/701688-Italian-bike-builder-created-high-art-in-canada-anyone-familiar-with-Marinoni?highlight=Marinoni



Yes, that caught my eye too. Marinoni used Columbus almost exclusively. However, the OP doesn't have to await a reply to determine if it's Columbus or Reynolds. A Columbus frame will have five spiral ridges inside the bottom of the fork's steerer tube. However, they are quite small (3.5mm wide by only 0.35mm thick) and easily get obscured by wheel splatter, so clean it well and use a good light source.


WOW!
Great info, T-Mar!

I received an e-mail from Simonne Marinoni this morning that they did in fact use Reynolds on some frames in those days.

My frame seems to be an oddity in its geometry, even for a "Special" - it has noticeably longer chain stays and more fork rake than most if not all of the other Marinonis I've seen (remember, I have fenders and 32's on there). perhaps the more relaxed frames were built with 531, or it was possibly a customer request in this case.

Unfortunately, the shop did not have a copy of the build sheet for my serial number.

Thanks again T-Mar!

I have an 89 Special and I also tried to obtain similar info from Marinoni. They said that it was too old. Mine was clearly a racer by the geo and was built with Columbus SLX.

[ZB]

I see a noodle being used at the back...how about some detailed pics?

Sorry for taking so long to get a better shot of the rear brake cable. Here ya go.

So, it's not a noodle, as it may appear in some of the other shots. Instead, it is a section of housing that has a different (more flexible) weave to ease the transition. I like it.

187125

never seen a 531 'noni either (and i live in the marinoni capital, that is montréal)

can't say i'm a fan of what has been done to this bike, but congrats nonetheless for an obviously well executed project.

that bike is sick! hope to see you riding around SLC represent!

very beautiful. I think the purist may forgive you since you didn't just drew it and make it a fixie.

how was Maroni to deal with? did they give you the evil eye when you said I want this cut off?

very beautiful. I think the purist may forgive you since you didn't just drew it and make it a fixie.

how was Maroni to deal with? did they give you the evil eye when you said I want this cut off?

Nope, the folks at Marinoni were very friendly, and graciously accommodated my request.
I was specific about my plans so they knew I wasn't going to slap deep v-s and a ridiculously narrow bar, etc etc - they knew it was my intention to do a classy build.

I could not imagine doing a cheapie hack job on such a beautiful frame.

The bike has such a nice feel to it - I love it!

Now, if I could only figure out how to remove the decals from the Ambrosio rims without ruining the finish............

that bike is sick! hope to see you riding around SLC represent!

Cool! I assume you're in SLC?
I commute from our home in "sugarhood" to west temple/Redwood and will be riding the 'noni on warm, fair days.