solveg

I'm putting these photos in their own thread, so if anyone is ever looking for info, it will be easy to find. If anyone has any info about these bikes, please post it here.

Apparently, Cinelli and Gary Fisher developed a line of Mountain Bikes in 1991 (or Fisher simply distributed, although there is only one reference stated like this), and this line only lasted a year. I have seen 3 models referenced on the web. The most common seems to be the Ottomilla (https://www.firstflightbikes.com/1991..._Ottomilla.htm and https://irwinsbikes.com/2007/01/07/my-bikes/). There are also photos of an Argento Vivo (https://www.firstflightbikes.com/CinelliATB.html). There are references to a "next machine" which retailed for over $3000 in 1991, and a "tamputucco" but we're not real sure of the spelling of tamputucco.

Where it has been referenced, these bikes are made from thin Columbus tubing which dents easily. 2 of the models, the Tamputucco and the Tiramisu both have colorful "Hawaii Party" graphics on it, and are made in Taiwan. However, one person noted that Cinelli claims to have made the first MTBs in Italy, so there are probably Italian versions. The Argento Vivo has "circuit board" graphics (monotone?) that are pretty crazy on the seat tube only.

This particular frame is a Tiramisu. The decals are badly damaged (Not a good idea to put so many decals on a bike that's actually used off road!). It came with a bunch of sachs mountain parts, and really cool bars! I have no idea what to do with this bike, and it's going into cold storage. I think it's a very homely bike, but yet cool. I waffle.

solveg

fender1

I love it! If it is 20 inch frame send me a pm if you would like to sell it.

cyclotoine

Yeah that is totally radical. If it were 23.5" or bigger I'd be getting all nervous and PMing you wanting to buy it.

iab

I wouldn't waffle, that is a sweet frame.

solveg

Here's a photo I just found of another Tiramisu! It was from a wrench in a LBS. Customer brought it in, was open to selling it. Don't know what happened, as there was no response. This one is much prettier, in my opinion. It also has the same sachs components on it that mine has, so I'm going to assume they were the originals.

solveg

The decals are trashed. The kid that sold it to me started to take them off a small area, but decided it was too much work.

I just don't know what the best way to approach this bike is.

Is it feasible to reconnect the missing decal lines with paint, just so they're contiguous? Or I suppose you could creatively remove just the parts that are too damaged?

If I decide it's too much for me, I'll let you guys know....but in the meantime, how would you attempt a restoration?

solveg

Y'know...from a distance the decals don't look bad. And close up, they deter thieves... Maybe I won't do anything to them.

QuickDraw

I wouldn't do a thing to it, nice CL score, I saw it on there yesterday.

that is a cool looking frame.

East Hill

Personally I think you would be 'totally rad' riding around on a bike like that, solveg .

But, if you don't go for it, at least there are people who would like to help you solve the problem of 'what to do'.

East Hill

TimJ

Post some pics of the components, please. I don't know I've ever seen sachs mtb bits.

dannyg1 

Sure you have, they're called 'SRAM' now.

Danny

abeyance

I remember seeing a NOS one a long time ago on ebay for 250, I passed on it because it had an italian bb thread. Tracking down parts like an italian mountain bb was something I didn't want to deal with. I deal with enough bikes with obscure parts. It would be worse than trying to find a 1 1/8 threaded stem and headset.

SingeDebile

yeah you should definately have fun with that bike!

I have just started looking for an early 80's mtn bike XL frame myself

solveg

More Cinelli history, for future people:

Here's the ATB that Cinelli says was the first in Italy, called the Rampichino:



Cinelli website says:

1985. Rampichino
The first Italian mountain bike. Rampichino is the name of a small birds which “climbs” (in Italian ar-rampica) the branches of the trees. The name Rampichino becomes a neologism in the Italian language, synonymous of mountain bike for a long time. Gary Fisher was the first distributor of Italian MTB in the US and we organised the first MTB competition in Italy too.

From Cycling News, Jan96:

THE HISTORY OF RAMPICHINO

California 1978: Invented in San Francisco by Gary Fisher, it's
called the mountain bike. Italy 1985: Re-invented in Milan by
Antonio Colombo, it's called Rampichino. Born as a competition
machine for a few enthusiasts, the mountain bike is re-born with
us as a new sport for all. That's history. With the ecological
elegance of its woodland green colour, and backed up by the
magazine Airone, the Rampichino was the very first Italian MTB and
trailblazer for all the others, and its name has become a byword
in the Italian language. Ten years have passed: Today Cinelli,
sensitive to the Italian language. Ten years have passed: Today
Cinelli, sensitive to the mood of its fans, celebrates the
anniversary.Again on the wings of Airone ("The Heron")
magazine,the Rampichino 10 arrives. It's not just a remake, but
once again it's the "bike that didn't exist". In two ways: Firstly
because it's the off-road touring bike for the refined and mature
user, based on a new leisure ratherthan racing concept, but with
10 years of racing experience behind it. Secondly, because there
will be a junior version with the same components as the adult
version, and the same light and easy to use controls, ushering in
a new cycling era, one in which children too will have an agile
and reliable machine, or in other words, a safe one. To reinforce
this concept, the Rampichino 10 helmet is being to launched, to
encourage, we hope, the use of helmets on a regular basis, and not
just for racing. So we started with nostalgia,and end up in the
future. In the line with the Airone-Rampichino philosophy.

solveg

Here's the Cinelli "Next Machine":

oopfoo

Heck, since we're posting Cinelli MTBs, I should post what was just completed YESTERDAY! (new bike giddiness here)

My SoftMachine:


Although I like my first racing XC bike, I must say the older Cinellis had a LOT more character. Like ALL older Cinellis, apparently. My Supercorsa is still my favorite bike, EVER.

If anyone EVER wants to sell, this is one collector who would love it and treat it well.

solveg

Here's an Argento Vivo Frame, for sale at https://shop.cnc-bike.de/product_info...4qjv9g23u0je92 for 239 euros

solveg

And here's another one from 1991 "The Absolute Machine": https://www.firstflightbikes.com/CinelliTAM.htm




OK. I think I've found everything I can. I feel like I just did research for a paper!

The mystery is all these mountain bike models, and they gave up the experiment after only a year.

Nice bike oopfoo!

oopfoo

I should mention that Cinelli did not give up the experiment after just a year, unless you're referring solely to the Gary Fisher collaboration. My SoftMachine frame was built in 2004 or 2005, unless I'm mistaken. The Argento Vivo is newer than 2000, as well. I think there are quite a few other models missing here, and don't forget Cinelli's "Bootleg" line, which includes a couple urban frames that are arguable MTBs.

solveg

Update: the tiramisu frame has an english BB.

greenthing

here is mine

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greenthing

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Panthers007

Looks like what happens if you mix magic-mushrooms with tequila. Very interesting.

solveg

That's my bike!!!!!!

Great! There are some pictures that didn't load for me. Can everyone else see them?

How long have you had that bike? Are the decals in good shape?