Originally Posted by
mudboy
Sorry for my terse response. As iab stated, Cinelli also sold (mostly cast) frame components, especially when builders were moving to cast lugs, shells, etc. The frame you have certainly looks like a nice one, but having owned two Cinelli's in the past, I can tell you that the new frame is not a Cinelli.
Pete
Mudboy, don't give it a second thought. No harm, no foul. I didn't think this frame was a true blooded Cinelli but the factory did have at least two different top seat post lugs. One where the post pinch bolt went through the rear stay caps and later, through a boss at the end of stay caps. Not being a Cinelli expert, I wasn't sure if maybe there was a third pinch bolt arrangement (like mine) I wasn't aware of.
Also, I am not familiar with the Lotus Cinelli. Does that frame have the same embossed Cinelli logos like my frame does? RobbieTunes says maybe not and I would have to agree. Why would Cinelli allow another maker use thier logo unless it was a true Cinelli? Anyway, there now seems to be a third possibility and that is the ultra mysterious "Blue" Equipe that has been near impossible to tie down factually. I love a good mystery.
John