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-   -   My Cinelli (https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/787284-my-cinelli.html)

pastorbobnlnh 12-18-11 07:41 PM

Frank, you are a genius :D (in my book at least) when it comes to working metal. Are your sure you can't stretch the frame to make it fit better? ;)

Road Fan 12-18-11 08:29 PM


Originally Posted by ftwelder (Post 13615361)
I will try a couple of things for sure to try to get a better fit and ride the bike a bit. Most of my vintage bikes are 58 or 60 TT.

73/73, 30mm drop, 428 chainstays to middle of wheel slot. seat tube 560 center to top, 560 TT.

I noticed one of the rims was a super champion. There are also two high-flange sets. One is Weinmann and the other may have been Nisi.

Where can I find more info on this gem? I have seen the CR info.

I think I would be inclined to get it very very clean, polish the rust spots on the chrome, do some paint fill and level on the tubes and do my best to bring out the color on the frame details.

On the components, clean and repair any crash damage and replace any bent or damaged fasteners etc. I looked the frame over and found no dents.

I have another saddle about 20% better but this one is perfect.

The paint is very thin but it's pretty solid like the transfers. The owner kept it well lubed and it's perfectly tuned and as smooth as warm butter on the stand. The shifting is intuitive. I have some perfect levers and hoods for this bike as well.

What would you guys (and gals) do with this bike? I am still in shock really and feel like the Dali Lahma borrowed my van to "move some stuff" or something. It's a little too small and haven't worked around that yet.

I would make the existing components work as well as possible, clean and judiciously stabilize the existing paint, and address the fit issues. Temporarily use a seatpost with more setback than the old 2-bolt Campy or substitute a Specialized or Selle AnAtomica saddle that has loads of setback capability, and consider similar adaptations where necessary at the stem. I've found new or perfect parts transferred to a patinated vintage bike stand out like a sore thumb. Better to just do what it takes to make the existing stuff work. Especially disassemble and inspect all the bearings to see if any are pitted, and torque all the bolts to as close to factory as you can figure - if one breaks it might be a pain to get the correct replacement, and the patination of the fasteners is part of her look. She's had a good and exuberant life - if she's not gonna get a full facelift (and I would not do that until I know how to fit it to me), let her wear the signs of her great live with dignity, and keep her ready to go out and play in traffic at a moment's notice.

That's what I'd do with her. Respect her by keeping her able to do what she was born to do.

BlueDevil63 12-18-11 11:09 PM


Originally Posted by ftwelder (Post 13610203)

Your tubing sticker is older than the one on mine, which I believe to be a '72:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-C...C00356.ARW.jpg

ftwelder 12-19-11 02:37 AM


Originally Posted by BlueDevil63 (Post 13616423)
Your tubing sticker is older than the one on mine, which I believe to be a '72:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-C...C00356.ARW.jpg


wow, yours is sharp! The only new parts I would add are tires, toe straps, tape and wires. The ride like the wind! LOL

AndyK 12-19-11 06:51 PM


Originally Posted by BlueDevil63 (Post 13616423)
Your tubing sticker is older than the one on mine, which I believe to be a '72:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-C...C00356.ARW.jpg

Wow! Did you have your Cinelli restored/repainted? I'd love to get mine restored to look like that!

ericbaker 12-29-12 01:15 PM

Resurected for build continuation!

I've been chasing a specific '74 Rose Cinelli for the better part of a year now, i know that it exists and it is not in a cherished collection, but the basement of old personal bikes of an eccentric ex-rider; However none of my emails or phone calls have been returned since that initial conversation, so obviously Ive been losing hope.

Then, I went to Frank's this weekend to pick up some parts he made for another project, I told him of my chase and he mentioned his Cinelli may be on the table since it was too small for him...

So i did my best to present a tempting enough array of goodies that we could find a deal and I could satisfy my Cinelli fever. One of my prized framesets (that was a bit too big for me), a beautiful super record group, and a toss in Vitus built aluminum Bertoni frame kit and we had a handshake.

So the next few days were spent stripping, cleaning, drooling, polishing, waxing, fawning, and assambling.

Here a couple pics of where i am now:

bucket o bits
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...012568A8CF.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...012CEB4D1A.jpg

MANicure break
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...0131BF7A0A.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...01358E4929.jpg

OK, back to assembly
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...08EA58C87D.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...08E0A1D8AE.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...08FA052F09.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...0901EFF365.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...08F26EF113.jpg


Now Im just waiting for a package from Frank with the wheels and brakes I forgot there!

KonAaron Snake 12-29-12 01:47 PM

Wow Eric - you're really turning this around! I just hope that mine looks this good someday.

repechage 12-29-12 02:07 PM

And here to think I took Frank at his word when he commented it was a keeper way back.
Note to self, keep asking anyway when someone states that.
In the intervening time I found a different one, same size and about the same year.
A true survivor you have, that bike has charm.
I collected a few other projects elsewhere but, there is a satisfaction in just tearing one down, cleaning it up thoroughly and putting it back together.
One thing I was prepared for but forgot a bit is mine is sure heavy! I think between the cast frame bits and probable SP tubing it is no lightweight.

By the way, Veloculture has a younger one on auction on ebay at the moment.
1979-80 ish, I think when they still used the 26.2 seat post, but more up to date geometry of the period.

ericbaker 12-29-12 02:17 PM

If it fit him, Im sure he never would have turned it loose. Also the frame he got from me I had said to be one of my "Keepers". It is certainly more rare and unique even than this, as well as his size, although not as old or sought after... sometimes a trade just works out for everybody.

rootboy 12-29-12 02:28 PM

So, is it too personal or inappropriate to ask which frame set that was?

Also, is that you clipping Frank's fingernails? Or him clipping yours? ;)

Giacomo 1 12-29-12 02:41 PM


Originally Posted by ftwelder (Post 13615361)
What would you guys (and gals) do with this bike? I am still in shock really and feel like the Dali Lahma borrowed my van to "move some stuff" or something. It's a little too small and haven't worked around that yet.

Remember, we shrink as we get older!:D

But seriously, there are two likely ways to go here. Extend the cockpit some so you can ride her as other here have mentioned, or just build it up as a piece of very nice wall art. Selling it would not be an option in my book. You know you have something special here.

I'd opt to make it rider, but then again, there is no guarantee you'll ever be truly satisfied with it. You might never quite get past the fact that it rides to small for you. But if you like the fact that you have something unique and important, than just restore the bike, keep and admire her. Find a nice place in the house, maybe the basement or next to the fireplace, display it, admire it, and just look at it with a nice Scotch in your hand. Nothing really wrong with that!

bibliobob 12-29-12 03:22 PM


Originally Posted by Road Fan (Post 13615986)
Temporarily use a seatpost with more setback than the old 2-bolt Campy



That's what I'd do with her. Respect her by keeping her able to do what she was born to do.

Any suggestions for appropriate posts with more setback? Doesn't have to be perfectly period correct; just reasonably aesthetically compatible.... I have a similar conundrum with my rose Cinelli, which is awaiting its winter rebuild....

jimmuller 12-29-12 03:24 PM


Originally Posted by Giacomo 1 (Post 15098398)
remember, we drink as we get older!:D

FIFY

Why are all my uppercase letters being replaced with lower unless I post something silly like this?

ftwelder 12-29-12 03:27 PM

I don't do nails!

I work on old bikes that have inspired me in some way. The Cinelli, beautiful as it is, was never really going to work out fit-wise and the fact that it didn't get much attention was another sign I didn't need it. Eric was the source of a wonderful part of my collection (that you will see some day) so I really wouldn't say no.

I hope to find one my size some day! In the mean time I have some new projects to keep me busy!

rhm 12-29-12 04:08 PM

Well done, Frank! It's great that you got to handle that Cinelli and appreciate it and recognize that it wasn't for you.

ThermionicScott 12-29-12 04:46 PM

Very cool! So often it's annoying to see an old thread being bumped, but in C&V it's usually because something genuinely interesting has happened. I can't wait to see more of this build. :thumb:

PedalTraveler 12-29-12 04:53 PM

What a gem of a find, look forward to hearing how it rides!

Michael Angelo 12-29-12 06:12 PM

Very nice.

rootboy 12-29-12 06:27 PM

Yeah. That's a pearl, Ericbaker. Frank was just keeping it warm for you.

We're all happy for you ... you lucky bastid ;)

gioscinelli 12-29-12 07:40 PM

Welcome to the world of Cinelli Aficionados!! Beautiful Cinelli! Don't repaint, clean up and protect the surface to maintain it's original patina:thumb:

Gary Fountain 12-29-12 09:11 PM

Sorry about this late comment - Wonderful bike!!!

-holiday76 12-30-12 05:34 PM

Not too shabby, if youre into that type of thing.

Kactus 12-30-12 08:04 PM


Originally Posted by -holiday76 (Post 15101490)
Not too shabby, if youre into that type of thing.

Yeah... who could possible be into something like an old Cinelli! ;)


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