Alan@TreeFort

I put up a thread about 9 months ago when I acquired a very special 1964/65 Cinelli SC (you can find that thread here: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...y-this-Cinelli!)

It took me the better part of that time working on the restoration, a very fun project but it's also fun to be finished! Thanks for all the advice along the way. Most everything is original save for the bar tape, tires, cables/housing, toe clips/straps, and rims. I'll need new brake pads put can let that wait until its the weather is safe to ride.

Grabbed some quick shots today, and thought it would be fun to line up before and after shots side by side, and the some extra afters thrown in at the end.

Before:


After:


Before:


After:


Before:


After:


Before:


After:


Before:


After:

Alan@TreeFort

And a few more:

elguicho 

Very nice, enjoy it. I keep looking for a Cinelli, one day...

sced

A beauty. I have an all chrome project that been waiting to be finished for about two years - to much work work.

ftwelder

Nice, I am getting ready to get going on mine. Spring is just around the corner!

simmonsgc

Lovely! Where'd the frame pump wind up? Are you gonna re-use it, too? Many happy miles on your Cinelli.

MH20

What method did you use to clean up the rusted chrome so well? OA Bath?

iab

Those all chrome Cinellis are certainly special. And breath taking.

Alan@TreeFort

Nope. Most of the rust came right off off with a little WD-40 and lightly rubbing with a scrubby sponge. On the really bad spots where the chrome flaked revealing exposed (and rusted over) steel, I removed the rust with a dremel and brass brush, and coated over the steel with clear coat to try and prevent future rusting. I tried OA on a couple troublesome spots using OA soaked rags, but it didn't work well and I was scared might get to the decals somehow, so quickly stopped attempting that method.

Ed in Toronto

Beautiful, you did a great job.

lowlife1975

sweet... a 60's/ 70's cinelli is definitely one of the last few bikes on my must have checklist. interestingly, i just acquired a very similar bike as your cinelli. also in the 63/64 time period and by a top tier italian builder, with a first gen NR set up and universal 61's. i hope to unveil its identity with photos soon!

mkeller234

That is superb

Rip Van Winkle

Nice!

iab

Unfotunately, the clear coat may yellow after exposure to UV. I have a couple of bikes with a lot of exposed steel. I use car wax. You have to be diligent checking the wax job every year. But it isn't as perminant as clear coat.

ColonelJLloyd 

Great job, Alan. It's gorgeous!

dbakl

I'd guess the all chrome ones somewhat rare. My friend in college had one, only chrome one I've seen in real life.

Really sweet.

rootboy 

Been waiting for this. Looks superb Alan. I know you don't need the peanut gallery quibbles but, shorten up that rear brake housing just a bit, maybe both, and thread those toe straps through the bottom of the pedal cages and twist them twice before exiting the cage. Other guys here too polite to say this, I'm sure. Of course, you're probably still fine tuning it. That said, you did an outstanding job on it. What a fine old bike. The rough spots on the frame just give it character and an honest use look. Splendid. What a bike. I don't lust after many bikes, but that is on the top of the list.

devinfan

Congratulations Alan - stunning result. I've been waiting to see this one. If I were you, I couldn't resist springing for some NOS Universal levers with hoods. It would complete the bike IMHO and make riding more comfortable too. I got a set from Mike Barry in Toronto of Mariposa Bicycles, I believe he still has a few if you're interested. Anyway, what you've done is my favourite kind of restoration - gently bringing a bike back to life instead of turning it into something totally different. Well done.

junkfoodjunkie

Nice!!

Jake

Alan@TreeFort

Interesting about the toe straps... I was scared I'd cut the housing too short so left it long with the intention to cut later, not sure when (or if) that will happen :-)

Alan@TreeFort

Unfortunately for the pump to fit, the clamp needs to be lined up over Reynolds decal. I may put it back on, but think I'd rather keep it off and have the decal showing.

Good to know, I'll look out for it!

bibliobob

Well done! It looks great. Enjoy the hell out of it!

FYI, you can also get reproduction Universal hoods from Robbie Fellows.

repechage

It looks good. I would have been really torn and probably would have had it rechromed for big dollars as I just don't like peeling chrome. But, if needed it can always be done later.

jbkirby

Alan:

What a thrill taking a bike and bringing it back to its original glory without removing the patina of age. Your bike looks gorgeous and carries the dignity of its age well. You did a great job bringing your Cinelli back to life!

rootboy 

Shorter brake housings will tighten up the appearance a bit. It's a b**tch getting the straps inserted in the pedal cages. The angles. The sharp castings will tear the edges of the straps a bit but they'll be a lot more functional all tucked in. And safer. What tires did you chose?
nice bike :>