So...I finally scored a frame I've been looking for tonight.

It's a '92 Chesini Innovation.

It is being sold with a non-matching fork, chrome Columbus with Gipiemme dropouts...I have the option of buying the frame alone for $50 less, and save $10 on shipping.

Thoughts?

I would probably just run a full CF Time Equipe Pro Featherlight (with an aluminum insert I made) that I have sitting here.

First of all, congrats Mark.

Second of all, we need big, bright pics when you have a moment.

Third, I'd ride the Time, no doubt. That's a nice fork.

What are you going to build her with?

Or better yet, what Campy gruppo can we talk you into?

Yeah - the photos are making it tough to answer.

My gut is saying CF (assuming the rake matches), and here's why...

I find all chrome forks garish, especially when they're not original. Without chrome headlugs and/or chrome stays to balance it, it just looks out of place. If the fork isn't going to be original, get one that feels great...and I really like having a CF fork with a steel frame. If you don't have that combo, give it a try.

I'm with Grady and Aaron.
1-That chrome fork looks really nice with mid-80's frames, like a Cilo, where the pedigree isn't stamped on the OEM.
2-If you plan to ride it, I'd go with the CF if you don't have the OEM fork. Give yourself the best you can put on it.
3-It's easier to pop wheelies with a lighter fork.

You should see Julia ride one on her Felt b2.

Now that's talent!

I dunno, I like all chrome forks, personally. You're never going to find an original fork for that bike, and I don't like the way CF forks look with steel frames... I'd get the chrome fork.

Pics will be awhile...it's coming from afar.

It can be built with Centaur 10 (silver, but CF or century blades) or Chorus 11...the Chorus is CF of course.

Wheels will be shared with others for now... A23/Chorus or DT Swiss/Superlights

-Mark

i completely agree.

i am also interested in the alloy insert. think you can make one for an easton EC90sl w/ a 1in steerer?

i vote centaur if you go with a steel fork and chorus if you go carbon. i keep dreaming of putting my record 10 (full carbon) on an old steel frame with a carbon fork.

Aaron... The stays are chrome (1/2 seats, full chains)...but...I would rather find a Chesini fork, eventually.
If I'm gonna build it reasonably light then the CF does make the most sense.

I never thought I'd find the frame...I might find a fork someday!

I would probably paint the CF fork to match/complement

That would help it work...it's tough to see details in the photo (and I stink at noticing detail as it is). I'd still go CF for the ride...especially if you haven't tried the combo before. I really, REALLY dig how my Serotta feels with the Alpha Q.

I could make another insert...but...I would need careful dimensions for steerer ID and length above headtube. If you wanted the type to knock a starnut into then it would be simpler...a threaded top section needs install heights/etc.

i would want very thin aluminum. it would be for a threadless stem/compression plug setup. i can get an ID measurement using a set of calipers. i would think the ID is fairly consistent all the way down.

Way over my head. Glad you guys are here to answer my questions.

+1 Good to see you around, Mark! I'd go with carbon until you find an original fork.

This is where I'm leaning.

As far as the insert...it can be done (2) ways:

a)thin-walled tophat, open center, drive a starnut in.

b)thin-walled tophat with a solid recessed section about 20mm down threaded for the 6mm cap bolt...no starnut needed.

I was looking on my phone earlier Mark. I would go CF painted to match, with that frame the crown on the fork does not match in my opinion. The original has more of a rounded aeroish crown right? I think a nice thin curved fork like the Time Equipe painted to match would be a great fit!

It seems like chrome forks are getting harder to come by, so it might not hurt to have it on hand.

Jake

800g of chrome delight.

Yeah, original fork is semi-sloping "crownless" with Chesini engraving, I believe.

Painted Time it is...I think I'll leave the extra 800g behind in Europe though.

Congrats on the score by the way! Great frame.
Is your friend still in need of a mirage campy freehub? I found and extra if he is.

Jake

You left out that it's EL OS! WELL PLAYED!

i love my ELOS frame

i'm with you 100% on that.

i just lashed a time CF fork on my old '85 Trek and found it much to my liking. saved some weight too. i wish i was as impressed with my new all CF frame and fork. (my initial impressions were good, but like moving the furniture... it always looks good at first and then in a week you realize it's not.)

OP, i see, i think, that the frame is painted black. most CF forks are black and look pretty good on a black frame. mine does. of course it (mine that is) is just a common frame but you might want to mount the fork and "test drive" it a while...

BTW, i thought Chesini was an astromomer known for his discovery of the gaps in Saturn's rings... but i may be mistaken on that.

+1

OH YEAH...Nivachrome goodness all the way.

Oh yeah... EL-OS.

Frame is blue with chrome stays and yellow/gold pantographing/engraving.

If the build goes Chorus 11 then I will probably use black saddle/tape/rims...If silver components then possibly white saddle/tape and silver rims. Perhaps yellow cabling to accentuate the pantos...perhaps white.

Hey Jake...He probably still needs it...let me know how much.

you are speaking my language