Cinelli frames
 

Greetings, FNG alert!

I have been lurking, searching, learning from this forum.. The information shared here is awesome.

But, still have a tough time finding the definitive answer to..

Are Cinelli frames still made in Italy exclusively, or have they left long ago?
I have quite the Cinelli fetish, though often tempted to veer astray by Colnago, Cannondale, BMC, and Cervelo etc, etc...
What can I say, I'm easily swayed by shiny things and beautiful machines, at least they are quality products I can feel are worth the premium cost.

From what I read on this forum Cervelo is made in China? This would lead me to believe that possibly many frame builders that I ignorantly perceive as craftsman could be stamped out in a country far from it's heritage or headquarters.

I would like some authenticity if purchasing an Italian piece of art such as Cinelli, Colnago or De Rosa. Any online guides or information would be appreciated.

Thank you 5

I'm not sure about Cinelli's carbon and aluminum models, but my understanding is that at the very least, the Supercorsa and Supercorsa Pista are still hand brazed in Italy. I believe until recently they were being built by Losa, although I am unaware who is doing the building for Cinelli now. You might search the Classic and Vintage forum for more info on who is building the Supercorsa, I know it has been discussed there.
There is a DeRosa importer in my town,Trialtir, and a mechanic at my local bike shop told me that they claim that the titanium DeRosa frames are being hand made by Ugo DeRosa's son in the original factory. I would not doubt that their steel Neo Primato is still built in Italy as well.

Thank you kirke for the feedback, I will continue to search these forums, lots of great help here.

I assume just as with many brands, once demand reaches a certain level it becomes and issue of overhead in labor and materials to produce in the original factory or methods.

Since I'm a Clyde, it is important for me to make sure I'm not getting a knock off if I decide to pay for a premium lineage frame. With products like Fender guitars there is usually websites that track serial numbers to years and locations, any knowledge (anybody) of a site like this? Or best a Cinelli expert in this forum?

I'm still trying to determine what material frame I will buy for my Clydeness (5' 10"-235 lbs..but not for long!)....and now this question in my head. I do know that the wheels will be strong (Deep V?) so, I'm hoping to pick up a top of the line frame to ease my ego just a little. Still doing my research, cant wait to get out there this spring after a move back to the US from Japan.

Again thanks kirke!
5

I have a Cinelli Xperience and I think its the most beautiful and advanced aluminum frame you can buy. Im 6'2" and under 200 lbs.

You might want to look into their Super Corsa lugged steel frames. They are very nice as well.

Thanks Rich... I agree the Xperience is a beautiful bike with great engineering to boot. I have a picture of a built out Xperience bike on my iphone screensaver, I look at it when I order food at a restaurant so I dont order too much (hard to do in Japan)! In your mind and from your research would you say that 235 lbs is too heavy for an aluminum frame? I honestly would rather lose the weight and buy the bike I will ride for a long while then buy a sherman tank bike that I will hopefully feel is not needed in the near future. I just like the look of the Cinelli aluminum frames much more then the steel ones....silly I know.

Still much research to be done...

Thanks 5

FWIW, everything I've been able to find indicates that most (if not all) of De Rosa's frames are still made in Italy. Certainly mine was.

I've owned two Cinelli's a Starlight and CNC great frames..stiff as hell but the paint was pretty bad...easily chipped and scratched.

My Xperience is stiff. The ride quality is now much better after I switched from Continental Ultra Race tires to Continental GP4000s. I also learned to run the front tire at a lower pressure. I ride with a 100psi front and 120psi rear.

I have not had any issues with chipping or scratching with my Cinelli. Mine looks like it just came out of the box and its a couple years old. I am very very careful with my things. Maybe too much so sometimes.

I believe the aluminum Cinelli's are made in Asia. I have a new 2010 Vigorelli and it says made in China on the frame. Not sure if the Xperience is Chinese or Taiwanese. Either way, it's a great looking bike.

just because the bike is made in asia doesnt make it a knock off or inferior. when you pay for a premium for a well known brand you're paying for r&d, quality control, design and marketing. whether its made in the USA, italy, germany, or taiwan, the chances of getting a good product vs a dud has very little to do with where it was built.