Re: [CR] Collectible Cinelli

(Example: Humor)

Date: Mon, 15 Apr 2002 14:25:42 -0600
To: Wdgadd@aol.com, youngc@NetReach.Net, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
From: "Bicycle Classics inc" <bikevint@tiac.net>
Subject: Re: [CR] Collectible Cinelli


Regarding Cinelli frame quality and desirablility, here are some thoughts.

From late 1940's until about 1979 all Cinelli frames were pretty close in terms of quality and desirablility. It is possible that quality became a tad more variable in mid-to-late 70's but if so only slightly - it appears that the same hands worked on even the late ones as the early ones.

In 1979 or so Columbus bought Cinelli and the frames were built in a different facility by different builder(s). Contrary to popular belief, the Cinelli frames made from about 1979 through perhaps 1981 were spectacular. Not made the same as the old ones, but in some cases I'd argue (and others with opinions I respect agree) that they are perhaps better than the old ones. Extremely fine brazing and filing - I've seen them without paint and they are extremely nice. Compared to other Italian frames such as DeRosa and Colnago, the Cinelli frame was far superior in my mind. I would argue that in 1979 to perhaps 1981 Cinelli frames were the finest crafted Italian frames coming to the US in any quantity.

Sometime in the early 80's Cinelli frame production shifted to another builder(s) and quality really hit the skids. Not terrible, but not at all what made Cinelli famous.

How do you tell the nice frames from the mediocre? As a general rule, the Cinelli frames with new logo graphics that have both the holes in the lugs and which continued to use 26.2 seatposts are the prize. There are some frames that have the holes in the lugs but which use 27.2 posts, if memory serves me, which are also nice. But, the frames without the holes in the lugs and which use 27.2 posts are not the good ones (at least what I have seen).

It is kinda an inside secrete how awesome the 1979-1981 Cinelli frames are. Folks dismiss them as "after Cinelli" so they have lousy resale value - but they are just awesome to ride and look at.

All Cinelli frames - even the post 81 or so ones ride wonderfully - but the real magic was the late 70's model. The geometry was extremely modern - extremely quick but still stable and sweet. Some of my favorite rides ever were on a 1979 Cinelli. Hope this all helps.

Mike Kone in sunny Boulder CO

At 10:09 PM 4/12/02 EDT, Wdgadd@aol.com wrote:
>Hi Charlie,
> I meant no offence to owners of later Cinellis. It's just that by the
>time that they were coming with the winged "C" lettering, for me, at least,
>most of the old Cinelli charisma was gone. This is not to say that later
>Cinellis are not fully capable, fine bikes for riding, as are many other
>volume produced Italian frames.
>
>Best Regards,
>Wes Gadd
>Unionville,CT