Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Team Cinelli Glass'nGo

A few of the members of Piemonte based Team Cinelli Glass'nGo at a recent race:



Photo courtesy Enrico Cavallini

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Saturday, August 27, 2011

Valsassina


Signore Valsassina was apparently lured away from Bianchi to begin production of Cinelli frames under Cino Cinelli. Previously Valsassina built frames for Fausto Coppi when he rode for Bianchi.

Pictured above is Signore Valsassina in his later years displaying a Cinelli frame (a later Cinelli frame with the flying C graphics logo).



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Monday, August 22, 2011

1984 Cinelli Laser Evolution










Text from ebay sale:
"59cm
Campagnolo Pista Gruppo
Cinelli gear
Regina chain
Cinelli saddle
Cinelli clipless pedals (first ones)
Vittoria 15mm tubular tires. These are new and NOT GLUED.
Vittori/Campagnolo discs
Cinelli LA84 handlebar
Cinelli Design stem (note the stem angle is parallel to the top tube)

Note the only significant flaw is the minor defects on either side of the stem/headset interface from the bars flopping excessively side to side. Please see the stem photos.

Limited to 300 Lasers were produced, and all were custom. In 1984, the UCI decreed that aerodynamic modifications were not allowed, that is wheel covers, etc., and that aero features must be an integral part of the bicycle design and function.
Cinelli was the first manufacturer to incorporate the "Aero" concept into a production bike and the result was the Laser.

This 1984 Cinelli Laser Evolution was custom made by hand by Andrea Pesenti, designed by Antonio Colombo, and engineered by Paolo Erzegovesi for Lothar Thoms who is considered to be the greatest track kilo time trialist ever. In addition to his world and Olympic titles, his Olympic victory in 1980 was achieved in a time of 1:02.955, which through 1990 stood as the fastest time ever recorded. His victory margin in that stunning performance was almost two seconds – the most dominant victory ever in the Olympics. In addition to his Olympic gold medal, he won the World Kilometer Time Trial Championship four times between 1977 and 1981. After handily winning gold in the 1980 Olympics, which the US boycotted over the Soviet invasion of Afganistan, Lothar Thoms (GDR) had his sights set on the 1984 Olympics to be held in LA. It was not to be as the entire eastern bloc boycotted and the East German Kilo specialist and his custom Cinelli stayed home. The bike he had Cinelli build for the Olympics was quite special. Build of Columbus MS (multi-shape) tubing, the Laser embodies a synergistic integration of design and engineering into a work of art. This bike was professionally restored in 2003. Laser ~ Multi-shaped tube sections, webbed joints (no plastic filler in this one) the extended aero fin beneath the bottom bracket, sloping top tube and no-headset. The handlebars, fork and frame are integrated by a dual set of roller and needle bearings that engage into the head tube when the stem is tightened. Cinelli Laser Track Frames were limited to 300, and released in the 1980s. Each original model was built by hand by Andrea Pesenti, designed by Antonio Colombo, and engineered by Paolo Erzegovesi.
Specifications: 59cm ct., Campagnolo Pista Gruppo, Cinelli gear, Regina chain, Cinelli saddle, Cinelli clipless pedals (first ones), Vittoria 15mm tubular tires, Vittori/Campagnolo discs, Cinelli LA84 handlebar, Cinelli Design stem (note the stem angle is parallel to the top tube.

In 1948, a good professional racer with 15 years pedaling experience in the legs and the geniality in mechanics, decides to make use of his brilliant intuitions developed during the many miles run on every type of road surface, it’s Cino Cinelli. Some may remember him for his cycling career, many for his great gifts given to cycling, the modern handlebar, the first saddle with a plastic frame, the first foot clips, the first quick release pedals.
30 years later, in 1978, Cino handed the company over to a young entrepreneur in the steel tube industry with the bicycle at heart: Antonio Colombo.
His interpretation is different, perhaps more visionary, the eye sees beyond the present. So the company is transformed and the inventions of the “design made in Cinelli” begin to get known all over the world. The bicycle changes, or better, the vision of the bike changes. The bike is seen as total project. Laser is born, the lugs are abandoned and TIG welding is introduced in the frame. Furthermore it is the only Italian bicycle to win a Compasso d'Oro (1991) besides more than 28 gold medals in various Olympic games and World Championships. Competition is always in the Cinelli’s DNA. Its handlebars are chosen by Champions such as Lemond, Fignon, Hinault and Chiappucci, without forgetting Lance Armstrong and Mario Cipollini and also Di Luca, Freire and Simoni. Cinelli’s Rampichino (1985) introduce MTB in Italy, Cork Ribbon (1987) reinvents the bicycle ribbon, Spinaci extensions (1996) are used by over 800,000 cyclists, Bootleg (2000) challenges the rules and reinvents the concept of street cycling, Ram (2002) revolutions the handlebars. These are the roots of Cinelli, this is its present: today Cinelli is mentioned in the Dictionary of Italian Design (Rizzoli, 1999), in the ADI Design Index (2000-2001), and the Corriere della Sera newspaper calls it a cult object in the USA like Ferrari, Vespa, Lavazza or Fornasetti (9th January 1999).

Since 1997 Cinelli is a division of Gruppo Srl and together with Colombus forms a world recognized production pole in the top level cycling industry. Gruppo’s factory is based in Caleppio di Settala, 10km east of Milan. The new 18.000 m2 complex includes sales and accounts offices, products development, engineering, production and warehouse. GRUPPO SRL - Div. Cinelli Via G.Di Vittorio 21 20090 Caleppio di Settala (MI) tel +39.02.95244.1 fax +39.02.95244.239 p.iva 12007070159 c.fiscale 05096580153

Rumor has it that Cinelli will re-introduce the LASER in 2012."


Click on photos to enlarge.

I invite you to contribute by sending in photographs of your Cinelli bike, illustrations, personal stories, and articles about Cinelli bikes and components.

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I can be contacted at veronaman@gmail.com




Sunday, August 21, 2011

Cinelli Super Corsa





Jerry, the owner, writes, "The original color was yellow with chromed lugs. I've had the frame repaired as the downtube was slightly damaged, and I had it repainted in the Brugelmann colors. Cyclart did all the work. I know it was not the best choice for value but I love the look of the red detail on the yellow lugs. I have the old Cinelli M71 petals on it and I just love it. The serial number is #1838."

Click on photos to enlarge.

I invite you to contribute by sending in photographs of your Cinelli bike, illustrations, personal stories, and articles about Cinelli bikes and components.

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Sunday, August 14, 2011

Cinelli Laser Nuova Evoluzione 1989





Photos courtesy of www.velospace.org

Click on photo to enlarge.

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Wednesday, August 10, 2011

1970 Cinelli Super Corsa


Thanks to owner Robs for photo and this information:
Date Sold: 1970
Serial Number: 5153
Model: Cinelli Speciale Corsa Type A

Comments/Details: 60cm, silver, full Campy Nuovo Record groupo, recently restored, original paint and decals, period-correct, handlebar shifters, other Cinelli components where they ought to be, ordered directly from factory through Spence Wolfe of Cupertino Bike Shop, August, 1970. Full provenance.

Click on photo to enlarge.

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Saturday, August 6, 2011

Pro Advantage



The Pro Advantage of Brian who writes, "I was browsing the web when I came across your website. I've had a Cinelli Pro Advantage for a couple years now, bought it off ebay in rough shape w/o wheels and mis-matched stem/seat/bars etc. I recently revamped it with some Cinelli bars/stem, and some vintage Campy hoops/ pink Bullseye hubs."

Click on photosx to enlarge.

Additional photos of Cinelli Pro Advantage bikes can be found by using the search feature in the upper left.

I invite you to contribute by sending in photographs of your Cinelli bike, illustrations, personal stories, and articles about Cinelli bikes and components.

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I can be contacted at veronaman@gmail.com

Monday, August 1, 2011

Cinelli Laser







From a current ebay auction:
"CINELLI LASER ROAD TIME TRIAL BIKE

I purchased this bike in Milan, Italy in May of 1986 at the Cinelli factory showroom. Several measurements were taken, and options discussed thru an interpretor.

Purchase price was 4,000,000.00 Lira plus freight and VAT.

I had previously seen the Track version at the '84 Olympic games at the Velodrome in LA. and I knew I had to get one for myself.

In 1984, the UCI decreed that aerodynamic modifications were not allowed, ie wheel covers, etc., and that aero features must be an integral part of the bicycle design and function.

Cinelli was the first manufacturer to incorporate the "Aero" concept into a production bike and the result was the Laser. Cinelli utilized the sloping top tube, 26" front wheel, ovalized frame joints, bullhorn bars, carbon fiber wheels, and several other design elements to increase aerodynamic efficiency. These core design elements are still used by most of the top aero manufacturers, except that carbon fiber is now the material of choice for the frame and several key components that give dramatic gains in total weight vs. the steel version.

The Laser was the Formula One of bicycles in the mid-eighties and retains a "cool" factor that very few bikes will attain. Just Google the Laser for more history.

My Laser was raced in several State Championships as well as in the Senior Nationals. It was never wrecked or abused. It has been in air conditioned storage it's whole life.

SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME: THE FRAME IS IN MINT CONDITION, NO DENTS OR COROSION. THE PAINT IS ORIGINAL AND SOLID. SEVERAL YEARS AGO THE PAINT BEGAN TO "CRAZE" AND IS STARTING TO SHOW THE UNDERCOAT THRU THE TOP COAT. THIS IS EVIDENT ONLY UPON CLOSE INSPECTION AND TO THE CASUAL EYE THE FRAME STILL SHOWS THE ORIGINAL BEAUTIFUL CINELLI BLUE. THERE ARE A FEW NICKS AND SCRATCHES FROM TRAVEL AND HANDLING, BUT THE DECALS ARE PERFECT EXCEPT FOR THE COLUMBUS SLX DECAL. MEASUREMENTS FOLLOW.

TOP TUBE: 57.5cm CENTER TO CENTER

SEAT TUBE: 57.5cm CENTER TO TOP

DOWN TUBE: 59.5cm CENTER TO CENTER

CHAINSTAY: 37.5cm CENTER TO CENTER

WHEELBASE: 93.5cm CENTER TO CENTER

COMPONENTS

CRANKSET: CAMPAGNOLO C RECORD, 42/53 CHAINRINGS, 175mm CRANKARMS

BOTTOM BRACKET: CAMPAGNOLO C RECORD

FRONT DERAILLEUR: BRAZE-ON CAMPAGNOLO C RECORD

REAR DERAILLEUR: CAMPAGNOLO C RECORD

SHIFT LEVERS: BRAZE-ON CAMPAGNOLO C RECORD

FREEWHEEL: REGINA CX 5 SPEED 12-16T

CHAIN: REGINA CX

WHEELS: CINELLI CARBON FIBER WITH CAMPAGNOLO C RECORD HUBS 700C REAR, 26" FRONT

TIRES: VITTORIA CHRONOMETRO CX CORSA, FRONT AND REAR

SEATPOST: CAMPAGNOLO C RECORD

SEATRPOST PIN: CAMPAGNOLO

SADDLE: CINELLI VELARE SLX WITH BOX PATTERN LEATHER IN OFF-WHITE

HANDLEBAR: CINELLI LA 84, SIZE 62-42 WITH MATCHING HANDSTICHED BOX PATTERN LEATHER, OFF-WHITE WITH CHROME CINELLI END PLUGS

STEM: CINELLI 1A

BRAKES: CAMPAGNOLO C RECORD WITH CINELLI BLUE CABLE HOUSING

SPARE FRONT WHEEL: CAMPAGNOLO RECORD 24H LOW FLANGE HUB WITH HOSHI BLADED SPOKES IN A RADIAL PATTERN WITH AN ULTRA RARE ASSOS BLACK AERO RIM AND CUSTOM TIRE THAT HOLDS AIR BUT NEEDS REPLACEMENT FOR ROAD USE.

THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO OWN A PIECE OF HISTORY! ERIC HEIDEN'S 86 TOUR DE FRANCE LASER TT IS NOW IN THE BICYCLING HALL OF FAME AND THIS LASER IS A NEAR DUPLICATE OF HIS, EXCEPTING THAT THIS BIKE HAS THE FACTORY CINELLI DISC WHEELS.

MY LASER IS IN ORIGINAL MINT CONDITION. THE FACTORY INSTALLED COMPONENTS ARE ALL ORIGINAL AND IN PERFECT WORKING ORDER. NO MODIFICATIONS OF ANY KIND HAVE BEEN MADE, AND THE PAINT IS FACTORY ORIGINAL AND UNTOUCHED OR TOUCHED-UP. THE TIRES ARE FACTORY ORIGINAL AND STILL HOLD 6 BAR PREASURE.

THE LASER IS READY TO RACE, BUT IS TOO VALUABLE TO RISK. IT'S PRIME FUNCTION IS PROBABLY TO HANG ON SOMEBODY'S WALL AS AN INCREDIBLY COOL PIECE OF ITALIAN ART."

From Q&A: "As to the serial number, it is not visible. Refering again to the photo on my google search, ie. "Cinelli Only", the photo of the Laser being readied for re-paint shows the serial number that was buried under the thick undercoat. I won't grind the paint away just to get the number. But rest assured, it is there.



I invite you to contribute by sending in photographs of your Cinelli bike, illustrations, personal stories, and articles about Cinelli bikes and components.

Thanks for stopping by.

I can be contacted at veronaman@gmail.com