At the end of last year, I started a topic about my old bike that I have had for about 12 years and used as a general run around. The frame has been badly painted with black paint and is in poor shape, with scratches and exposed grey primer underneath. It has full vintage Campag Super Record kit but came with straight bars.
I had asked for help trying to identify the provenance of the frame. It is steel, with chrome lugs and an unusual arrangement at the connection between the rear stays and the seat tube. There are no braze on attachments anywhere, and the forged ends are from Campag.
Again, I would like to thank those who tried to help. I decided that I would use the bike for the L'Eroica Britannia in June and set about changing some of the components to help me get up the steep hills. During the course of searching for old bits and pieces, I made a discovery that has led me to identify the frame.
Its a Cinelli Super Corsa from around 1969.
Whilst this is a pleasing discovery, I am now wondering if I should restore the frame and bike to its initial glory, or just enjoy it for what it is.
A few years ago, I bought a 1984 Colnago Master Piu frame and kitted it out with period Campag Corsa Record components. It is a bike that demands speed, irrespective of the condition of the rider. So I get knackered quickly when I ride it. It is not a comfortable ride and I chose to ride the (what I discovered to be) Cinelli in preference. It is much more comfortable, despite being the same size with similar looking proportions. I think the Cinelli may be of similar quality to the Colnago, and if so, may need to be cared for more than I have done so far.
Any suggestions please?
David
Posted on: 03 April 2015 by ChrisSU
The great thing about an old steel frame is that however tatty it gets, it's nearly always possible to restore it to its former glory - or just fix it up if it gets a bit scratched or bent. If you're planning to use it regularly, personally I'd be tempted just to give it regular cleaning and maintenance, and leave it as it is. That might also reduce its chance of being stolen if that's a concern, as it will probably look unattractive to most bike thieves. Of course, it's always great to see an old bike fully restored with a gleaming new paint job, but it won't make it go any faster!
Posted on: 03 April 2015 by George Johnson
In my view such a cycle deserves a proper re-enamel, and a considerate restoration to as close to original as can be managed, and then use it for what it was meant for. A patina of use does nothing to spoil a nice bicycle in my view.
Just my two pennies' worth.
ATB from George
Posted on: 03 April 2015 by David S
Thanks for the advice.
As I mentioned, I have a Colnago that I fitted out with the exact components from its era. The frame had been repainted and it looked perfect until I rode it for a few hundred kilometres (over a period of months). Whilst it remains a thing of great beauty, it also has a number of knocks and chips, despite my care and attention.
Spending a bunch of cash on my Cinelli may have to wait for now. I had never realised that it was a special frame and so perhaps it should not be used for just knocking about and casual outings.
If anyone will be at L'Eroica Britannia, I look forward to being able to meet you.
David
Posted on: 03 April 2015 by George Johnson
Dear David,
You have a gem here.
A good re-enamel will preserve it from the only real enemy of a nice steel frame - rust.
But used with consideration, and you need not fear using it. It sounds to me like a project...
My seven year project - my old Carlton - is a frame that is both supple and very responsive. I kitted it out with used or NOS Super Record, and like that it is a flat 10 Kilos - 22 lbs - and yet it has been a bike for enjoyment and also my daily commute. Recently I was lucky to buy a Raleigh [road frame] bike that has clearances for mudguards and the correct fixing points. I am going to re-enamel it, and make it an all weather cycle to spare the Carlton the worst of the Winter. Fine old bikes deserve both care and use.
All in my opinion of course.
ATB from George
Posted on: 04 April 2015 by David S
Thanks George,
I am not persuaded yet to splash money on the frame. However, I will continue enjoying this rather special bike. When the time comes to paint it, I will post some pictures.
All the best
david
