I already have a bike on order from GVH...but the more I browse Gary's site, the more I become infatuated with building up one of those China Blue Cinelli Super Corsas... I know it's a classic frameset and all, but do any of you folks have any direct experience with them? Any thoughts?

big bob

Like you, I am in lust. If I come across a few big bills somehow, I am purchasing the China blue one, no questions asked.

Go ahead, buy it, then post lots of pic' and let me know how awesome I already know it is.

The current Cinelli's are nice but they are not to be confused with the earlier Cinelli's. I only mention this to make you aware. As Sheldon Brown writes (at http://www.sheldonbrown.com/vrbn-a-f.html#cinelli; btw, this is a great resource of marque information),:
"Among the most sought-after of all vintage lightweights. A few heretics claim they are over rated. I say take a closer look and get a clue - or buy a Cannondale. Many Cinelli frames show exquisite mitering, smooth and even brazing, and lots of lug thinning. This is even true for many examples from the early 50's! Sure they have deep ugly file marks too - but that is only the surface! Add to the equation that many ride pretty close to perfection - at least as some would define it. Cinelli frames are also a visual feast with Italian style that just won't quit. In Japan, appreciation for Cinelli products is near cult-like. Over the past several years domestic prices have soared for prime examples. A Cinelli is an icon of cycling tradition. Sure, a few Cinelli frames have some lapses here and there - but don't miss the point. Cinelli frames defined the paradigm of a quality racing bike for decades...........Around 1978 Cinelli was sold to the Columbo family. There are bikes with either the new or old logo's from this period. Until about 1980, while the graphics could go either way, the brake bridges and bottom bracket shells had new Cinelli logs making these bikes recognizable. Headbadge examples are worth more, perhaps $1,600, although modern logo bikes from the same period are just as good. From around 1980 until perhaps 1981 or 1982, Cinelli bikes with the new logo using a 26.2 seatpost and the lugs with 3 holes in each were very nice. Many do not consider these to be "real" Cinelli bikes, but they are at least as good as many of the earlier ones. Apparently either some very good builders from the previous period continued on, or work was contracted to outside builders of considerable talent. These bikes from this period deserve to be classics in their own right. Their geometry is upright, yet the ride is comfortable. These are bikes designed for the fast short distance riding so common in the United States. They, nonetheless, will handle mountain descents with ease as well! These bikes are worth perhaps $1,500 and are worth every penny and then some......Sometime around 1983 it all ended. The 26.2 sleeved seat lug was replaced wit a different cast model that used a 27.2 post. The familiar 3 hole lugs were gone as well. Quality during the following years took a pretty heavy hit as well. Many examples didn't even have chrome lugs. These examples in S.R. are worth about $800. By the late 80's quality improved and chrome lugs returned. It just, however, isn't the same."

.

The Cinelli Super Corsa is at the top of my short list as well. Could be a good thing he doesn't have a 64cm right now as the temptation may be overwhelming. I can't decide between the China blue or the silver/titanium finished one shown in size 62cm. I can wait, I just know I can.

I have talked to people that own the older vintage Cinelli Super Corsa and they have nothing but praise for the bikes. Just do it.

John

I already have a bike on order from GVH...but the more I browse Gary's site, the more I become infatuated with building up one of those China Blue Cinelli Super Corsas... I know it's a classic frameset and all, but do any of you folks have any direct experience with them? Any thoughts?

big bob


I bought a Super Corsa from GVH a couple of years ago. GVH is great. It was a very nice bike but if I don't think I'd buy another. You can get a very nice used steel frameset from the 80's for much less. The finish on the Super Corsa was so so. The chrome had a tendency to flake off on the headtube and the paint was very fragile. If I had to do it again, I'd look for an older Pinarello or Colnago and have it repainted for a lot less than a Super Corsa.

thanks everybody for your input!

bb