A number of years ago I came across this gem. Any Cinelli is an icon of the cycling world, but this one is even more special. If you search on the internet you will find older Cinelli lady bikes (sometimes built as city bikes), and some newer ones (with the flying C logo). But I've yet to see images of another lady Cinelli from the 70's with the classic headbadge and graphics. This one even has fender eyes, but it was clearly intended as a performance machine. The wheels are actually smaller than 700c - they were the unique slightly smaller wheels that Cino Cinelli tried to introduce in the 70's.
The color is a lovely pink. I do not have any documentation about this machine, but there is the "story". As many know, Big Wheel was a famous bike shop in Denver. It was run by Jack and his brother Chris (Jack's daughter Yvonne was a well known USCF official in Colorado for many years). As the the story goes, Chris traveled to Europe extensively to meet with suppliers and bring back some of the best cycling equipment available.
Apparently Chris visited Cinelli and was allowed special access to see some items in storage. There he spotted this lady Cinelli - but it was not for sale. On following visits, he would try to purchase the bike but was rebuffed. Finally, Cinelli relented and Chris obtained the bike and brought it back to the US. Eventually, someone I know bought it from Big Wheel after waiting his turn, and then I obtained it.
In a moment of silliness, I actually traded this bike to Brian Baylis (may he rest in peace) who then sold it to an east coast collector. I made a pest of myself to the point where the collector sold it back, so its now in the Boulder Bicycle family again.
As lore goes, this bike is one of 3 that were built at the same time. The first one went to the Empress of Japan. The second went to someone in the Cinelli family. And this is the third of the trio.
Perhaps someone has info on the others, or perhaps more info to shed on the story?
i'm not sure whether that bike is a wicked cool relic or an abomination, but it sure is not somethin' you see every day at the beach...
ReplyDeleteAbomination? Not sure why you would say that...please tell...
ReplyDeletei don't know. does it have a 26.2 post? that hole in the seat lug would not be my first choice. neither would the joinery on the seat tube, but tastes vary. the shell pink is fun, tho.
DeleteI see abominable bikes every day and that isn't one of them...
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