Beech does seem to be the wood of choice for rim making. However, the Cellini (not Cinelli) from the early/mid '80s, did come with proprietary mahogany rims. Cellini's were fully built show bikes, out of Columbus KL tubing. One model was an entirely gold plated frame, sporting a panto'd SR gruppo, and a specially laced VIP set. The other model was a flat black painted frame with gold lugs, sporting a PAINTED flat black SR panto'd gruppo w/gold plated hardware, and the same VIP set. The black one was more expensive, but the black paint on the components was a bad idea (almost all have flaking paint). Personally, I think the all gold model was much more striking anyway. Both models came with the mahogany built wheels.
Marc Boral
Larry Osborn wrote:
> At 10:20 AM 1/25/01 -0800, you wrote:
> >
> > I've got a set on a road bike built to show, but it does get ridden
> >on occasion. The ones on my bike are 36 spoke CLB brand, and look
> >to be made from mahogany. They're beautiful, and DO seem to give
> >a smoother, very lively ride. I don't mind riding on them one bit, but
> >I'm very careful to avoid potholes! Cheers,
> >
> >Duane Kennard
> >
>
> Duane
>
> Mahogany would surprise me. Beech is much more likely. Not that it really
> matters here.
>
> "Catering to your wood technology & identifcation needs since 1978"
> Larry "today, a.k.a. Mr. Beech" Osborn
>
> Also this week:
> aka Mr. Yellow-poplar
> aka Mr. Persimmon
> aka Mr. Sassafras
> aka Mr. Chestnut
> aka Mr. Alaskan Diamond Willow
> aka Mr. Lenga (South American Beech, from Tierra del Fuego)
> aka Mr. Spruce (damaged aircraft wing spar)
> aka Mr. Black Locust
> aka Mr. Timber Bridge
> and a host of others. And it's only thursday.
>
> Appalachian Hardwood Center
> West Virginia University
> Morgantown WV