In a message dated 12/7/02 7:13:51 PM Pacific Standard Time, Cino1947@aol.com writes:
<< Possibilities I've thought of to explain the seatpost size include: -Frame is made of Reynolds, not Columbus>> Not relevant. Cinellis practice was to braze in a sleeve, so that no matter what the tubing gauge was, a 26.2 seat post would work. I HAVE seen one all chrome track bike that was fitted with a 26.4. The bike came from VeloSport in Berkeley and the post MAY be original but I can't be sure.
<<-Tube was reamed to accommodate a seatpost>> Likely if it is a Cinelli.
<<-Frame is not a Cinelli (?Windsor)>> Most Windsors didn't have the full sloping crown, but that doesn't mean someone couldn't have fitted a Cinelli SC fork. To be sure, you should have it inspected by someone who can really tell. I don't know where you are, but any of the better frame painters who work on classics should be able to give you a good ID on the frame.
<<Any thoughts from the list?
Does this decrease the frames desirability?
If I restore this, how hard is it to return the seat tube to 26.2? >>
If it's a Cinelli with a 26.8 post (that is not original), it probably
decreases value a little, how much exactly is hard to say. As the bike is
refinished, it's not as big a deal as if it were otherwise in original,
excellent condition. To make it 26.2 would mean brazing in a new sleeve
(although I guess you might be able to epoxy one in), new chrome and new
paint.
If it's a Windsor with a Cino fork on it, well...I hope that's not the case.
Presuming you find that it IS a Cinelli, if the bike is your size and you
like the color, and the price is right, ride it and see if you like it.
Stevan Thomas
Raining and cold in
Alameda, CA