"According to Cino, the wheel size that riders are presently using was developed to traverse cobblestones. Smaller-diameter wheels were found to fall between the cobbles, creating vibration problems, and tended to break easily. Large-diameter wheels (like the old high-wheelers) were unstable and aerodynamically inefficient. As the cobbled roads in Europe disappear, a smaller wheel becomes an advantage for several reasons: decreased wind resistance, decreased rolling resistance, increased strength and rigidity. Cino believes that the optimum size of the wheel is about 26 inches (66.7 centimeters) and to prove his theories he has had special lightweight rims and tubular tires manufactured for his prototypes. As a result of the increased strength gained through the reduced spoke length, he has had special narrow hubs manufactured to further decrease wind resistance."
"The Custom Bicycle" Kolin and de la Rosa, pp 127-128
Dennis Ryan Louisville, KY
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org]On Behalf Of David Benson Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2003 9:38 PM To: John Price Cc: 'classicrendezvous@bikelist.org' Subject: Re: [CR]Interesting Cinelli on EBay...
My understanding is that Cino Cinelli believed that smooth modern roads had made 27" wheels obsolete, and that 26" wheels were the way of the future. I think that this is covered in chapter on Cinelli 'The Custom Bicycle' by Kolin & de la Rosa.
In 1989, Bicycle Guide featured several 'Italian' road bikes in a single issue, including Basso, Colnago, US-made Masi & Cinelli. The Cinelli article featured a photo of an elderly but vigorous looking Cino Cinelli with a bike that looks to me as if it has 26" wheels. What do y'all reckon? I can post the photo on the net if anyone wants a look.
David Benson Auckland, NZ
John Price wrote:
>Any thoughts on this one ? I've not seen a 70s era Cinelli with 650 size
>wheels like this one before. Kind of cool...
>
>http://ebay.com/<blah>
>
>John Price
>Denver CO
>
>(Not connected with seller or anything like that, just found this while
>browsing EBay)