Re: [CR]Cinelli prices

(Example: Framebuilding)

Date: Thu, 06 Nov 2003 17:32:14 -0700
From: "Chuck Schmidt" <chuckschmidt@earthlink.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR]Cinelli prices
References: <001a01c3a4ab$c75e1320$719afea9@chasds> <00e401c3a4c6$b110bd50$efddfea9@mooshome>


jerrymoos wrote:
>
> I tend to agree with the original point that Cinellis are overpriced
> compared to Paramounts. Certain bikes have "cachet". Just which ones seems
> to change over time, but Cinelli and Masi are "in" recently. I certainly
> like Masi and Cinelli, but haven't ever bought one, as there is always
> something equally interesting at a better price. One of the reasons I have
> a lot of French bikes is that they are a better value than most Italian
> bikes due to lacking "cachet", even though it is a French word. In 1973 I
> passed up a new Cinelli Super Corsa at $500 for a Windsor Pro at $365. Even
> in retrospec, I don't think that was a bad decision, as the $135 difference
> was a lot of money in 1973.

I disagree (respectfully)...

As a matter of fact, Cinellis and Masis have had cachet and been "in" since the early 1950s at least. That they are overpriced has not been supported by lack of sales over the years.

My club back in the mid 1970s was sponsored by Windsor; the bikes were considered poor copies of Cinellis and quite a few broke their right dropout as a result of overheating during construction.

I think the price that a 1973 Cinelli would get on eBay compared to what a 1973 Windsor would get on eBay reflects the value today's collectors place on the quality of the respective bikes.

Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, CA

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