Re: [CR]Is it only late 60's early 70's Cinelli's that get the magic all day ...

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme)

From: <NortonMarg@aol.com>
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2003 21:55:12 EST
Subject: Re: [CR]Is it only late 60's early 70's Cinelli's that get the magic all day ...
To: jeremylieberman@earthlink.net
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

In a message dated 11/10/03 12:23:30 PM Pacific Standard Time, jeremylieberman@earthlink.net writes:
> Just wondering why it is mostly older Cinelli's which receive the "magic
> carpet ride" accolades and not so many other period Italian makes?
> Certainly other makers had the ability to braze tubes up for a soft ride,
> no?

The "magic carpet ride" didn't have to do with "soft" so much as the right blend of stiffness, road compliance, "roll" and probably a few other things. Some bikes are comfortable, stiff, roll extremely well, handle very predictably at high speeds and...just want to GO! Like a hound straining at the leash. I don't think I'd describe Cinellis as having a particularly soft ride. There were plenty of "frail" bikes that then that did have the "soft"ride, but no stiffness. There are also a lot of "classics" that have poorly matched head angles and fork rakes.

Some integrated headset Bianchis I've had, (or have) do have the magic ride.
Stevan Thomas
Alameda, CA