I started riding in 1990, discovering cycling somewhat late. I guess I'm the type that likes to try different bikes so have bought and sold about 8 in that period. When I started I sort of scoffed at people that said that there was this difference and that difference between x and y bikes. How could they tell? As the thousands of miles have accumulated, and I became a better rider, I was able to appreciate the differences between bikes. Daily ride now is an OT bike.
By chance, I recently acquired a couple of vintage lightweights. This summer I showed up at the local hammerfest club ride on a 1970 Cinelli. I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of keeping up with my buddies with their latest and greatest steeds. Their heads were really spinning looking at the down tube shifters, 5 in the back, the lugs, tubulars on rims with lots of spokes, etc. I was concerned with being able to keep up but the bike was great. Smooth, great handling, nice acceleration. No problems at all; it even surprised me. I was actually quite impressed. The highlight was a guy riding up to me saying to me, "It's an honor to ride with you." He was really impressed that this vintage bike was really motoring. I enjoyed myself and my friends enjoyed it also.
Did 1970 Cinelli/Mod.Giro D'Italia bars come in 41 or 42 cm (c-t-c)? If they do I need to start looking for one to replace the 37s.
Angel Garcia Long Valley, NJ
> I own a 1972 Paramount P-13 and a 1967 Cinelli Speciale Corsa. Both are
> chrome frames with almost identical geometry and dimensions. Yet they ride
> very differently. The Schwinn is stiffer and harsher (although still quite
> nice), while the Cinelli seems to glide over bumps and road irregularities
> with aplomb.
>
> I had a conversation about this with Don Mainland who built Paramount
frames
> in Wisconsin in the seventies under contract for Schwinn and he told me
that
> matching the ride of the Cinelli's was their goal, but they never quite
> achieved it. Something in the Cinelli fork design or knowing how much
> stiffness is required in the brazing of the lugs...
>
> I also had a conversation about this topic at the Cirque last spring with
> the late Dave Staub, who also remembered the ride quality of the Cinelli
> being a goal for the Paramount designers.
>
> David Cooper
> Chicago, Illinois