I've seen a lot of "hard" statements about dating of Cinellis, and am sure much more learned or familiar folks may yet speak up, but here's my 02 cents worth:
1) square crown fork: I've never seen one on a bike labeled speciale/super corsa that was obviously an original finish correct bike. The fork was the original distinctive feature of the Model B, and by design only on Model B (and track) 2) Chrome: was available to buyers in the UK for a long time, chrome tips, chrome on the seatpost, whathaveyou. I have a (refinished) model B with chrome ends that I'd date to ~1960-1961. 3) Bottom bracket hole/oiler: this is the feature that seems to have the most staying power as people contend for solid dating of older Cinellis, yet still qualify their "hard" statements by saying things like "its not easy to date cinellis." It WOULD be easy if that bottom bracket change was well-established as 1965, m'thinks. To be sure, there doesn't seem to be an obvious pattern in the serial numbers. The serial number on mine would likely fall early-ish in the 60's, but no oiler or hole on its BB. BUT it also has the rear dropout spring hole associated with that goofy one-pulley rear derailleur that campi made for like what, a year? (1960-'61?) So its hard for me to reconcile the bike being post '65, even knowing that parts is parts and builders buy in bulk I just gotta think that Cino would have used all the '60 dropouts he bought in bulk at the start of the decade. Whatever, it's been "restoved to a very high order" so for the most anal of Cinelli-o-philes, it's moot in Phelpsie's bikes case.
Dale Phelps, Longmont CO
Date: Wed, 01 Mar 2006 11:41:39 -0600 From: "JEFFERY Pyzyk"
Does anyone know if the square crown fork was used on Super Corsas or Speciale Corsas? If so, when was the sloping crown introduced? I know that the square crown was used on track models and the Model B. Also, does anyone have info on when and on what model chrome tipped forks and chainstay "socks" were used? Finally, Did Cinelli definitely eliminate the bottom bracket drain hole in 1965 or could it have been a bit earlier?
Dale B. Phelps, 303 939 6967
"Never be afraid to try something new. The Ark was designed by amateurs. The Titanic was designed by professionals." - R. Buckminister Fuller
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