Re: [CR]Pic of the Day - Chain Oiling. Pinza d' Oro and Lugi Valsasina

(Example: Production Builders:LeJeune)

Date: Sat, 24 Nov 2007 10:04:24 -0800 (PST)
From: "dave martinez" <dmart84815@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]Pic of the Day - Chain Oiling. Pinza d' Oro and Lugi Valsasina
To: Tam Pham <terminaut@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To: <b27bc5c00711240821j554010d5odb470576e698e2b1@mail.gmail.com>
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

Hello Tam,

Great topic. You can read a short but colorful account of Pinella de Grandi in the book, "Fasuto Coppi, the true story". See pp.116-118, Pinella was known as Pinza d' Oro (the golden pliers).

From what I understand, Luigi Valsasina built frames for Bianchi up until Cinelli hired him to build frames for his new company.

Regards, David Martinez Fremont Ca US of A

Tam Pham <terminaut@gmail.com> wrote: On Nov 24, 2007 7:04 AM, Aldo Ross wrote:
> Italian team mechanic "Pinella" applies some oil to the chain on Gino
> Sciardis' bike during the 1949 Tour de France.

That must be Pinella De Grandi, better known as Bianchi's head mechanic and framebuilder later on? I would enjoy hearing more about his career if anyone has additional info to share. It seems he was well-respected since Anquetil commisioned him to build his '67 hour record (Bianchi-ish) bike.

Anquetil and his '67 hour record bike:

http://chainedrevolution.com/CS/photos/default/picture600.aspx (click on "Original size" on the right side of the page to view large version)

Tam Pham
Huntington Beach, CA - USA