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/
Tam Pham
Huntington Beach, CA - USA