Hello Campagnolo fans. I just purchased a Campagnolo wine bottle puller in bronze finish. I admit, it's a bit off topic, but then again, it does have chain ring bolts as pivots for the extraction levers and it does have the name of the world's most admired and celebrated bicycle components god stamped on it. Therefore, I think it kind of in line with this forum. I'm aware that they were made in limited numbers, but not how many and during what time frame. If you have some ideas, or better yet, some concrete ideas of trivia, then it would be enjoyable reading. Thank you in advance. This example I have is the only one that I have scrutinized closely. A close look reveals sanding/grinding scares from were a worker had worked metal down in the metal deburring process. In fact, I would even say it looks a bit crude in that they had not progressed to a finer abrasive, or polisher to tidy-up the sanding/grinding scores. Not that this cosmetic detail is a problem. In fact, it ads some appeal and at-est to the fact that these marvelous devices are made by hand at some point in their production. Regarding it's function: it's pointless to tell you that it's the most fantastic cork puller that I've used, because you already know this. It's just expected by virtue of being from the Campagnolo Company. Even if you haven't operated one before, you just know this. If you have a drinking problem, then DON"T buy one of these cork pullers, because you will be as I am now; eagerly awaiting that next bottle just to pull the cork (Yes, it's an experience to enjoy). First, there is the extendable guiding collar that is pulled down to mate with the bottle just below the bottle's neck to stabilize the bottle with puller. Then a push down of the screw to engage the cork (yes, just like the clones that followed). Then, a few easy twists of the large chromed threaded screw which causes the lever arms to rise to their full height. Now, with a clean smooth push down of those long sexy levers and "POP" (in the nicest sense of the word). At this point, a clone require that the cork be unthreaded from the screw, but not with the Campanile puller. Just move the long extraction arms downwards and the cork simply falls free. There are small barbs limiting unwanted rotation of the cork to enable it's easy extraction. This design is said to never brake a cork. To date, I have only had flawless cork extractions. Yes, the price tag was a hefty one, but you know how it is with Campagnolo: despite the initial price sting, the products offer value like no other and perform vastly better that those that repeatedly fail to imitate on the same level. If there are any of you with some trivia to share, then I think we all would enjoy reading about it. In a way, it's a part of cycling history. I would imagine that they are used to decork spirits that spray the race winner.
DISCLAIMER: Please drink and ride responsibly. Never take an inferior cork puller on your picnic ride. Injury, or death could result.
Carl Kamenzind Seattle WA U.S.A.
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