Using images published on eBay it becomes obvious that even experts cannot determine whether this bike is repainted or not. eBay provides no guarantee for items purchased in its sales and it is not obvious what country's law would govern the sale of this bike. The seller casts questions about himself by his use of the "dutch" auction technique, although again, anything goes on eBay. Unless a potential buyer could work out a proper enforceable contract with the seller, this is probably a bike sale best avoided. George George Hollenberg MD CT, USA
On Sun, Nov 1, 2009 at 11:57 PM, Greg S <gtsoftley@ozemail.com.au> wrote:
> Hi John and crew,
> The word back from Italy is that the paint is original and not a repaint.
> Take a look around the fork tang area and you will see excessive 'patina' or
> discoloration.... which says a lot about the original uniformity of factory
> Cinelli paint or conversely the effects that certain greases have on Cinelli
> Silver paint.
> I know by experience that this bike would have been thoroughly detailed
> before being presented on ebay. I wouldnt be surprised if all of the clamp
> on fittings would have been carefully removed and replaced so as to achieve
> a uniformity of surface tone after cleaning and polishing. I know we love
> patina, but the Italians seem to like 'as new' as we have seen with several
> bikes recently restored which arguably should have remained in their natural
> state.
> Link again
> http://www.flickr.com/
> Greg Softley
> Australia
>
> John says......
> Brian raises great points and I respect his expertise. The NOS early 70's
> Cinelli I owned exhibited obvious yellowing only in areas where there may
> have been residual grease. But, it could be that there was an overall
> yellowing that only would be apparent if my bike where side-by-side with a
> freshly painted one.
>
> Greg Softley- could we trouble you to ask your friend if his eBay Cinelli
> has been repainted to his knowledge?
>
> John Barron
> Minneapolis MN USA
> http://www.velostuf.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
-- George
George Hollenberg MD
CT, USA