[CR] Cinelli Bivalent Hubs: to pair or not to pair

(Example: Framebuilders:Bernard Carré)

Date: Sun, 11 Jul 2010 18:46:16 -0500
From: "Todd Simeone" <tsimeone@gmail.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR] Cinelli Bivalent Hubs: to pair or not to pair


Recently stumbled across two sets of wheels laced with Cinelli Bivalent hubs at an estate sale. I knew nothing about these hubs and they looked strange and broken to me, but seeing the name Cinelli I snatched them up. It now appears what I've ended up with are two very nice sets of Bivalent hubs without skewers or freewheels.

Without the complete system I will have no use for them and will be listing on Ebay soon, so here's my question: These hubs were intended to be interchangeable with front and rear, however, the two wheelsets I have were both laced as 36H and 32H pairs (a typical non-bivalent rear and front setup). Seems like it negates the idea of interchangeability the hubs were designed for? Are they more desirable sold individually, as separate 32H and 36H pairs, or as they were laced- 36H and 32H pairs? Are they even desirable at all? For what it's worth one pair is in slightly better condition so if I split them from they're partners of 40+ years it would mix the condition.

Realize this is a pretty specific technical question, and as respect to CR rules I'm not taking offers. Hopefully in the least will stir some up some heated Bivalent discussion from the past. I've researched them quite a bit, but I would be happy to know any other info as well.

Thanks and look forward to responses.

Todd Simeone
Chicago, IL USA