Cicli Meacci

What a find...and locally in Raleigh. I would have never thought a Cinelli Speciale Corsa would come up for sale any where near me, but this beauty was listed on Craigslist this past weekend. Couldn't resist for $700. After some research, I determined that its a 1983 (based on some frame details and the serial number 833), a 55cm Columbus SL frame with Modolo Master Pro brakes, Mavic wheels and a full Campagnolo Super Record group. The rest is all Cinelli as expected except for the white, Selle Italia Turbo "Bernard Hinault" saddle. Evidently this was the final year with 3 point lugs and a 26.6 seatpost. The last of the transition between Cino Cinelli's original company before it transitioned to A. Columbo. What a merger that was! Purists would debate whether the merger was all that. I personally don't care either way. Evidently it was refinished by Cycle Art (one of the better restoration shops in the US along with Joe Bell from what I gather). Althoug...

I've decided to part with the Masi. Why, because I've come to realize its just too small. I feel like a Russian bear at the circus on it, regardless of the tweaks made over the years. That and I picked up another beauty yesterday that makes this one expendable. The nice thing is that I have a line on another one of the same vintage and color up in Asheville...if I can convince the owner to sell at a good price. Here's a few pics of the most recent iteration. Added the Campagnolo brakes levers, cranks and RD I had acquired over the past few years. Alas, the only thing I would do to this would be to add Campy brakes but its listed on Craigslist now. We shall see. Maybe the frame should just hang on the wall.....