Product Description
This exceptional unrestored early 1970's Cinelli SC frame is a bit of a curiosity. It was sold by Spence Wolfe of Cupertino Bike shop on August 16th, 1975 (see pic of Spence's actual sales records in images) and has some features more consistent with earlier frames. This frame features three red cutout holes in fork tangs & brazed on Campagnolo bottom bracket cable guide which were added 1970-1971. It lacks fender eyelets which were removed in 70-71'. The Speciale Corse decal is 70's style. It lacks the three holes in lugs that were added 1968-1969, as well as shifter braze ons (added 1973-1974), bottle braze ons (added 1974-1975). It also has the French Columbus SL foil decal. Two theories on this exist—1) it was a custom and the customer wanted a simpler/earlier style frame and 2) Cinelli being such a small operation at that point that when building this frame they just grabbed the parts they needed from racks without attempt to adhere to "current models". Either way, its a gorgeous and unique starting point for a wonderful build that will look a little older than the sales date.
The Cinelli Supercorsa was introduced in 1951 as both SC and "Model A", representing an upgrade to their Model B. It was originally patented as the Super Corsa (S.C.) and This was a reaction to the nicer and even paved roads to ride on circa post-war Europe and need for lighter / more responsive frames. The biggest upgrades were lightweight tubing (originally Reynolds 531), the stiffer sloping fork crown, and a change to the unmistakable SC seat cluster which gave unique looks and a stronger hold on the seatpost. The Super Corsa is among the longest running models of bicycles, being run consistently through the 1990's with only modest changes. The frame started being made again some years ago in nearly the same format as in 1978 when the Flying C logo was added save for the spoiler bottom bracket added 1984 and 130mm rear spacing for modern drivetrains.
Condition
Exceptional condition for original paint from this era! The only significant blemishes are the paint wear & dried on residue that accumulated under/around the shifter, derailleur, and top tube cable guide clamps. Once parts are installed these will only be slightly visible. Zero dents. Chrome is clearly original and has very minor patina (mostly front face of fork crown, the slightest pitting). Paint otherwise is very nice. A touch of light scuffing under the BB, small paint rub spots rear-facing center of head tube and front face non-driveside fork leg, slight wear on driveside seat/chainstays bottom/inner faces at dropout. Decals are near perfect.
Details
- Frame number: 2674
- Seat tube: 59cm c-c, 60.5cm c-t
- Top tube: 56cm
- Headtube: 175mm
- Rear spacing: 120mm
