Cinelli Monza

[321GOJO]

Hi group, I have come into a vintage race bike that belonged to my Dad. It’s a Cinelli Special corsa monza model. Is this a rare bike? i’d say late 50’s early sixties.

 

[bagpuss]

Lots here .

http://www.velo-retro.com/cinellitline.html

 

[classic33]

1961.
https://www.cinellivintage.it/history?lang=en

http://www.classicrendezvous.com/Italy/Cinelli/Timeline.htm

 

[bagpuss]

1963 one here .
https://steel-vintage.com/cinelli-speciale-corsa-classic-road-bike-1963-detail

 

[Cycleops]

When you ask if it's rare I'd say it is in North America but not much in Europe where it originated.
If you're asking if it's rare as in 'super valuable' I'd say no, certainly not in its present condition. I'd say it's worth around $3-400.
What are your plans for it?

 

[BalkanExpress]

I don't want to start a fight with @Cycleops ...but... this is a very rare bike. As the links that @classic33 and @bagpuss show Special Corsa Monzas were made (well labeled as monzas) in 1961 only. My guestimate would be 150 of them maximum.

Does it fit you? if so I suggest you keep it, ride it, enjoy it and look after it.

If you are interested in the value, much will depend on the condition, but I've never seen a Cinelli from that era sell for under four figures.

 

[bagpuss]

Any bike is only original once .Polish up all alloy parts . Carefully t cut paint work . It will look superb.

 

[321GOJO]

Thanks for all the replies. A few pics Frame # 6240

 

[bagpuss]

Nothing that some TLC will not sort out .
Better idea. Please just put in a big box and send it to me .

 

[321GOJO]

Along with the Cinelli there were 2 more bikes in Dad's small collection. A Dayton tandem and a Columbia shaft bicycle. All pretty much intact and original patina. (All three will ride with air in tires, they're all there)

 

[classic33]

What's either side of the "H" on the outer chainring, and is it 18658 below that?

Campagnolo front derailleur.

 

[Cycleops]

All pretty much intact and original patina. (All three will ride with air in tires, they're all there)

But not for too long, they look pretty much perished, especially those on the Monza.
As I said they look like tubs which are glued onto the rims with a kind of contact adhesive. Still available today but might not be cheap or readily available.

 

[321GOJO]

Some more details on the Cinelli. According to a link a member sent me that decal Mod S.C. was actually a mis-print.

 

[321GOJO]

Any recommendations on wheel tire choice to be a rider. I'm not familiar with the sew up tires. Would something modern be a good idea (if possible)?

 

[Cycleops]

Depends how original you want to keep it. There's no reason why you couldn't replace the tyres with tubs again. If you want to upgrade them to clinchers you'll have to put on new rims, or period correct old ones if you want. Be a shame to put modern wheels on it but it's up to you.

I see it has Reynolds 531 tubing which was much in favour even with the Italians at that time. Top quality tubing made in UK. Later bikes would have had Italian Columbus tubing.