After reading about a classic bike restoration here on PEZ, reader Paul from Oregon couldn’t help but perform a resto of his own. His weapon of choice is this 1963 Cinelli Supercorsa that thanks to some fine restoration looks just as fine as the day it was sold over half a century ago.
Name: Paul O’Neal
Location: Bend, Oregon. USA
Bike: 1963 Cinelli Supercorsa
Groupset: Campagnolo Nuovo Record
Wheels: For General Riding: Campagnolo Record high flange hubs laced to Mavic CP3 clincher rims with modern DT Revolution spokes.
For Show: Campagnolo Record high flange hubs laced to Fiamme Red Label tubular rims with modern DT Revolution spokes.
Pedals: Campagnolo with ALE toe clips and straps
Saddle: Vintage Brooks Professional
Other: Silca frame pump painted to match.
Weight: about 22 lbs (10kg)
When did you buy it?
I bought the frameset about 6 years ago. It had a sloppy repaint with the wrong decals but was otherwise unmolested, with no dents or dings.
What made you choose this bike?
Actually, reading a piece by Corey Fox in PezCyclingNews about his restoration of a vintage bike, coupled with a visit to Gaiole in Chianti the day before L’Eroica, prompted my interest in finding a vintage bike. Together, those two things got me to searching for a vintage bike to restore. I was considering a 1972 Masi Gran Criterium, when I learned of a 1963 Cinelli Supercorsa frame and fork. I had Bob Freeman of Elliott Bay Bicycles in Seattle repaint and rechrome the frame and fork, while I spent about a year searching for period correct parts (early Campagnolo Record derailleurs, 151BCD crankset, Universal Model 61 brakes, and Campy high flange Record hubs with Fiamme tubular rims. I also bought a set of clincher wheels for everyday riding.
What modifications/additions have you done?
The only non period correct parts are a Phil Wood Bottom Bracket, and Cinelli alloy bar and stem. The Phil BB is a nod to maintenance free riding and the alloy bar/stem combo is because the correct Cinelli steel bars and stems are very rare and very expensive if you can find them.
What components are you running?
It is currently built up for general riding, with Campy NR rear derailleur and 144 BCD crankset drilled for a triple chain ring (50/40/34) coupled with a 14-28 five speed freewheel. Universal Model 61 brakes, and the clincher wheelset. I do have the correct Campy 151 BCD crankset, steel Record rear derailleur, and tubular wheelset, but save those for show.
How many miles/kilometers do you do a year?
About 1500 miles/year.
Favorite riding area?
I live in Bend, Oregon and there are beautiful roads (both paved and gravel) throughout the area. Scenery ranges from open high desert plateau, to dense pine forests and high lakes. Of course riding this bike in Italy for L’Eroica would be the ultimate ride.
Favorite riding experience on your bike?
My first L’Eroica-type ride was the Cino Heroica in Montana. A two-day ride over mostly gravel roads and the bike road flawlessly. It is very comfortable, surprisingly nimble, and an absolute pleasure to ride.
Future upgrades?
About the only thing I would upgrade would be if I found a Cinelli steel stem and bar for a reasonable price.
Last words?
This bike is a piece of art. It’s beautiful! But unlike most art, this is meant to be used and ridden.
Paul enjoying his beautiful bike and the scenery at the Cino Heroica ride in Montana.
Thanks to Paul for sharing his ride with us. Got a bike that you’re proud of? Well how about sharing it with fellow PEZ fans and getting it featured in Readers’ Rigs so we can all stare at it! Send us a Readers’ Rigs submission direct to alastair@pezcyclingnews.com and your bike could be featured in all its glory here on the pages of PEZ.