Cinelli
Revision as of 23:46, 10 November 2005 by 70.56.175.115 (talk)
Cinelli is an Italian bicycle manufacturing company based in Milan, Italy, producing mostly road bicycles and components. Cinelli has a reputation for quality in design and production similar to Italy's other famous bicycle marques.
History
Cinelli was founded in 1948 by Cino Cinelli, a former professional road racer and president of the Italian National Cyclist's Association. The presidency of the company passed to Antonio Colombo in 1978. In 1997 Cinelli became a division of Gruppo SpA.
Cinelli is known for its sometimes outrageous, but always beautiful bicycles and bicycle components. In that way, Cinelli epitomizes the Italian passion for cycling in a way that Campagnolo- the other major pillar of Italian cycling manufacturers- doesn't.
Innovative products
- Binda toe-straps (1951)
- Unicanitor saddle (1962) The first plastic-bodied saddle.
- First aluminium racing handlebar (1963)
- M71 Pedal (1971) The first quick release clipless pedal.
- Laser (1980) Track pursuit and time trial model which pioneered a new aerodynamic aesthetic and TiG welding in bicycle frames.
- Rampichino (1985) The first mountain bike made in Italy
- Cork Ribbon (1987) More comfortable handlebar tape