Vicini Racing Bicycle Frameset (frame and fork), Fixie/Singlespeed/Track configuration
Manufactured of Columbus SP tubing (the stronger version of SL for larger bike frames), Campagnolo dropouts,
semi-sloping Cinelli cast fork crown (for maximum stability).
The paint is of the Cromovelato (chromovelato) type, which is semi-transparent, applied in multiple layers over a raw frame where only the rear triangle is chrome plated.
The result is a very interesting combination of chrome in the back, and seeing the raw grain of the metal through the paint on the front part of the bike.
Geometry:
Seat tube size is 60cm (as stamped on the bottom bracket shell) 24"
Top Tube Length is Compact: 58cm (23")
Head Tube Angle: 75°
Seat Tube Angle: 74°
Interpretation: the steeper head tube angle allows for quicker and very responsive steering, even for a racing bike. the seat tube angle is for the correct ergonomics and rider fit. angles are ±0.5° can be varied a bit by sliding the rear wheel forward and back in the angled rear dropouts.
I have raced on this bike in the late eighties, and all the tubes and fork are sound, none damaged, nothing bent, no dents.
Any Problems?
Of course, there are signs of use, some flaws in the chrome as it is no longer new. There is a piece of cable stuck in the rear channel, some coca-cola should get that out.
Questions & Photos:
Extra photos are available, if you have any questions, or there is something you want to see that is not already shown, just ask.
Vicini, this build, and history:
Mario Vicini was a bicycle racer, who did all the great races. Although he did not manage to get onto one of the big teams for the Tour de France, he went it alone, without a support team, without domestiques to help him out, and was the only independent rider, in history, to ever make it onto the podium of this grueling race. He won the Silver Medal.
He went on to become a Master Framebuilder, to design and build some of the most avant-garde framesets not only of the eighties, but that are considered, still today, among the nimblest and quickest handling bikes ever made.
He built mainly for other frame-makers, to handle their overload, such as for Marinoni in Canada. Vicini-branded is very rare, but has the recognition of of many other builders.
The raw frameset shows just how well built this bike is, with no brazing material spilling out of the lugs, yet a perfect fill, for maximum strength and durability. Many of the big names are not built so well, some showing gaps or spillage.
Enjoy the pleasure of owning and riding a piece of history.