Cinelli Supercorsa: History and Evolution of the Legendary Italian Bicycle Model

The Cinelli name is synonymous with Italy.

Cinelli, based in Milan, is one of the bicycle brands that best represents the "made in Italy" label worldwide. One of its most iconic models, the Supercorsa, has been a symbol of the global cycling industry for over 70 years.

But first, a bit of history. The founder, Cino Cinelli, born in 1919, was a professional cyclist in the 1930s and 1940s. He won the Giro dell'Appennino in 1937, the Giro di Lombardia in 1938, and a Milan-Sanremo race in 1943.

As a demanding and perfectionist champion, he was well aware of the mechanical limitations of bikes during that time. To address these issues, he started producing bike components and frames himself.

In 1947, Cinelli founded the Cinelli company, specializing in the production of handlebars, stems, saddles, and eventually complete bicycles.

Italy was still recovering from the aftermath of World War II, and cycling provided a source of enthusiasm for fans and an opportunity for redemption for many athletes who saw the champions of that era as role models.

It was the era of Gino Bartali, Fausto Coppi, and Fiorenzo Magni.

In this climate of rebirth, the Supercorsa, or Model A, was created.

The exact date of the birth of the very first Supercorsa is lost in the mists of time, but in 1951, Cino Cinelli and frame builder Luigi Valsasina built an extremely innovative prototype for his friend Fausto Coppi.

It's worth noting that at that time, most roads were still unpaved, and frames had relaxed geometry and generous (and heavy) tubing to withstand potholes and uneven surfaces.

However, in the post-war period, there was a progressive and widespread improvement in road conditions in Italy and Europe, with major routes being paved, making cyclists' lives easier.

Cinelli immediately understood that on smooth and regular asphalt, the standards of previous years were becoming obsolete. A more responsive and lightweight frame would offer better performance.

He designed a fork with a noticeably sloping crown, increasing the rigidity of this component and, consequently, the precision of the steering and the bike's handling.

It also improved aerodynamics. This design choice was subsequently followed by almost all other frame manufacturers.

Cinelli also shortened the rear triangle to reduce structural flexibility and designed an innovative seat lug with the seatstays welded to the collar in a rearward position and drilled to accommodate the seat clamp bolt. The aesthetic result was sensational, but it also improved the robustness and lightness of the frame.

Furthermore, the alignment with the seat tube was perfect, and the grip on the seatpost even firmer.

To balance the project and compensate for the rigidity of the previously mentioned components, Cino Cinelli wanted more flexible joints for the steerer tube and the seat lug. He went to Switzerland to meet Georg Fischer, an undisputed manufacturer of these components, who specially produced cast iron junctions (also known as ductile iron) for the visionary Milanese.

Since then, the Supercorsa has spanned decades without substantial changes. The most significant updates occurred in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1979, immediately after Cino Cinelli sold the brand to Antonio Colombo, president of Columbus, the Supercorsa was redesigned while staying true to its core features and received a new logo, the "Winged C," designed by a young Italo Lupi.

Another evolutionary step came in 1984 with the introduction of the Cinelli Spoiler, the only microfused part of a bicycle frame to receive a patent, located under the bottom bracket.

The staff at the Caleppio Settala company wasn't bothered by the mistake and used them anyway, selling the bikes with the incorrect labels at a discounted price. In fact, intentionally printed "Speciale Corsa" decals for Cinelli bikes were made in the following decade. Only later, to avoid further confusion, the model was officially renamed "Supercorsa." This name is still used today for what can rightfully be called one of the longest-lasting bicycles ever produced. Its production has continued uninterrupted for over 70 years and embodies all the innovations of the evolving Milanese company.

The modern Cinelli Supercorsa frame incorporates the fundamental concepts of the historical models: the sloping fork crown, the seat lug with a through bolt in the seat stays, and the aerodynamic bottom bracket shell.

The diameter of the Columbus tubes and the 1" steerer tube evoke classic races, as does the option for rim brakes only.

However, the rear wheel dropout spacing accommodates self-centering dropouts and a 130mm hub spacing to accommodate modern components and 11- or 12-speed cassettes.

Cinelli Supercorsa Timeline:

	Cinelli Supercorsa Timeline
1951	The first Super Corsa frame (or Mod. A) is born.
1963	Cinelli replaces Reynolds 531 steel tubes with Columbus SL tubes.
1968	The head tube and seat lug joints feature three progressively smaller holes, a distinctive characteristic of Cinelli frames until the 80s.
1970	The three holes also appear in the internal reinforcements of the fork.
1978	Cino Cinelli sells the company to industrialist Antonio Colombo (president of Columbus).
1979	Italo Lupi designs the new logo, the "winged C" that appears on the fork crown of the Supercorsa.
1983	Limited edition presented in collaboration with Fornasetti.
1984	Patent for the bottom bracket box with a spoiler.

 

Cicli Corsa proudly distributes the Cinelli brand. The Supercorsa frame is available for order in both road and track configurations, offering 17 sizes (from 48 to 64) or custom geometries.

There are 8 color options, ranging from the traditional Azzurro Laser to the elegant Verde Jaguar.

 

 

As always, we offer our customers the possibility to choose their preferred groupset, wheels, and accessories to ensure a custom build that meets everyone's needs.