1incpa

Hi all,
I've been lurking here for a week or so and figure it's about time I introduce myself...and I have a question.

First off, I'm getting back into track racing after taking a few years off. I raced at T-Town for 6 years or so and got as far as cat 3. At this point I'm building to try and come back next year and race with the masters on Saturdays, and if I find some form, try Tuesday nights again. It's been fun getting reacquainted via this forum, lots of great info here.

Now to my question; I'm in need of a new frame. In my searching, I came across the above mentioned Cinelli. Is this a viable frame for racing, or is it a glorified hipster wannabe (not that there's anything wrong with that)?
Anyone have one? Thoughts?

Thanks,
Paul

WhatsYoCadence

Cinelli's are fine. They're stiff and light. Personally I'd go for an Affinity Kissena over any of the Cinellis for track racing.

1incpa

Thanks for that WYC! The Affinity is a nice frame! And the sizing works, too!
I think my search is over!

Paul

carleton

Hi, and welcome to the forum and welcome back to the sport!

The Cinelli frames are nice. The MASH frames are normal Cinelli frames with "limited edition" (lol) paint jobs and an added Hipster Tax.

They don't perform any better than any other aluminum frames with similar geometries.

carleton

Check here for recent finds and opinions: https://www.bikeforums.net/track-cycl...ete-bikes.html

Check here to see what we are riding: https://www.bikeforums.net/track-cycl...es-2014-a.html

Post when you build up your rig.

WhatsYoCadence

I'm glad I could help! I'm friends with the owner so it's always a pleasure to mention his company. His bikes have won tons of medals and I personally can't wait to get one. It's a shame I don't have one..

gycho77

One of my friend has Cinelli Mash bolt, Cinelli supecorsa, Zipp 2001, Pelizzoli leggenda, Bridgestone anchor, Viner, and other bikes, but he said that cinelli bolt flexes the most. So I do not recommend cinelli mash.

1incpa

Thanks for the feedback! I think my decision has been made. The Affinity is the bike I'm looking for. I could do without the integrated seat mast, but I like the sizing. Even the head tube is a realistic length for a not as flexible as I used to be 50 year old.

Carlton, I checked those threads out, lots of really sweet bikes, but didn't see anything that grabbed me and I could afford.

This is the easy part, I still need to get back into race shape...
Paul

dunderhi

How hard can it be, it's only track racing.

I'll see ya on Saturdays next summer.

carleton

Well, you picked the right time to start prepping. You have a long lead time before racing starts in May at TTown. You have time to "put money in the bank" i.e.: clean up your diet, lift heavy (if you are so inclined), lose weight, gather base miles, etc... It's hard to do any of those things when the season is in full swing when you are "making withdrawals from the bank".

You also have time to wait for the right prices on equipment. Look in the classifieds here on BF. Some nerd just posted some great track racing gear: For Sale

1incpa

I'm looking forward to meeting you Dunderhi! (I'm suprised we don't already know each other, Delaware's a small town.)

Carleton-Yea, it's good to not have to rush! I've been riding, just not racing, so hopefully it won't be too tough of a transition.

Thanks again everyone for the input. I haven't bee this excited to train for a long time!

Paul

1incpa

Well, I did get my new frame. I ended up with the aluminum All City. With only a couple of rides around the neighborhood on it so far, it seems nice. I'm looking forward to getting on the track with it!
Thanks,
Paul

dunderhi

Congrats! I rode one my first season back and it was a nice stiff frame that earned complements from fellow riders.

gycho77

Wait a minute
You live in Delaware?
I'm currently living in Newark Delaware.

1incpa

I'm in North Wilmington. If you've done any of the group road rides, we've probably ridden together.

gycho77

I always ride my bike by myself.
So I don't know anyone who loves to ride their bike

1incpa

No reason to ride alone our area, there are lots of group rides to choose from. It's tougher this time of year, but there are still rides. Check out White Clay for road and Delaware Trail Spinners for mtb.

Paul