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I acquired this last week. It's a Canadian-built Marinoni from the early 90s (I think). It's borderline too far gone. The fella who sold it to me had a frame builder fill two small rust pinholes with silver (thus the primer under down tube) and gave the frame his blessing.

I think I'm going to clean it, sand/scuff pad the rust spots, touch up, and clear coat. The plan is to put it together warts and all and ride a few hundred miles, before sending it for a proper restoration.

I have some of the Shimano tricolor parts it was built with, but I'm looking for an early 90s whole bike I can steal parts and wheelset from to complete it. I hope I can finish it this winter.

If you're interested in learning more about Marinoni, here's a link to the trailer for a documentary about him:



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I love it, always wondered how much the outside world knew about Marinoni. I see them pop up from time to time, and it always looks like quality workmanship. I see it has the Columbus decal on the seat tube, that's fantastic tubing
 
Matti when I raced in the 80s-90s I wanted one bad. They were semi-popular in the peloton. I’m stoked to be the conservator of this one.
 
I acquired this last week. It's a Canadian-built Maranoni from the early 90s (I think). It's borderline too far gone. The fella who sold it to me had a frame builder fill two small rust pinholes with silver (thus the primer under down tube) and gave the frame his blessing.

I think I'm going to clean it, sand/scuff pad the rust spots, touch up, and clear coat. The plan is to put it together warts and all and ride a few hundred miles, before sending it for a proper restoration.

I have some of the Shimano tricolor parts it was built with, but I'm looking for an early 90s whole bike I can steal parts and wheelset from to complete it. I hope I can finish it this winter.

If you're interested in learning more about Maranoni, here's a link to the trailer for a documentary about him:



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View attachment 218129

I love these kinds of stories. I'm here for the stories.... and history... and experience.
Grateful.
 
I'm making some progress on the graveyard Marinoni. I've cleaned it, spray painted areas, and used Testors paint and a brush. When I get it to a good-enough point, I'll clear coat it. I am waiting for delivery on lots of parts.

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some assembly has begun. I thought I had a bb for it, but it is not the correct size, otherwise it would be further along.

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a little more progress. Waiting on silver bar tape and a bb. Looking for used Speedplay pedals and a 19-1/2" Sapo or Silca frame pump.

Marinoni3.jpg
 
a little more progress. Waiting on silver bar tape and a bb. Looking for used Speedplay pedals and a 19-1/2" Sapo or Silca frame pump.

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Looking good. I saw a Marinoni at a swap meet with a price tag of $1000 and I am glad that I didn't like the color scheme on it. It was a strange salmon pink color. I keep an eye out for one, and just maybe a suitable one will show up in my modest price range.
 
I paid $50 for this one plus $35 shipping, and that included the silver frame repair and a few of the crusty tricolor components, some of which were salvageable.
 
I paid $50 for this one plus $35 shipping, and that included the silver frame repair and a few of the crusty tricolor components, some of which were salvageable.
Ya, that's what I'm talking about. I stumbled upon a Benotto that was grouped in a pile of $10 bikes that I guy in a neighboring town was clearing out. I bought 10 bikes that day and he gave me one more as a bonus. He felt that these were the low end of his collection. There were a couple of three speed Raleighs in there with leather saddles, some decent mountain bikes and this Benotto that had been left to the elements for a long time and the front wheel was missing. I decided to get the frame powder coated, and now kinda regret it because the embossed lettering on the seat stay caps and fork crown are now mostly obliterated by fill-in of the coating. I have stalled out on the refurbish in my dissappointment and thinking of possible ways to remedy this.
It was just dumb luck that I picked up the Benotto, since I had no previous knowledge about the brand. I just noticed the lugged frame, downtube shifters and drop bars. I will post a photo soon in case anyone is interested.
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It's a rider. I ripped around the neighborhood last night, about 3/4 of a mile in the dark, just a t-shirt on in 25F temps. Woo! That was exhilarating. This is it for now. I'll ride it for a few hundred miles. It may get a legit restoration in the future. It rides really well. It feels light, lively and tracks no-handed perfectly. Can't wait for a longer maiden voyage, but they put salt on the roads last night, so it may be a while.

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I achieved my goal of preserving some of the patina, but making it presentable, from 25' anyway.
 
I painted a Zefel frame pump to match (sort of). I also emailed the frame number to Cycles Marinoni and they replied with the original build order. Kinda cool.

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90207 Marinoni build order.jpg


when I Googled the name of the person who ordered it, I came up with George Vettor Cycles and Sport in Ontario. I can't help but wonder if this bike was his or ordered for a customer of his. In reading about him, he was a triathlete, and my bike was found with tri bars on it. So...
 

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