Canadian-Italian skinny rust bucket save

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

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:

 

[Captain Awesome]

Very cool

 

[MattiThundrrr]

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

 

[MattiThundrrr]

https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/giuseppe-marinoni-steel-frames-and-family-heirlooms/

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

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.

 

[One-eyed Sailor]

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:



View attachment 218128

View attachment 218129

I love these kinds of stories. I'm here for the stories.... and history... and experience.
Grateful.

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

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.

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

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.

 

[Ulu]

I’ve probably only seen one of those in my whole life. And it was in Minnesota half a lifetime ago.

Lovely workmanship on that frame.

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

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.

 

[100 mile howie]

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.

View attachment 220179

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.

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

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.

 

[100 mile howie]

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.

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

that's pretty. any idea what year it is?

 

[100 mile howie]

that's pretty. any idea what year it is?

From the info available on the net, I think it is probably eariy 80s.

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

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.

I achieved my goal of preserving some of the patina, but making it presentable, from 25' anyway.

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

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.

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...

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Searched the name, seems he's a bit of a character! Found some interesting stuff
https://www.pedalroom.com/bike/marinoni-funny-bike-26422

 

[JA331]

Nice work on that beautiful bike.