Setting the Stage: Our Latest eBay Treasure
The nostalgia for vintage and retro bikes has never been greater. In this journey, we're retrofitting a vintage Bianchi bike, infusing it with a unique twist from Cinelli - the Tempo Bullhorns. Not just the handlebars, we're also exploring their banned extensions, presenting a full, detailed exploration of these classic bike components.
Join us at Roberts Customs as we share our experiences from stumbling upon this gem on eBay, to fitting it onto our bike, and everything in between. This is a journey of discovery, understanding, and appreciation for the aesthetic and practical aspects of these iconic handlebars and their extensions. Buckle up, let's dive right in!
Discovery of the Cinelli Tempo Bullhorns
The eBay Find
We stumbled upon these unique Cinelli Tempo Bullhorns while scouring eBay for vintage bike parts. The sleek design and promise of superior performance caught our eye, and we knew these handlebars would be a perfect fit for our Bianchi Gold Race Special.
Initial Impressions
Upon first glance, the handlebars exuded a sense of stylish nostalgia. The bullhorn design has always been a symbol of speed and efficiency in the biking world. Moreover, these Cinelli Tempo Bullhorns added an element of aesthetic appeal that modern designs often lack.
Cost and Delivery
Winning the eBay auction for a reasonable £19.99 plus £4.99 postage, we were the only bidder. The package arrived promptly, well-packaged and undamaged - a testament to the seller's professionalism.
The Anatomy of the Cinelli Tempo Bullhorns
Overview of the Handlebars
The Cinelli Tempo Bullhorns embody a retro yet futuristic design. The handlebars curve in two distinct directions - both downwards and forwards, adding a unique twist to the traditional bullhorn style. The anodized finish gives them a modern feel, while the design itself seems to have been ahead of its time, even as far back as the 1990s.
Unboxing the Package
Unboxing the handlebars was a moment filled with anticipation and excitement. The package arrived in excellent condition, with no noticeable damage. The handlebars and extensions were disassembled for easier packaging, which also offered an opportunity to get a closer look at each part.
Fitting the Extensions
Reassembling and fitting the handlebar extensions was straightforward. The clamping mechanism allows for adjusting the overall height in relation to the stem and the main body of the handlebars. Additionally, the angle of the extensions can be further adjusted after clamping onto the handlebars. This flexible setup enables customization according to individual riding preferences.
Historical Context
The Time of Cinelli Tempo Handlebars
In the 1990s, Cinelli was at the forefront of innovative bike design, producing stylish and functional components. Their Tempo bullhorn handlebars are a testament to this era, with a design that feels ahead of its time. The handlebars are believed to have been produced sometime between 1993 and 1997, based on internet findings, although Cinelli still manufactures bullhorn-style handlebars today.
The Ban on Extensions
Handlebar extensions were quite popular until around 1997 when they were banned from racing by cycling's governing body. There may have been stability issues with the extensions, as they put the rider's hands literally at the front wheel. Despite this, the extensions included with the Tempo handlebars fit perfectly and offer an intriguing glimpse into the design trends of the time.
Installing the Bullhorns on the Bianchi Bike
Preparing the Bike
Before the bullhorns can make their debut on the Bianchi Gold Race Special, it's important to properly prepare the bike. This includes removing the current drop handlebars and ensuring that the new Cinelli Tempo bullhorns will be a compatible fit.
Fitting Process
Slipping off the old handlebars and fitting the new ones is a straightforward task, with the key being to use the right size Allen key. Once the handlebars are securely in place, it's time to adjust the handlebar extensions, which can be done both in terms of overall height and angle. Despite being left quite loose, adjusting these extensions while riding is not recommended.
Initial Look and Feel
With the new handlebars in place, it's time to see how they look and feel on the bike. The Cinelli Tempo bullhorns bring a certain futuristic flair to the vintage Bianchi bike. Despite their age, they offer a modern twist on the bullhorn handlebar style. The handlebar extensions, while looking quite impressive, will need to be tested during a ride to assess their practicality.
The Retro Aesthetic Vs. Futuristic Appeal
The Vintage Feel
Bullhorn handlebars naturally infuse a bike with a vintage or retro feel, which is why they're a fitting choice for a fixie or single speed like the Bianchi Gold Race Special. The aesthetics of these handlebars pair well with the charm of older bikes, highlighting their timeless appeal.
The Futuristic Touch
Interestingly, the Cinelli Tempo bullhorns offer a touch of the future as well. Thanks to their unique curvature and anodized finish, they carry an unexpected yet impressive modern appeal. This touch of futurism breathes new life into the vintage bike, offering an intriguing blend of old and new.
Trying Out the Handlebars and Extensions
Testing the Bullhorns
The true test of any bike component is how it feels in use. With the Cinelli Tempo bullhorns fitted on the Bianchi, it's time to take them for a spin. We'll be examining their comfort, control, and overall ride experience.
Assessing the Extensions
The handlebar extensions might be a bit of a wildcard in this setup. Despite being more of a racing bike fixture, we're going to give them a go on the single speed Bianchi. It'll be interesting to see if they add any significant difference to the ride or if they're more of a novelty.
Comparing with Modern Alternatives
The Cinelli Angel Aero Bars
While the Cinelli Tempo bullhorns are a classic, it's also worth considering modern alternatives. The Cinelli Angel Aero bars, for instance, offer an integrated stem and sleek design. How do they compare with our vintage find?
The Shift in Stem Design
One interesting aspect of bike handlebars design evolution is the shift in stem design. The stem's positioning can dramatically affect the bike's handling and the rider's comfort. By comparing our vintage bullhorns with the more recent designs, we might glean some insights into this fascinating design shift.
Reflections and Future Plans
Thoughts on the Bullhorns and Extensions
After a thorough inspection and fitting process, it's time to take a step back and reflect on the Cinelli Tempo bullhorns and the included extensions. What has our exploration revealed? Do these vintage components meet our expectations?
Plans for the Bike and its Components
With the bullhorns now a part of our Bianchi bike, we're excited about the future. What's next for this project? How will these new components influence our plans for the bike? We are excited to explore all of the possibilities for our vintage bike makeover.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up our journey into the realm of vintage handlebars with Cinelli Tempo Bullhorns, we take a moment to gather our thoughts. We've delved into the past, embraced the present, and glimpsed at the future possibilities. What are our concluding thoughts on this venture? Let's reflect on our exploration, the findings, and how they shape our view on bike restoration.
