I have recently inherited a couple of bikes from a family member that has passed away. I have zero clue where to start. I used to bike a lot as a teenager but since having kids of my own that free time has been limited. I am wondering if either of these bikes would be suitable to get back into riding and if so which one? Any input would be greatly appreciated!
From what I can see one is a Marinoni and the other is a Tosetto.
by Cbake86
12 Comments
The orange one looks like it is in better shape. At the very least, you’ll want to replace the tires and get a tune up.
How tall are you and how tall was he? These bikes are 100% worthless to you if they are not the right size.
The marinoni is a pretty desirable bike. There’s a documentary called Fire in the frame, or something like that about the builder. The other is a lesser known frame, but still quality.
Nice bikes and both are worth getting back on the road
Black appears to have newer brakes (Cables under the tape) and appears to be running Campy Nuovo record. What’s the groups on the orange?
Nice bikes. Enjoy getting back into cycling.
Marinoni still exists as a company.
[https://www.marinonicycles.com/index.html](https://www.marinonicycles.com/index.html)
Marinoni is a small Canadian manufacturer that does custom frames and I think some production lines. I used to work in a shop with a dealership, and every one I saw and built was a very nice bike. Most had full Campy, including the rims, so it’s a bit odd that that bike has an Alex rim on the front.
There’s a little weirdness going on with the stem and steertube, but (likely) nothing that can’t be easily sorted out.
The orange bike may also be very nice, but there seems to be little information about the manufacturer. I think it may be older than the Marinoni because of the way the front derailleur cable is routed. Not related to age, but those also may be tubular tires, it’s hard to tell from the picture.
If both fit well, I’d spend some money and time upgrading the Marinoni:
indexed shifters, maybe new wheels, dual pivot brakes, more comfortable brake levers, or at the least new tires and brake pads, check the drivetrain for wear, replace if needed
And use it as a ‘nice’ bike. Then maybe spend less on the orange one just for running around. Unless those are tubular tires on it.
I’ll have to do more research of all of that. Thank you!
Marinoni are hand made with upper scale specs
is that the same marioni in eyeing ebay, beautiful bike
Marinoni’s are great, both bikes look like they’d fit me well and I want to ride ‘em!
Some details about the orange bike. Most of the bearings on this bike are cup and cone. They can be disassembled and regreased. The rear axle is probably bent on a bike this age (indicated by the gear cluster wobbles significantly during coasting). Replacement axles are available.
The bottom bracket (crank bearings) are likely Italian threaded, meaning both sides are right hand threaded. This is cup and cone and probably just needs grease.
New cables, housing, tires, handlebar tape, and brake pads and chain are basically mandatory. 700x25mm tires should fit.
You are missing one or two chainring bolts.
Dia compe sells replacement brake hoods (the rubber on the brake levers).
I would carefully check everything for cracks before doing any repairs.