1988 Marinoni Criterium

Part 1: Pre-Crispification

Master frame builder Giuseppe Marinoni built this Bright Red Criterium bike by hand in his Quebec workshop in 1988. It's made of Columbus SLX tubing from Milan (some call SLX the greatest steel bike tubing of all time) and has a very cool no-lugs fork. The bike was first sold by The Bike Shop in Scarborough Ontario in the late 80's. In 2017, I bought it on eBay and have taken it on some great rides since. 

Part 2: Crispification of the Drivetrain 

In 2024, I became a bit of a roadie and decided to  modernize the bike. I wanted to replace the old Standard Gearing with up to date parts that are better suited for long rides on the steep grades north of San Francisco. Here are some highlights from the process.

FIRST CRISPY RIDE 

Ride report: just a quick zip around SF on a beautiful day to shake down the bike. Carried lots of tools in case of major malfunctions. The drivetrain preformed perfectly across the full range. I hammered a few steep segments and found the bike hyper nimble and quick to leap up the hills. On the descents, I was reminded just how good disc breaks are. I'll be replacing these break shoes. The ones on right now might be orignal from 88... Blingy Vittoria Tires are in the mail. Those will replace the vomit inducing albeit bombproof Gatorskins this week! 

Part 3: Wheels and Saddle 

Part 4: Stem and Seatpost

Part 5: New Headset & Chrome Groupset ❄️