Just bought a vintage folder.

I just happily bought an old folding bike at a neighborhood sale. It's single speed, 20", dual brakes, generator lights, Italian, vintage. Front tire marked Pirelli, headset marked Guizzardi.
Slight variations were reportedly sold under several names including Cinzia, Hyda-Bike, Barbarellas, Safari, Bianchi.
This particular model was custom built for "K.T.C. in Alsip" and most closely resembles a 1969 Cinzia Elite.


I rode it home and it felt mostly great. Needs just a little love. I'll probably remove the electricals, and maybe the rusty chainguard, and the back brake cable is seized, and may replace the seat, and add a new front light and rear reflector, and oil, and straighten the pedals, and measure it for a carrying case...

NOTE: This article is now maintained at http://bedno.com/body/bike/mine/folder
Was originally created here, but now mirrored from personal primary and subject to drift.

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Comment by Andrew Bedno on October 14, 2009 at 12:09am
Have serviced to satisfaction. Replaced torn old seat. Removed bent/rusted front fender. Removed broken generator, wires and lamp mount, and added an LED headlight. Disassembled and serviced both brakes and cables. Aligned wheels and checked pressure (rear only marked "45-55psi"). WD-40'd seat and stem tubes and fold join. Straightened chainguard, oiled all. She's set to go.
Gotta say though, even maximally collapsed she's ungainly, and weighs 31lbs.
Comment by Andrew Bedno on October 13, 2009 at 7:43am
On your advice, I'll leave the chainguard for now. But the electrics can go. So if I'm already not retaining it's original character, I'd still think to strip fenders and a brake, as it is quite heavy, and those parts are rickety. With all features restored this bike could fetch $200. As is, I may as well make it my own. Needs a name...
Acquisition story: Great example of modern social messaging working, walked just 8 blocks down my street to a group home bike sale on Spencer's e-advice. Damn, now I'm indebted providing bike doesn't suck. So he's there, goes check it out only $30, but soon guy says wanted $50. My imaginary girlfriend nagged don't I have enough bikes already, and we settled in the middle. Rode it home with much delight.
Comment by buddaa38 on October 13, 2009 at 6:46am
Hey Andrew; Don't get rid of that chainguard. I have something that will take the rust off, and make it shine once again. You can call me or I'll see you at bar night this Thurs. Gannon's. SWEET BIKE not because it's Italian! !! :-) But it doesn't hurt to be...

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