Maino Campionissimo 1931 Vintage Bicycle

Founded in 1896 in Alessandria (Italy) by Giovanni Maino, Cicli Maino is one of the oldest Italian bicycle brands. Already famous in the 1920s thanks to Costante Girardengo, Maino achieved its most notable victories with Learco Guerra. Between 1929 and 1934, the cyclist from San Nicolò Po (Mantova, Italy) was great enough to win the World Championship (1931), five Italian Championships, the Milano-Sanremo (1933) and the Giro d'Italia (1934).

In 1939, the brand was subsequently acquired by Rizzato (Atala) who continued the bicycle manufacturing until the end of the Second World War.

During the 1920s and 1930s, the Maino Campionissimo was the top of the line in their catalogue. Just as this bicycles, which dates back to 1931. As stated on the top-tube badge, this particular Maino Campionissimo was donated on 20th September 1931 by the "Società Anonima Maino di Alessandria – the Maino company – to the "Federazione Italiana Escursionismo – the Italian federation for outdoor activities.

This Maino Campionissimo – Serial No. 47957 – arrived at Steel Vintage Bikes in original condition and with all original parts – except for the Ghisallo wooden rims and the tires which have been replaced for safety reason. At a first sight, an expert eye would suddenly identify a Vittoria gearing, which makes this bicycle a bit enigmatic. In fact, given that the rod-operated gearing system was first introduced in 1932, there are two alternatives: either the bike was a special model equipped with a "prototype" of the Vittoria gearing – that is why it was also given as a gift – or the gearing has been subsequently added to upgrade the "Giro Ruota" gearing – a hub with freewheel and single cog to be switched manually according to rider's need.

Not only the gearing, but all the original components make this bicycle a very rare vintage racing machine: the hubs with oiler, the crankset, the pedals, stem and bars, the saddle are all original parts manufactured from Maino directly. The freewheel is from Regina, whereas the brakes are Balilla.

The lugged steel frame is also in original condition and features a very typical fork crown with three slots – represented also in the Maino brand logo – and precisely filled lugs. Simply elegance in all details.

History, fine craftsmanship and a bit of enigma. Ingredients that make this Maino Campionissimo a bicycle to enrich a serious collection.