Maino Super Campionissimo Classic Racing Bike 1938

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 bicycle, which dates back to 1938.

This Maino Super Campionissimo – Serial No. 97470 – arrived at Steel Vintage Bikes in refurbished condition with a heap of original parts. At a first sight, any expert eye would identify the VittoriaRegina Margherita gearing. Here we find its early form in which it is basically a chain tensioner. The chain still has to be switched manually while pedalling backwards.
A rather simple approach to the shifting problem. Nonetheless, Alfredo Binda managed to win the 1932 world championships with this system!

Not only the gearing, but all the original components make this bicycle a very rare vintage racing machine: the filigree hubs, the crankset, the stem and bars, are all original parts manufactured from Maino directly. The rims are from D'Allessandro, whereas the brakes are Bowden.

The lugged steel frame 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, and fine craftsmanship. Ingredients that make this Maino Super Campionissimo a bicycle to enrich a serious collection.