As a firmly established cult brand with a loyal fanbase, which at one point included Eric Clapton, Cinelli continue to fine tune their bike range with the welcome addition of this offshoot of last year’s Unica.
Not to be confused with an eastern European football team, the 2010 Dinamo features intriguing octagonal 7000 series aluminium tubes by Columbus, mated to a carbon wishbone seatstay element, with slightly tweaked geometry allowing a more upright riding stance. Think ‘racing comfort’. The bold, graphic working of the Cinelli name works well with the bike’s invigorating orange and white livery.
Complemented by a carbon-bladed Columbus Tusk fork, the Dinamo’s geometry creates a snappy response and lively handling. Although the Campagnolo Khamsin wheels are workmanlike and robust, they didn’t reduce the bike’s overall vivaciousness, and the diamond tread Vittoria Zaffiros held their grip on the greasy, sunlight-deprived local roads.
With the newly shaped Campag Veloce 10-speed Ergo levers producing a satisfying mechanical soundtrack, you’ll find yourself clunk-clicking every trip just for the fun of it; they’re actually a little better than the 11-speed, both less vague and easier to adjust (sacrilege!).
For our tester just recovering from a lower back injury, the Biodynamic Geometry – a shorter top tube and higher head tube – was just the ticket to getting reacquainted with drop bars, here Cinelli’s own VAI bar and stem. However, the comfortable riding position is somewhat diminished by an unyielding 31.6mm alloy seatpost and stout rear end.
The most significant contribution to ergonomics, though, is the straight block at the back of our test model. With one tooth difference from 14 to 23, combined with a 34/50 compact at the front, steep hills were tackled with ease, while the close ratios made it easy to fine tune gear choice and hit that cadence sweet spot.
If you’re looking to generate some excitement on your rides, while keeping a bit of power (and money) in reserve, the Cinelli Dinamo will keep you buzzing.