FIRST LOOK: TWO HUBS CIPOLLINI PROJECT BIKE

Paying tribute to the Lion King with a namesake bike

As the name implies, the Two Hubs Cycling Boutique is not some factory-backed cycling superstore. that sells everything from kid’s bikes to trikes and tandems. It is a high-end shop that caters to cyclists who find themselves on the serious side of the sport. Sure, you can go inside and purchase an innertube and gel, but you’ll also find a selection of bikes and accessories that provide an impressive embrace of both old and new performance. In short, Two Hubs is a shop that wears its enthusiasm of the sport and custom build knowledge on their sleeves. The shop specializes in Euro brands including Orbea, Wilier and Look in addition to Cipollini. The Orange County (SoCal) shop also know their way around mountain and e-bikes.

This Cipollini MCM project bike was built as an ode to “Super” Mario Cipollini – one of the sport’s most flamboyant and winningest sprinters that the sport has ever known. Starting with a made in Italy Cipollini MCM frame ($4000 for custom geometry), the frame got a coat of Ferrari red paint with some custom made Saeco stickers on the top tube.

The man, they myth – Mario Cipollini in action. Giro d’Italia 1998 – Mario Cipollini (Saeco) – BettiniPhoto©2010

The rest of the bike came from some serious backroom scrounging and long distance deal making. The machined Magic crank is a gem of a history piece that was sourced from Australia and the rare 23mm yellow Vittoria Competition tires came from Japan.

Owing to the 11 speed transmission and narrow chain, Cannondale chainrings took the place of old school (and wider for 8-9 speed) Coda chainrings. Red Look Keo pedals and Elite cages are nice details.

TWO HUBS CIPO BIKE SPECS
Frame/fork: Cipollini MCM
Cranks: Cannondale Coda/Magic Motorcycle 172.5mm
Chainrings: Cannondale 53/39
Bottom bracket: Cannondale Coda/Magic Motorcycle w/ BB86 cups
Brakes: Shimano Dura Ace BR-R9100
Shifters: Shimano Dura Ace ST-R9150
Junction box: Shimano Internal EW-RS910
Battery: Shimano Internal BT-DN110A
Derailleur – front: Shimano Dura Ace FD-R9150
Derailleur – rear: Shimano Dura Ace RD-R9150
Chain: Shimano Dura Ace CN-HG901
Cassette: Rotor UNO 11-28
Wheels: Spinergy Rev X Tubular
Tires: Vittoria Strada Yellow
Handlebar: PRO Vibe Carbon
Bar tape: Cinelli
Stem: Cinelli Graphis Carbon
Headset: FSA hidden
Seatpost: Cipollni MCM
Saddle: Selle San Marco Concor Light Embroidered
Pedals: Look Keo
Weight: 16 pounds
Value: $10,000

BUT WAIT, THERE’S ONE MORE

As the story goes, another Tow Hubs customer came in looking for something that really had a taste of the Euro exotic…and this custom painted (in Lamborghini red) Cipollini RB1 with a Campagnolo Super Record EPS drivetrain, Lightweight wheels, Time pedals and Fizik saddle was the result. Price? In the neighborhood of 15 large!

For more: Two Hubs Cycling Boutique