Mystery Cinelli Component or Tool

[P!N20]

Found this over at bikeforums.net that's keeping me awake at night; a mystery component or tool stamped Cinelli.



https://www.flickr.com/photos/49705339@ ... 271292045/

Anyone know what it does or what it is for? Perhaps it's not bike related?

It has the winged logo so >1978.
It doesn't have a high quality finish so I'm thinking it's a tool rather than a component.
The bolts look like they're meant to clamp something, but there's some little stops suggesting it probably shouldn't clamp too much.
The teeth may accommodate an elastic band perhaps?
Some have suggested it may be some kind of third hand tool.
Maybe it's only part of a larger tool like a truing stand or something?

The original thread is here: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vint ... hread.html

[familyguy]

If the bottom was spread to bottle cage spacing (64mm) then the notched arms wouldn't quite be parallel to one another. It if was spread to canti/centrepull spacing they might be. Still, doesn't help.

I like the OP's reasoning for buying it: it had Cinelli on it.

Jim

[10speedsemiracer]

somewhere way back in the back of my brain, when I look at this, I think centrepull or cantilever brake tool. Haven't seen this particular tool but have seen something similar (waaay back in the 70s)

I think the one I recall, not as ornate, was an old Hozan. But I'm dredging the memory cells..

[GaryF]

I've got no Idea what it is but I want one too.

[P!N20]

Do you think there should be some handles coming off those notched bits? Then it might be some kind of spoke tension relieving tool...

[WyvernRH]

Possibly used to straighten bent chainrings or chainring teeth?

Richard

[10speedsemiracer]

I've got a funny feeling that there's a bit missing, like a turnbuckle or screw adjuster between the two serrated arms sort of thing for tightening or adjusting.

[P!N20]

Possibly used to straighten bent chainrings or chainring teeth?

I like you're thinking.

I've got a funny feeling that there's a bit missing, like a turnbuckle or screw adjuster between the two serrated arms sort of thing for tightening or adjusting.

I know, right? You feel those serrated bits have a part to play.

[NASHIE]

Doesn't look like it opens up enough to be old spoke tension type tool ie that bolts onto one spoke. Brake spring testing type of tool....again with something missing, or just part of some fancy packaging/display contraption.

[WyvernRH]

OK, I think I might have this.

The straddle cable on a cantilever or centre pull brakeset is clamped in the bolts at each end close to the brake arms. This leaves the serrated arms at a slight angle from horizontal above the straddle cable serrations on the down side of the arm. You tuck a finger under each serrated arm and pull up to tension the straddle cable and push the brake pads against the wheel. This allows your other hand to tuck the cable puller thingy under the straddle, adjust the brake cable running thru it and tighten up the lock bolt.

What do you think? It would work best on Cantilever brakes I feel.

Richard

[Derny Driver]

...You tuck a finger under each serrated arm and pull up ...
Richard

Or use springs of various tensions?
Those serrated arms are crying out for some springs to be hooked on

[10speedsemiracer]

I was thinking the same sort of thing, although a cable tie or spring would fit into the serrated arms maintaining tension on the straddle cable, leaving two hands free, one to pull through the brake cable and the other to tighten the yoke.

The spring I'm thinking of is similar (but smaller) to a drum brake tension spring...

[P!N20]

OK, I think I might have this.

The straddle cable on a cantilever or centre pull brakeset is clamped in the bolts at each end close to the brake arms. This leaves the serrated arms at a slight angle from horizontal above the straddle cable serrations on the down side of the arm. You tuck a finger under each serrated arm and pull up to tension the straddle cable and push the brake pads against the wheel. This allows your other hand to tuck the cable puller thingy under the straddle, adjust the brake cable running thru it and tighten up the lock bolt.

What do you think? It would work best on Cantilever brakes I feel.

Richard

Oh yeah, similar to a Pro-set tool with a bit more functionality: https://www.bikewagon.com/shimano-tl-cb ... -gauge-set

I think we have a winner.

[WyvernRH]

Yes, good idea both - a spring or cable tie would free off both hands. Probably meant for a spring similar to the one in the picture IMHO?

Richard