Cinelli Bootleg

"Before it even had a name, the Bootleg project began with the crazy requests of Aldo "Rock" Calandro, a man of all too rare a breed, a poet-athlete known in Italy not just as a radio DJ and important figure in the Milanese rock music scene, but also for his poignantly heroic athletic adventures.  It began with a visit to Gran Ciclismo at Via Folli, the store Cinelli kept in front of part of its factory.  Calandro, dreaming of becoming the first Italian to complete the Race Across America, insisted that his next bike, for his greatest adventure yet, must be all black, down to the smallest detail.  Colombo, catching wind of a fracas, came down from his turret to show his face on the shop floor.

"Who is this punk making trouble?"

"Cyberpunk," Calandro replied, without batting an eyelid. "New-Waver, new psychedelic, iron-zen, blade runner."

Columbo needed no further explanation.  "Give the man exactly what he wants," he shouted at a bewildered staff, "regardless of the price."  So a collaboration was born.

I recently checked Cinelli: The Art and Design of the Bicycle out from the library and among the many fascinating stories and compelling photographs, those about the Cinelli Bootleg project stood out.  My interest in cyberpunk only scratches the surface, but I could tell immediately that this particular character and the bikes he specified are straight from the mind the kooky utilitarian cyclist I identify with most.

Calandro notes that "All great artists have always preferred their pirated discographies and would great their audience at the beginning of concerts by saying, "Are you ready, bootleggers?"

In case you are in need of any further stokage, check out Lucas Brunelle chasing Chas Christiansen through the fucking African desert.  This is what cycling is all about; Gonzo at its finest.

Find more on the Bootleg project here!