Readers’ Rig: Roger’s Cipollini Bond 2

I think it’s well know that we like Cipollini bikes here at PEZ – Like Mario, they have that Italian flair and style, ignoring his recent legal and health problems. Roger Paperno lives in Southern California, the perfect setting for his Cipollini Bond 2 built up with Shimano Dura-Ace and Campagnolo Bora wheels.

Name: Roger Paperno
Location: Southern California
Bike: Cipollini Bond 2
Group set: Shimano Dura Ace 9170 Di2
Wheels: Campagnolo Bora WTO 45
Pedals: Speedplay
Saddle: Prologo Nago
Other: Deda Alanera Bar/stem
Weight: 15lbs 15oz (7.23kg).

When did you buy it?
I ordered this bike in January, knowing it would take 60 days to be made, since the frame is built and painted by hand in Italy. I never expected Covid-19 to be a factor, but it slowed things down by another month. I think my bike was one of the first ones shipped right after the lockdown in Europe was loosened up a little.

What made you choose this bike?
This is my third Cipollini, there is something magical about the way they ride. I was introduced to the brand by a shop in Italy, Cicli Maggi in Forte di Marmi. They had a beautiful Bond hanging on their wall, I asked if I could try it, as I had brought shoes, pedals and a few kits with me on holiday. The owner, Nico told me he would have to check and could I come back tomorrow. When I returned I was told that Mario had said I could ride the bike. Mario? It was Mario Cipollini’s personal bike that he left at the shop and rode when he was in the area! Obviously I was totally stoked to get to ride HIS bike. I spent the morning riding up and down the coast and even got to ride with an Italian club that greeted me with a hearty “CIAO!” and lots of smiles. I didn’t speak much Italian but I could tell they all approved of my choice of rides.

Returning to the US, I located my local Cipollini dealer, TWO HUBS CYCLE BOUTIQUE, and bought an NK1K and moved my existing Campy gruppo to it. I loved that bike, until I rode their just introduced top tier racing bike, The RB1K. Fantastically stiff and responsive, it’s a true performance bike.

The aggressive riding position, while aerodynamic, aggravated an ongoing back problem. The RB1K was such a race bike it began to aggravate my back on longer or multi day rides. Plus I was ready to get a bike with a disc brake set-up. I still appreciated the performance, quality and uniqueness of the Cipo brand. This is when the Bond 2 was launched; it was the perfect all around bike. A little longer wheelbase so it was stable, a little more relaxed geometry so it was really comfortable and beautifully designed as the Italians are expected to do. I am so happy with this bike!

Have you done any modifications/additions to it?
No, the bike is really great, I did get a slightly larger size than I normally would have, but this way I can slam the stem and not need a huge stem or push the seat all the way back. The bike is very balanced.

How many miles/kilometers do you do a year?
I usually ride about 5000Km a season.

What do you love about this bike?
I love the ride and the look of this bike, all white with just the Italian tricolore breaking the minimalist look, Bella! We just did a great ride of 60 miles with 6000ft of climbing and I got off the bike wanting to do more. I would take this bike over others costing thousands of dollars more.

Favorite riding area?
We are so lucky here in California; we can ride on the coast along the Pacific Ocean one day and in the hills the next. Favorite country to ride? Italy, of course!

Favorite riding experience on your bike?
I have had so many wonderful riding memories. I love riding in new places but I can’t wait to ride with my mates again. Wonderful weather and great friends is a great recipe.

Future upgrades?
None planned, I made a lot of changes on components when I bought this, Shimano instead of Campy which I had always used, disc brakes instead of rim, tubeless tires, all working fantastically!

Last words?
I’ve had the opportunity to ride and try a bunch of the top tier bikes, some costing more than a nice car, it’s not always about the price, and more is not always better. I would encourage everyone to try a bike made by a smaller, almost boutique like manufacturer. So many things are mass-produced in order to keep costs down. Use your local bike shop and become friends with them and buy from them. My relationship with them has saved me a million times.

Thanks to Roger for sharing his ride with us. Got a bike that you’re proud of? Well, how about sharing it with fellow PEZ fans and getting it featured in Readers’ Rigs so we can all stare at it! Send us a Readers’ Rigs submission direct to [email protected] and your bike could be featured in all its glory here on the pages of PEZ.