Colnago laid bare

[MrRichardHudson]

I thought I'd share pics of my new bike/project. I've taken bikes apart before, but it's the putting them back together that I never get around to! This one will be different. I've always wanted a Colnago - I picked this up from eBay. My first challenge was the headset - see the thread: http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... p;t=294920
The headset is now off and the frozen forks have been extracted. Now the fun begins

I haven't managed to crack what model the bike is yet. There is no number on the frame which (from what I've read) suggests it's an early frame. It also has 126mm rear spacing. There also aren't any stickers to label what frame material it's made from either.

The bike has been upgraded from 7 speed to 8 speed. Wheel hubs are both mixed as well. Mavic on the front and Campag on the rear. Anyhow, it doesn't matter if I don't find out what it was originally - I'll just enjoy the project.

My initial shopping list includes: Selle Italia saddle, Record headset (new?), Chorus brake callipers and pedals. I'm sure it will grow...

 

[lewisfoto]

Looks like a Mexico, with the Colnago stamped into the chain stay. I can't tell if the seat stay cap is engraved as well but with the recess brakes I would guess about 1980.

 

[MrRichardHudson]

I hadn't thought about exploring early 80s. Looking at some of the catalogues, the paintwork looks close to mine. I had thought this may have been resprayed at some time. Maybe not. Here are a few more detail shots.

 

[MrRichardHudson]

Some of the markings I've found on these sites are close to mine - but the Ace of Clubs icon on the head tube doesn't have the World Championship stripes - so it must have been sprayed at some time:

http://www.raydobbins.com/misc/Colnago_ ... atalog.htm
http://saarf.net/2012/12/06/colnago-catalog-1982-1983/

This site starts to date it at 1982 due to stamping and cable routing under bottom bracket http://home.earthlink.net/~mike.sherman ... ating.html

 

[lewisfoto]

Now that I have closer look I think my first assessment was off. The sloping fork crown along with the braze on front mech hanger make i more likely a late 80s to early 90s build. Also if the paint is original that would be another indicator of 90s.

 

[colnagolover]

Hi,

A question - are the cable guides on the down tube "original" equipment or are the guides attached to what were originally braze-on bosses for down tube shifters?

If the guides are originals, then the frame is definitely 1989 or probably later, since most Colnago frames were - as far as I can recall - supplied with down tube braze-ons until well in to 1989, possibly right in to 1990.

colnagolover

 

[MrRichardHudson]

Oh heck, now look what's happen. While unscrewing the bolt, its head has came off!

 

[colnagolover]

That could indicate that the cable guides have been screwed in to braze-on bosses :facepalm:

 

[Deleted member 24574]

Should have left 'em alone ... or are you going back to down tube shifters.

Whole heap of trouble now ...

 

[MrRichardHudson]

Time for a beer I think!