Colnago Mexico – honest opinions needed

[olzu]

Now as my "Colnago Master from mid 1990´s" has unofficially been identified (=Colnago Mexico 1985(?), repainted, with "Master" decals and some newer components) I´m just thinking what to do next:

1. To keep it as it is now and just ride and enjoy.
2. To keep the "wrong" (but good) red paint but replace decals with original "Mexico" decals. Replace some main components – one by one, little by little – with used original ones (headset, crankset, shifters...).
3. To restore = repaint the frame in Saronni Red with original "Mexico" decals and replace all "wrong" components. Is restoring worth of all trouble and money?

I would like to read your opinions. Thanks in advance.

 

[Pickle]

There is nothing wrong with non-original colour, or components, on a frame.

The only think I dont agree with is the wrong model decal on a frame. Its like putting an RS Turbo badge on a Escort 1.1 litre

Just change the model decal and ride it!

 

[Agency_Scum]

Option 1+ Option 3= Option 4.


Option 4. Keep it as it is and just ride it but do a full, meticulous restoration with a budget of 3 years and dozens of beers and coffees.

One month say you're going to get the right brakes. Get them, fit them and invite your mates round for a beer to ogle at the beauty. Another month get the right handlebar etc.

 

[pigman]

Another month get the right handlebar

yep definitely. Altho' dont leave it a month. Get some cinelli drops and ditch those monstrosities

 

[olzu]

Another month get the right handlebar

yep definitely. Altho' dont leave it a month. Get some cinelli drops and ditch those monstrosities

In fact, I already have Cinelli drops that I got into the bargain when I bought the bike. So, I am going to replace those "monstrosities" with Cinelli´s.
And BTW, I´ve ordered MKS Touring pedals...

 

[olzu]

Option 1+ Option 3= Option 4.


Option 4. Keep it as it is and just ride it but do a full, meticulous restoration with a budget of 3 years and dozens of beers and coffees.

One month say you're going to get the right brakes. Get them, fit them and invite your mates round for a beer to ogle at the beauty. Another month get the right handlebar etc.

Great idea, thanks! I think I prefer your option 4...

 

[Agency_Scum]

I used the same method with this beast ( I MUST get some decals next ).

 

[olzu]

I used the same method with this beast ( I MUST get some decals next ).

It´s a beast - but a beauty as well.
Great looking saddle and bar tapes!
Your method seems to work in practice...

 

[Walter]

My thought is to do what you want to do...and to ride it! There is no right or wrong here.

For me, the Mexico was a preferred model and the Saronni paint is killer. I would go back there...

A photo of mine is attached.

 

[olzu]

My thought is to do what you want to do...and to ride it! There is no right or wrong here.

For me, the Mexico was a preferred model and the Saronni paint is killer. I would go back there...

Of course I´ll do what I want to do. I just don´t know what to do at the moment. So, I´m asking your hrlp to make up my mind.
The more I see beautiful original Mexicos like yours in Saronni Red the more I want to get one. On the other hand: is restoring worth of all money and trouble? How hard is it to find all components that should be replaced? Where to find a good painter? How much all this will cost? Does it make any sense to restore a non-original bike that is in good condition at all?...