COLNAGO "NUOVO MEXICO" 1986

[HPL]

Just adding to the mix. Always seems to be a lot of confusion with Colnago "Supers", "Mexicos", and their variants. Blame it on Colnago for making bikes that commemorate achievements by riders using Colnago frames, but then producing a frame that is different from the actual design ridden to fame. Skipping to "Bepe" Saronni who rode a new "Mexico" design in the '82 World Championship, but Colnago producing another "Super" frame with "Saronni" embellishments, while at the same time producing/introducing the new "Mexico" design that Saronni rode. Why this model was not made to commemorate Saronni's accomplishment is dumbfounding! Regardless, the "Nuovo Mexico" with Columbus "Profil" tubing got made (what I name as the "Saronni Mexico") having both the top tube and down tube utilizing the "Profil" 2 "groove" tubing. This style frame is shown in a photo of his actual championship bike used in 1982. This "Mexico" variant was made in 1982 (possibly Saronni's bike design and/or frame was developed/made in 1981; ask Ernesto!); but by 1984 this frame had been modified by having 4 "grooves" on the downtube, giving birth to the 2nd generation "Nuovo Mexico", which was produced at least into 1986. Was the "Super" with the "Profil" tubing, 2 "grooves" in the top tube only, the initial frame made utilizing that type of tubing the first "Profil" style frame? Again, ask Ernesto! Unfortunately, the Colnago catalogs (those obtainable) are utter rot in general; using "stock" images for multiple years, and sometimes having written descriptions which don't match the accompanying image; images often of low quality not showing distinct frame features, and descriptions (even if "technically" correct) are vague and inadequate for exact frame identification. Thanks again Colnago! I have an mid 1970's "Super" which does not exactly match any catalog images nor descriptions or photographs by owners/researchers of any "Supers" from that period; both in frame features and/or decals. I also have a "Saronni"embellished "Criterium" "aero" tubing frame (not a "Saronni Super" or "Saronni Giro d'Italia") that I have not seen in any catalog. Given this confusion, I present a "2nd generation" 1986 Colnago "Nuovo Mexico" (presumably!) with the 2 "groove" top tube and 4 "groove" down tube "Profil" frame design.
Camp: SR derailleurs, BB, headset; Record hubs, seat post; "C" Record brake levers; Cobalto calipers; Victory shifters; SL pedals w/Christophe cages/straps. Regina ORO Extra freewheel, ORO chain. Cinelli cockpit. Regal saddle. F.i.R. Siriurs. Vittoria Rally 23mm tubs.

 

[HPL]

More of '86 Nuovo Mexico. Hopefully photographs will provide enough frame details for others to identify similarities and/or differences between their own examples of the various Colnagos out there. Missing image of underside of BB shell; "clubs" cut-out is akin to the later '70s frames (I think?), or least the early '80s frames; having a "flat"/"straight" cut to the base of the "clubs" outline similar to the playing card symbol as opposed to the somewhat "chevron" shaped base typical of the larger early-mid '70s design. There is also "COLNAGO" stamped or engraved curving over the top of the "clubs" cut-out.

 

[ZG862]

Lovely bike.

Is it just me or is this era of bike inherently more elegant than the modern breed? I appreciate that the priority is function over form, but whereas I (subjectively) find that the current championship-winning F1 car compares well against its predecessors going back to the 80's, the same is not true of racing bikes. Show a side-by-side of this and the latest Pinarello Dogma for example, and the latter is riddled with awkward angles and uncomfortable, unergonomic looking controls. This, on the other hand (whilst maybe not my cup of tea colour wise) is just beautifully proportioned and looks like it would be a joy to spend a day (at least) on.

Maybe it's just what I'm used to. If anyone would like to give me their Dogma to live with for a bit, perhaps I'd form a different view. Eventually.


PS/ Binda toe-straps, surely?

 

[Nob]

Re:

Nice looking machine but you could do with lowering your stem just a tad as that looks as though it could come out if on a climb out of the saddle giving it some beans.....

 

[HPL]

Binda toe-straps, surely?

I have some reinforced Binda straps, and although functional looked a bit tatty on this build; also have some nice ALE cages, but blue anodized so again not a good fit. A friend has some ALE black alloy cages I'm trying to cajole him into selling or trading.

 

[ZG862]

Binda toe-straps, surely?

I have some reinforced Binda straps, and although functional looked a bit tatty on this build; also have some nice ALE cages, but blue anodized so again not a good fit. A friend has some ALE black alloy cages I'm trying to cajole him into selling or trading.

I'm pulling your leg. I've only ever bought the Christophe ones and found them to be perfectly adequate (and much better than the nylon ones I've occasionally been unfortunate enough to use). I just thought there might be some Italian regulation against using them on a Colnago.
Nob makes a very good point about the stem and beans. Is it really in below the mark?

Wish I could help you out with cages - the only surplus ones I have are bent and not suitable for works of art.

 

[HPL]

Re: Re:

Nice looking machine but you could do with lowering your stem just a tad as that looks as though it could come out if on a climb out of the saddle giving it some beans.....

Thanks, I appreciate your attention to detail, I've missed things before!
I do agree with your comment, but I had only taken the bike for a VERY casual test ride after getting wheels finished (had a little back spasm that weekend!); need to lower stem (back feels fine now) and seat post (saddle change) for normal riding position for me; although both are sufficiently inserted for regular use, albeit not by much on either. Still making a couple alterations for my riding preferences: saddle, a period ltalia "Turbo"; and also period LOOK black competition pedals (my normal riding choice given the shoes l normally wear). Also, installing a Camp. period "aero" "Biodinamica" bottle/cage not presently on hand at my current location.
This not a regular rider for me, thus its very good condition; I regularly ride a Batavus "Criterium" for training and "cross" riding, Colnago "Super Piu" or Fondriest "X Status" for racing/serious riding.

@ZG862 ("just thought there might be some Italian regulation against using them on a Colnago. ")
Well, there are Prugnat lugs being used; I'm part Italian, part French myself!

Ride Fast, Be Safe,
HPL

 

[colnagophiliac]

I do like the Retinato paintscheme, and the colour of yours is lovely.
A few years ago I bought a NOS "Arabesque" ( the original one) F/s - for £250.00 !!! - which was in a dual toned copper Retinato finish. It was beautiful. It being 54cms I was never going to have it built up, but I had it standing on my desktop for quite some time. Of course it was valuable so I let it go in the end - to Germany. The original Arabesques had/have 6 fold crimping - as in the Essa Mexico (" Essa" being 6!).
I attach some images of my Nuovo Mexico. In addition to the customary pantographing, mine has the lovely ( and delicate!) club cut out bottle cage, and a "chrome" Colnago frame pump. I think these bikes really are the pinnacle of the steel Colnago evolution.

 

[ZG862]

Lovely!
You'll want to get yourself some pedals though, or it's going to be really hard work to ride...

 

[HPL]

I attached some images of my Nuovo Mexico.

Nice bike, I always liked a simple black and white decor. I have a Tommasini Prestige with similar look.
Is the downtube "crimped" like the top tube? I am trying to determine approx. what year it changed; '84 or '85 (knowing Colnago, it was probably a mid-model year change that was not annotated by their catalog for the correct year).

You mentioned catalogs; do you have any from '79-'82, or '89-'94?