Midway

I bought a Colnago Master PIU frame from Colorado Cyclist in early 2000 and due to finances at the time, had Colorado Cyclist build the bike kit with Ultegra. I always regretted not putting Italian components on an Italian classic. Does mid 1990's qualify for classic? I am not sure what year the frame is but since I bought it on clearance, it must have been sitting around in the warehouse for awhile.

I rode it for about five years but due to time, took up running and the bike has been hanging in the garage unused for almost 15 years. I just had a hip replacement and I'm not supposed to run anymore so I want to start riding again.

I am considering re-building the frame from scratch using Campagnolo, either Record or Super Record. Will the frame accomidate current Group-sets? What about EPS or would that defeat the purpose?

Would appreciate suggestions how how to do the frame justice in addition to the Campy Groupsets; wheels, stem, handlebars, seat, etc. I'm not a mechanic and would have someone assemble it for me but I can start thinking about acquiring everything I need.

Thank you

fraba

This is a beautiful bike. I will certainly look at advices you will receive because I have the same dilemma
You can look at my post: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...need-help.html

Midway

I saw yours just as I was posting my. Quite a coincidence. I will follow yours as well. Thanks.

blamester

My advice is ride as it is for awhile. You won't lose anything and maybe you will be better able to decide what you need.
Should be no problem fitting a modern groupset on it.

squirtdad

Why not learn to do the work yourself? Especially if you are going to be riding instead of running. Being able to handle little fiddly things yourself instead of going to a shop is really great.

Also in many ways building from the frame up with a full group is easier than piecemeal worlk, you see how everything goes together and the fiddly part of using non matching parts is minimized

Agree with the idea of riding a bit now to help figure out what you want

Gary Fountain

Your lovely Master Piu looks like an early 1990's example to me. A beautiful bike and it must be hard to look at without being able to ride it.

I would chase a later Campagnolo C-Record groupset or an early 1990's Campagnolo Record or Chorus groupset with their early 'brifters'. I like the 1995 version of the Record series myself. They won't change gears like the newer stuff but they do look the part. Anything around the early 90's Campagnolo era would suit.

I hate saying this but your Ultegra gruppo does look good on your frame.

What a beauty! Congratulations on buying an older, more classic bike when you had the chance of getting a 2000 model.

Footnote: Did you know that the 'Piu' refers to the internal routing of the rear brake cable within the top tube?

Midway

I took it out once in between rain and snow and have had it on the trainer for a few weeks while I rehab from my hip replacement I had on November 27th. I will get out and ride as the weather permits.

I also just ordered an endurance style bike and won't be left stranded if I do start to work on a rebuild. I'm in no hurry but have never felt right after forgoing Campy for Shimano.

I might be willing to do the work myself but it will take me some time to figure everything out. Thanks.

Midway

I thought PIU meant Plus? I did know about the internal routing. I am not finding any current groups in silver; I assume that isn't an option anymore? That is unfortunate. I prefer to stay with silver. The Ultegra does give me that. Thanks.

flyingPiggy

wow this truly is a beautiful example. I have Piu too with Shimano 7400. I was thinking about doing what you think of doing but instead I got me DeRosa with C-record
Here is What I was contemplating...
C-Record with Cobalto (I do not like Delta omg) or I could go crazy and do 50th Anni (I personally think that would really go great with your frame albeit not satisfy purists), Shamal Wheelset...so iconic.
What ever you do... I think it will turn out great! I wish I could see the frame in person... Just like a beautiful star lit sky, pictures don't do justice.

Midway

The link to this restoration is crazy; I can dream of doing something like this anyway. The Video title says Master PIU but I don't think it is one.

I don't know much about Campagnolo Potenza. Is it comparable to Record? Thanks.

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x63hxy7

fraba

Certainly not comparable to Record. I read the it is close to Shimano Ultegra. Maybe a bit under... Here is a link where the two group sets are compared. https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear...imano-ultegra/

flyingPiggy

I will be honest, I am not big fan of four armed modern components on a vintage frames... that is one of the reasons why I like c-record so much. Having said that, yes I think it is compatible to have Record and Potenza mixed in together. Just make sure that they are from the same era. I think around 2015, they changed cable pull a bit and that kindda messed up things IIRC.

Midway

My frame has a few light scratches in the paint due to some minor falls and I would like to touch it up. The black paint is metallic with specs of many other colors. Any suggestions on how to match it?

This picture highlights the paint. It is not that noticeable to the naked eye.

I emailed Colnago for a suggestion but assume the chances they know how to source the paint is a long shot.

Thanks

flyingPiggy

I think I've seen something like that in art store... you might be able to find something like that in automotive paints too...
Try searching for 'black paint with flake', quick google does yield something but I wouldn't buy it unless I see in person.
Good luck!

Gary Fountain

Hi Midway, I think you are correct in saying Piu means Plus but the plus is the internal routing of the brake cable. There is another difference from the Master model but I just can't think what that is off hand.

Great bike - love it and it does 'scream' SILVER as a component colour/finish.

styggno1

Internal routing and lug design. Master having conventional looking lugs and Piu having the extra "points".

I wrote about it here:
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...-thread-3.html

Gary Fountain

Good on ya styggno1 - yes the extra lug points. And may I say, you have a beautiful bike.

Midway

Beautiful bike. That is inspiring.

jjhabbs 

I had to ask myself the same question. I have a 92ish. I was going to either go full retro mod... newer 11 speed campy. OR my favorite Era is late 80s super record.. As seen in my pics. GREAT bike, either way it will work well.





I had to ask myself the same question. I have a 92ish. I was going to either go full retro mod... newer 11 speed campy. OR my favorite Era is late 80s super record.. As seen in my pics. GREAT bike, either way it will work well.

obit

what a great bike!

Midway

Beautiful bike, great work. What components, stem, wheels etc. did you decide on?

jjhabbs 

Here is a video of the bicycle. any questions feelf free to ask

Gary Fountain

Very nice Colnago jjhabbs in the Buckler team colours and a Master Piu frame at that. It looks fantastic with the Campagnolo Super Record components but the original racing bikes that Buckler used were fitted with Suntour Superbe Pro stuff. Personally, I think C-Record would also suit your frame. My vote is to leave it as is.

JRD

My current project just finished in the chrome shop and will be powder coated close black with silver decals and then clear coated! I am doing a Neo Retro Build.



Colnago Master Piu'

xpacpal1x

A Master Piu frame I’ve been saving for a rainy day…NOS, never built up. BTW, how do these ride? Do the Gilco tubes or straight forks impart any discernible feel or character to the ride?