Circa 1973 Colnago - what to do?
#27
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Those Phil hubs could be a good case for chrome spray paint. I've got some that doesn't look like chrome but would pass for anodized aluminum. On the hubs it would probably stay looking reasonably nice.
I really like Module E rims. Your replacement wheels sound great.
I'm not sure I've ever used a saddle I liked less than the Unicanitor. I hear some people like them.
Trying to gather 1973-or earlier Campy components would be a fun way to spend a lot of money. I mostly did that with my '73 DeRosa. I ended up buying an entire bike to get the right brakes.
I really like Module E rims. Your replacement wheels sound great.
I'm not sure I've ever used a saddle I liked less than the Unicanitor. I hear some people like them.
Trying to gather 1973-or earlier Campy components would be a fun way to spend a lot of money. I mostly did that with my '73 DeRosa. I ended up buying an entire bike to get the right brakes.
favorite is the Sella Italia Superleggera but those are fragile.
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I've looked closely at the detail pics, and can't see any issue with the paint which isn't well within expectations for a well-cared-for, 50-year-old bike. Is the paint really, really bad on the other side or something?
A full-Monty shot is a must to accurately make the call for anything beyond a good cleaning. Sounds like the parts will also clean up well since they were 'preserved' by the grime. Good deal - and great score!
Also, saw earlier you had a pair of Module Es laced to Campy hubs possibly earmarked for this build. Here's my '73 Super wearing a pair in its final form before being sold:
DD
A full-Monty shot is a must to accurately make the call for anything beyond a good cleaning. Sounds like the parts will also clean up well since they were 'preserved' by the grime. Good deal - and great score!
Also, saw earlier you had a pair of Module Es laced to Campy hubs possibly earmarked for this build. Here's my '73 Super wearing a pair in its final form before being sold:
DD
#29
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Module E was introduced in 1975. And was a terrible rim. A terrible rim based on a terrible idea. Colnago used Nisi rims when sold as a complete bike.
Early Phil hubs were terrible. Bearing shake from day one followed by rapid bearing failure. Bearing shake was noted in the original packaging box. No one knew how to replace bearings yet so wheels were unlaced, hubs mailed (by US Mail) to Phil, bearings replaced with new bearings that wouldn't work either, sent together with a "This time for sure!!" note from Phil. Lace the wheels back up and bearing failure repeated. The promo was relentless and had nothing to do with the product.
It is almost fifty years later and worst of era still has a loyal following. Sad that so many wonderful Colnagos were and continue to be burdened with this rubbish.
Anyone who actually rode the bikes rode Campy. Riding the bike never had any meaning to collectors.
We still have these bikes to play with because the large majority of them went to owners who did not ride. Go ahead and collect bikes for non-riders.
Goodbye.
Early Phil hubs were terrible. Bearing shake from day one followed by rapid bearing failure. Bearing shake was noted in the original packaging box. No one knew how to replace bearings yet so wheels were unlaced, hubs mailed (by US Mail) to Phil, bearings replaced with new bearings that wouldn't work either, sent together with a "This time for sure!!" note from Phil. Lace the wheels back up and bearing failure repeated. The promo was relentless and had nothing to do with the product.
It is almost fifty years later and worst of era still has a loyal following. Sad that so many wonderful Colnagos were and continue to be burdened with this rubbish.
Anyone who actually rode the bikes rode Campy. Riding the bike never had any meaning to collectors.
We still have these bikes to play with because the large majority of them went to owners who did not ride. Go ahead and collect bikes for non-riders.
Goodbye.
#30
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Module E was introduced in 1975. And was a terrible rim. A terrible rim based on a terrible idea. Colnago used Nisi rims when sold as a complete bike.
Early Phil hubs were terrible. Bearing shake from day one followed by rapid bearing failure. Bearing shake was noted in the original packaging box. No one knew how to replace bearings yet so wheels were unlaced, hubs mailed (by US Mail) to Phil, bearings replaced with new bearings that wouldn't work either, sent together with a "This time for sure!!" note from Phil. Lace the wheels back up and bearing failure repeated. The promo was relentless and had nothing to do with the product.
It is almost fifty years later and worst of era still has a loyal following. Sad that so many wonderful Colnagos were and continue to be burdened with this rubbish.
Anyone who actually rode the bikes rode Campy. Riding the bike never had any meaning to collectors.
We still have these bikes to play with because the large majority of them went to owners who did not ride. Go ahead and collect bikes for non-riders.
Goodbye.
Early Phil hubs were terrible. Bearing shake from day one followed by rapid bearing failure. Bearing shake was noted in the original packaging box. No one knew how to replace bearings yet so wheels were unlaced, hubs mailed (by US Mail) to Phil, bearings replaced with new bearings that wouldn't work either, sent together with a "This time for sure!!" note from Phil. Lace the wheels back up and bearing failure repeated. The promo was relentless and had nothing to do with the product.
It is almost fifty years later and worst of era still has a loyal following. Sad that so many wonderful Colnagos were and continue to be burdened with this rubbish.
Anyone who actually rode the bikes rode Campy. Riding the bike never had any meaning to collectors.
We still have these bikes to play with because the large majority of them went to owners who did not ride. Go ahead and collect bikes for non-riders.
Goodbye.
#31
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#32
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If it is a 73 then it is a "holy grail" year. Don't cold set anything. It would be a shame to make it a Frankenbike. Clean it, ride it.
My 73
My 73
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Whatever you do, take and post lots of pics. I love love love that green paint. Here's my '73, since we're sharing.
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Unlike you, I can't speak for others - but I ride my bikes, hard, and the Es gave me no issues whatsoever. I'll take real world experience over vague, unsupported complaints every time.
DD
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I’m glad you got a good deal on it. I told him if he took an hour and cleaned/lubed it, his price would be better suited.
having looked it over, I think it’s in great shape for its age.
take a garage door pic of her once she is cleaned up please.
robert
also in portland.
having looked it over, I think it’s in great shape for its age.
take a garage door pic of her once she is cleaned up please.
robert
also in portland.
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I'm genuinely curious, even though I normally glue mine on.
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VRJAKE,
Remember it's survived 50 years and I suspect that it will look much, much better after it is all cleaned up and you are able to see through all of the dirt and grime......when some of the gleam shows through this will often give one a much better perspective.
My advice for what it is worth is the following, clean, polish, lube, replace what needs replacing, and most importantly, Smile while riding.
Best, Ben
BTW, All good advice above.
Remember it's survived 50 years and I suspect that it will look much, much better after it is all cleaned up and you are able to see through all of the dirt and grime......when some of the gleam shows through this will often give one a much better perspective.
My advice for what it is worth is the following, clean, polish, lube, replace what needs replacing, and most importantly, Smile while riding.
Best, Ben
BTW, All good advice above.
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You cant cold set to 135. The stay bridges will probably break before it takes a cold set. The Colnago tapered stays and construction defy this. It will go right back to 126.
I have pics of pushing to 165 and chickening out, but I can't find them.
I usually just find an Ultra 6 and run with it.
I have pics of pushing to 165 and chickening out, but I can't find them.
I usually just find an Ultra 6 and run with it.
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Clean, scrub, polish, preserve and RIDE BABY RIDE!
Then see how it goes and if you cannot refrain from going down the garden path, yellow brick road, etc.
I have a very similar not Colnago but Colnago level to me that is a bit rougher, it will be a full on elbow grease, spit and polish to see how well it goes.
Then see how it goes and if you cannot refrain from going down the garden path, yellow brick road, etc.
I have a very similar not Colnago but Colnago level to me that is a bit rougher, it will be a full on elbow grease, spit and polish to see how well it goes.
#46
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VRJAKE,
Remember it's survived 50 years and I suspect that it will look much, much better after it is all cleaned up and you are able to see through all of the dirt and grime......when some of the gleam shows through this will often give one a much better perspective.
My advice for what it is worth is the following, clean, polish, lube, replace what needs replacing, and most importantly, Smile while riding.
Best, Ben
BTW, All good advice above.
Remember it's survived 50 years and I suspect that it will look much, much better after it is all cleaned up and you are able to see through all of the dirt and grime......when some of the gleam shows through this will often give one a much better perspective.
My advice for what it is worth is the following, clean, polish, lube, replace what needs replacing, and most importantly, Smile while riding.
Best, Ben
BTW, All good advice above.
I would posit that the act and effort of cleaning and polishing adds significantly to the result, the better it goes the better it turns out for the effort, win, win.
#47
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Volagi, there is a brand that vanished.
unfortunately one of the founders got quite hurt- very unsure of recovery
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or if you guilty of being too literal (me)
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#49
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Repack the BB and headset
I would return to toe clips and straps.
polish the paint- I have two from this era- the paint behaves differently - I equate it to MBZ auto paint- softer clear than others-
the paint has scratches and chips, but I have seen worse.
I bought one with Phil hubs- go Record Campagnolo, low or high flange.
trade out those brakes for Campagnolo regular reach Record calipers. Wonder who that curious mechanic was that assembled the front caliper adjuster wrong... GS brakes?!? Go Record.
rebuild the shifters, R&R the seatpost.
they are fun bikes to use.
"My name is Ernesto, I am Colnago"
I would return to toe clips and straps.
polish the paint- I have two from this era- the paint behaves differently - I equate it to MBZ auto paint- softer clear than others-
the paint has scratches and chips, but I have seen worse.
I bought one with Phil hubs- go Record Campagnolo, low or high flange.
trade out those brakes for Campagnolo regular reach Record calipers. Wonder who that curious mechanic was that assembled the front caliper adjuster wrong... GS brakes?!? Go Record.
rebuild the shifters, R&R the seatpost.
they are fun bikes to use.
"My name is Ernesto, I am Colnago"
#50
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I would dispute this point. We still have so many quality vintage bikes because there were tens of thousands produced, rarely got thrown out or disposed and technology progressed rapidly, making these bikes obsolete, any passionate cyclist moved on. Modern alloys, Carbon fibre, Indexed shifting, Brifters, Dual pivot brakes, 700C clinchers, and increasing gear counts with much greater range all came in quick succession resulting in these old bikes collecting dust in the back of the garage. Although a perfectly restored bike like the above is a nice wall hanger who is interested in riding a 5-speed straight block, toe clip bike anywhere other than around the block.
Yes, modern bikes shift and stop better, but these classics were fantastic bikes when they were brand new and they never stopped being fantastic just because something better came along. Some of us never lost our passion, but will still prefer to pull a vintage bike out of the stable for a long ride on a nice day, just maybe not with a straight block.