Grandis
#1
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Grandis
This popped up on Craigslist last week, I called about it but it already sold. A few days latter a friend and fellow BF member called and asked me if I would be interested in it. He just wanted the wheels and saddle. I bought it today and am undecided on what I’m going to do with it. I’m really tempted to swap the calipers, seatpost and f/d with my Colnago to make it completely Super Record.
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Street cred aside, is the Colnago nicer?
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I'll take that as a yes. I always wonder in cases like this if you had each brand new, same basic color, no names for ID which one the majority of people would pick given very similar level, chrome, details, etc?
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Go ahead & complete the SR group. The Colnago is sweet, but I’m still drawn to the Grandis. Let’s see some close ups. Grandis frames usually have such nice little details. Head badge decal or engraving? I dig the fork crown.
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I've owned a Colnago but never a Grandis. Colnago's aren't exactly rare. I would go with the Grandis looks like a much nicer frame set.
And it's Orange. Orange is really faster than Red.
And it's Orange. Orange is really faster than Red.
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In my book, the Grandis is a much better steed to own, from a collector's point of view. I have ridden a Grandis and the ride was what one would expect from a hand made bike built with pride and care - exceptional ride quality.
I can't comment on the Colnago because the only Nago I have owned was a Sport model and too small for me to ride and fairly compare to other bikes that I am familiar with.
I can't comment on the Colnago because the only Nago I have owned was a Sport model and too small for me to ride and fairly compare to other bikes that I am familiar with.
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#9
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Do you mean to swap the parts mentioned from the Grandis to the Colnago to get full SR? If so, yes.
Neither pedals are SR.
BTW, I don't think there is a brake set that was SR, chain rings, BB, derailleurs, post, and HS, IIRC. Well maybe levers.
Neither pedals are SR.
BTW, I don't think there is a brake set that was SR, chain rings, BB, derailleurs, post, and HS, IIRC. Well maybe levers.
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When I was growing up, Grandis was a highly respected frameset in my region. Many who wanted a high end Italian frame but couldn't afford a Cinelli, Colnago or Masi,would buy a Grandis. The workmanship was consistently excellent, at time when some of the other high end Italian marques suffered from erratic quality. I knew several Grandis owners and when I was looking for my first high end frame, Grandis was on my shortlist. IMO, they are a very under rated frame. Personally, for a rider, I'd rather have a Grandis. As an investment, I'd take a Colnago. However, in this case the Colnago would be more suitable for most avid cyclists, due to the more relaxed geometry. FYI, the subject Grandis appears to be from circa 1982-1984.
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#13
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@sloar I wouldn't touch that paint in spite of the tire rub on the NDS CS. Really cool bike. I think it is in better condition than my Colnago. I don't disagree with the comments about apparent workmanship either.
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#16
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I'd like to know how the Grandis and Colnago compare.
How did an Italian name end up with a consonant at the end?
How did an Italian name end up with a consonant at the end?
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#17
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The "S" is silent.
#19
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@sloar, you done good! Which is to say, I'm glad you pulled the trigger on that. I'm curious what you think of its ride.
FWIW, I rode my Grandis to work today, as I have done quite a few times before.
Also FWIW, his first name was Silvino, which provides the missing vowel. And Grandis is still in business.
FWIW, I rode my Grandis to work today, as I have done quite a few times before.
Also FWIW, his first name was Silvino, which provides the missing vowel. And Grandis is still in business.
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#20
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@sloar, you done good! Which is to say, I'm glad you pulled the trigger on that. I'm curious what you think of its ride.
FWIW, I rode my Grandis to work today, as I have done quite a few times before.
Also FWIW, his first name was Silvino, which provides the missing vowel. And Grandis is still in business.
FWIW, I rode my Grandis to work today, as I have done quite a few times before.
Also FWIW, his first name was Silvino, which provides the missing vowel. And Grandis is still in business.
parking lot. I got the stem today, thank you.
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The Grandis looks great. I’d be tempted to keep both for at least a season to compare and enjoy them. Geometry looks a bit different between the two, could be fun. Patina can be more interesting than a fresh respray. You should see my Colnago up close...
#22
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I now have a number of Colnagos.
The Grandis handles very similarly. The geometry is essentially equal to two of my Colnagos, only difference is the rear triangle is just a wee bit shorter.
Nice details on the Orange Grandis metalwork.
#23
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I say keep the Grandis and let the Colnago pass on to the next appreciative owner. The Grandis is every bit as good and a little exoticker, to coin a word. Move your favorite components onto the bike you keep.
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Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
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So in terms of the Heart, The Grandis wins hands down. The attention to detail is way above that of a Colnago.
#25
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If you like the way both ride equally, I'd keep the Grandis. It will be much easier to find another Colnago in the future than a Grandis.