Project: 2001 Colnago VIP
07-23-21, 02:20 PM
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Project: 2001 Colnago VIP
After I stopped racing in 2004, I sold off a lot of my bikes and gear, including the Colnago VIP aluminum frame that had been one of my race bikes. That frame took me to a few nice wins, including a State Championship title (I beat Justin Williams!). It was sold to a riding buddy's bro-in-law. He rode it for a while, and then it went to my friend's son. Recently, my friend reached out to me and let me know that his son was needing a larger frame, and asked if I might be interested in having my old Colnago frame back - HELL YES!! We agreed to a price, and it's currently on the way to me.
My intent is to rebuild it with Shimano Dura Ace 7700 9-speed, the same as it was when I had it before. I have 95% of the parts in my stock already. Many of them were likely the same ones that were originally on the bike when I first built it 20 years ago. This frame has always had an Alpha-Q fork on it. I may try to hunt down a Colnago Flash fork, if I can find one at a reasonable price.
Stripped for shipping...
Winning! (not the State Champ race)...
2001 catalog page...
My intent is to rebuild it with Shimano Dura Ace 7700 9-speed, the same as it was when I had it before. I have 95% of the parts in my stock already. Many of them were likely the same ones that were originally on the bike when I first built it 20 years ago. This frame has always had an Alpha-Q fork on it. I may try to hunt down a Colnago Flash fork, if I can find one at a reasonable price.
Stripped for shipping...
Winning! (not the State Champ race)...
2001 catalog page...
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Last edited by Eric F; 07-23-21 at 03:11 PM.
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07-23-21, 03:03 PM
#2
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Very cool to have that kind of history on a bike and that it stayed in your circle.
Bet you'll have some good flashbacks when you're on it again.
Bet you'll have some good flashbacks when you're on it again.
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07-23-21, 03:12 PM
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I wish I could get it with the same motor it used to have.
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07-23-21, 04:02 PM
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Tube profile looks like Columbus Airplane. If it is, I can vouch for it as a sweeeeet ride!
ETA- It's Altec. Still a great tubeset.
ETA- It's Altec. Still a great tubeset.
Last edited by Erzulis Boat; 07-23-21 at 04:08 PM.
07-23-21, 11:04 PM
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It's a comfy ride, for sure. Surprisingly so, for aluminum.
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07-27-21, 12:31 AM
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Also, the Mapei paint job on a Colnogo frame is pretty classic...
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Last edited by Eric F; 07-27-21 at 12:38 AM.
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07-29-21, 05:37 PM
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Frame was delivered this week, and I spent a little time cleaning old gunk off the brakes and chainrings. The derailleurs still need a good soak and scrub. The Alpha-Q seatpost currently on my MTB will get moved to this frame because it matches the fork. I expect to start hanging parts this weekend.
I'm still debating about which wheels to use - Rolf Vector Pros, Mavic Ksyriums, Mavic Cosmic Carbone, or Shimano C50s. Right now, I'm leaning towards the Rolfs, mostly because that's what I used with this frame most often in its glory days. My next choice would be the Cosmics, but they're tubs, and I'm not sure I want to spend that much money on tires. The C50s are nice, but about 10 years too new, if I'm trying to keep it era-correct. This The Ksyriums are on my trainer bike, and I think I want them to stay there.
Inspecting the frame today, there are some areas that could definitely use some paint touch-up, but I may elect to leave the battle scars as they are.
Things I have to buy...Chain, Tires, Cables/Housing, Bar Tape, and Pedals
I'm still debating about which wheels to use - Rolf Vector Pros, Mavic Ksyriums, Mavic Cosmic Carbone, or Shimano C50s. Right now, I'm leaning towards the Rolfs, mostly because that's what I used with this frame most often in its glory days. My next choice would be the Cosmics, but they're tubs, and I'm not sure I want to spend that much money on tires. The C50s are nice, but about 10 years too new, if I'm trying to keep it era-correct. This The Ksyriums are on my trainer bike, and I think I want them to stay there.
Inspecting the frame today, there are some areas that could definitely use some paint touch-up, but I may elect to leave the battle scars as they are.
Things I have to buy...Chain, Tires, Cables/Housing, Bar Tape, and Pedals
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Last edited by Eric F; 07-29-21 at 08:31 PM.
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07-30-21, 06:30 PM
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Got some parts on it...
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Last edited by Eric F; 07-31-21 at 01:18 AM.
08-01-21, 08:11 PM
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Good progress this weekend. More parts coming in the next few days.
I think I'm settled on the Rolf wheels for this bike.
I think I'm settled on the Rolf wheels for this bike.
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08-02-21, 03:18 PM
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I received the new seatpost for my MTB today, so I can swap that one to this bike. I got the chain and cables, too. Bar tape and pedals are the last things I'm waiting for - both should be here by the end of the week. I found some Campy bar end plugs on eBay. I might grab those, too 
At some point, I will probably buy a Dura Ace front derailleur, but this Ultegra one is in good shape and works just fine.
At some point, I will probably buy a Dura Ace front derailleur, but this Ultegra one is in good shape and works just fine.
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08-02-21, 04:07 PM
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Do you still have your old shoes, shorts and jersey...?
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08-03-21, 09:38 AM
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Shoes, yes, but different ones than are in the pic of me. Those Sidis were destroyed in a crash sometime after that. I'm not sure if I have another set of Speedplay X cleats (the same pedals I use for all my road bikes, except the 77 Nishiki). I can't fit in my old team gear, but I do have a Mapei Belgian National Champion's jersey from that era that still fits around my gut. It would be appropriate to go with the paint job on this bike.
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08-03-21, 11:11 AM
#14
Pedal to the medal
I love that you've been united with your old bike. makes me happy, doubly so as you're taking care to build it up. Ride on!
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08-03-21, 10:49 PM
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Another little bit closer...
Chain, cables, tape, and pedals to finish it off...plus a couple of finishing bits.
Chain, cables, tape, and pedals to finish it off...plus a couple of finishing bits.
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08-04-21, 04:29 AM
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Nice bike and a great story. Bikes hold a substantial amount of nostalgia for me as well. Enjoy and I look forward to seeing the final photos!
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08-05-21, 12:00 AM
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I got housing cut and cables threaded tonight. Next is installing the chain and finishing the cables. Bar tape showed up today, but I think it's too dark a shade of blue (I want to match the head tube). I will probably end up paying WAY too much for bar tape.
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08-12-21, 08:34 PM
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Getting closer.
Wrong color blue tape…
NOS ‘01 Tour de France bottle (the other one is ‘02)…
Wrong color blue tape…
NOS ‘01 Tour de France bottle (the other one is ‘02)…
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08-15-21, 02:59 PM
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First ride! It rides just as nice as I remember it. However, I apparently did a lousy job joining the chain (pin, not a quick-link), and the link started coming apart during my ride. I was able to soft-pedal it for a few miles until I was able to get it sorted out with the help of a friend's chain tool. I also managed to cut the housing for the front brake a bit too short. The stem needs to come up about 5mm, but I don't have enough slack available in the cable to allow it. I will replace it when I change the bar tape...when I find the right color blue. Overall, I'm really happy with having this bike back in my stable.
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