Vitma

Hi, what do you think about this Colnago Super? I am looking for a while for a vintage Italian road bikes and I think this bike ticks all the boxes…if it is still available.

CliffordK

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Vitma

Thank you. I uploaded a picture and the component list according to the seller is:

Original Campagnolo Nuovo / Super Record group. All in good shape.
Nuovo Record Crankset: 170mm 52/39 (some scratches at right, bottom arm)
Nuovo Record Brakes & Levers (very little wear on pads)
Nuovo Record R. Derailleur (Pat 81)
Super Record F. Derailleur
Original Wheelset (clincher)
Regina Extra freewheel 14-24 (Dura Ace 13-26 currently installed, comes with this also)
Torrelli clincher wheels / Nuovo Record hubs 36/36. NEW Vittoria Corsa + 25c clinchers.
Nuovo/Super Record hubs
Nuovo/Super Record QR's
Original Cockpit:
Nuovo Record headset
3T Competizione Gimondi Handlebar 42cm
3T Record Stem 110mm
Benotto bar tape
Super Record seat post
Soffatti leather saddle (fair shape, some tears & scuffs)

CliffordK

As always when buying bikes. Make sure the size fits you. If you post your height, we'll have some idea of whether it is close.

A Colnago Super's value will depend a bit on the age. in the late 60's and early 70's, it would be the only offering by Colnago. By the late 70's and early 80's, other more prestigious models were available.

If your bike is in good shape and < $500, it is probably a good deal. If it gets up to > $1000, then you're likely pushing the top limit of the value range.

CliffordK

Hmmm...
That looks pretty, and it appears to be a genuine Colnago (not always certain).

Ok, I found the ad. The $1200 asking price for a 1981 Super is a little more than I would choose to pay. But, perhaps we are experiencing a surge in prices in a seller's market.

The ad says it has been listed for nearly 3 weeks, so it isn't moving quickly (or it is already long gone).

All Campagnolo is nice including brakes and levers (I think).

Unless Campagnolo made a change in crank design, 39T is likely incorrect, and the inner ring is probably 41T or 42T.

Vitma

Thank you for the comments and the price range. Yes, it is a pretty looking bike and the asking price is a little steep.

I am probably just doing something wrong but I haven't seen any good prices or bargains for bikes lately where I live. Well, I am only looking at Craigslist but should maybe get more out an see if there is anything in garage sales or flea markets once they are opening up.

CliffordK

Hard to say on that bike. I'd probably target somewhere around $800 to $1000 or so.

But, the bike market is a bit upside-down now with some companies saying that if you order a new bike now, they'll deliver it in 2022 or perhaps 2023.



Looking on E-Bay, "SOLD" prices are all over the place, with several listed as Colnago Super more expensive than that. And the ones that are < $1000 are quite rough, perhaps with a mishmash of parts. And trying to track down the "proper" vintage parts can get expensive if that is the direction you wish to go.

3alarmer 

.
...in that condition, with good paint and good chrome, equipped like that, $1200 is about right for a Colnago of that vintage in Northern California, around the Bay Area and in Sacramento. It's a popular size, so I don't think it will stay unsold for long if it looks as good in person as it does in that photo. If you want a cheaper deal on an Italian crit bike, look for less famous brand names. Colnago's and Cinelli's in that condition hold their value pretty well.

Something like a Faggin, or any of a number of other less famous marques will sell at a discount from that...maybe in the $700-800 range.

Around here those have to be pretty cosmetically challenged to sell for $500.

bikemike73 

At $1200 it is not an outrageous price to pay IF in VERY GOOD condition and mostly all original.

I am lucky enough to have one of these AWESOME bikes ( 1976) and they are VERY SMOOTH and stable

Like above have said....it depends on your location as well. I would be interested in that bike, if closer, I would go take a look with cash in hand,

Offer 900,....in person...... and see what happens.

Good Luck

Vitma

Thanks for the help. By the way, I am 5’8”. The seller is posting a recommended height of 5’10” to 6’1”.

Am I too far off for a 56cm cc seat tube (which I currently have on a modern Trek)?

CliffordK

Oof... You are pushing what many people would find comfortable.

The ad lists: "56cm cc seat tube". (center to center?) I always measure center of the BB to the top of the top tube/seat lug (if the lug is short).

I would probably call that bike a 58cm.

It probably wouldn't be your choice as a "racing" bike, but you should be able to ride it fine. My old Colnago Super is a 60cm (center-top), and I'm 5'10. It seemed to be fine 40 years ago before I joined Bike Forums.

As far as a large frame....
You get a little extra length for the top tube. That will depend a bit on the length of torso & arms. So, it may stretch you out a bit.

You'll have some limit to the vertical adjustment of the bars. I used to use the drops a lot on my bike, and never learned to brake from the hoods (until I updated the brake levers). So, not a lot of drop, but it will be easier to get the bars level with the seat if that is what you desire.

The top tube may be tight in the crotch. But, most of the time you'll be riding on the seat anyway, and you can get on and off.

I now have bikes that are slightly smaller, and they may be somewhat more comfortable.

3alarmer 

.
...the fit on onw of these, versus a modern Trek is apples and oranges. They are designed with different riding postures in mind, and the whole slanted top tube is something that changes the equation, too. You probably ought to figure out your fit for a frame of his style by experimenting with cheaper old road bikes before you toss a bunch of money at this one.

If you do look at this one, at least check the standover height. Youi can change out the stem length, you can adjust the seat post, and you can even do some adjustment of the seat position fore and aft, but the standover is something you're pretty much stuck with, because it's hard to change it.

thinktubes 

Probably too big. If you spend that kind of cash, it should fit like a glove.

Kabuki12

Find one in your size that you like and I don’t think you will be disappointed. I bought my 1975 Super on this forum back in November and I love it. I paid less than the asking price on this bike but I’m in line for Franklin Frame for a new paint job so I will end up in that price range or more when done. I dunno if it will be worth what I have in it when it is done but that is not why I have it. I rode it today and enjoyed every mile!

SwimmerMike 

@Vitma I’ve been keeping an eye I that bike since it was listed on the SF CL. I have a 75 or 76 super and I love it. I’m 6’1” and mine is the same size. My other vintage bike is a 61, so there’s definitely room to adjust vintage bikes. It currently has a 110 stem and 42cm bars. Those may need to be swapped out. For this market it’s a reasonably good price and it sounds like it’s in good condition. I think you could go in for less and get it. I agree with the earlier posts, Make sure the stand over is good, the reach can be adjusted with a new stem (and you may need 40’s for the bars).

Good luck on this if you decide to pursue it

DMC707

Beautiful bike !

Like others have said, its at the upper range of what should fit, but definitely worth checking out

Im 5'8 as well but the upper limit of what i can ride is a 55 (i have a pretty short reach plus a beer belly that keeps me upright too though )

DMC707

Eh -- maybe. But pictured is my DeRosa set up exactly how i wanted for spirited riding (keeping up with the pack on fast group rides and the occasional crit ) - zero setback post for a slightly forward position - wide, shallow bars and a somewhat short stem - plus compact gearing , but thats another story

2 years after i built this bike, i purchased an S-Works Tarmac and the shop owner said "Bring in your current favorite bicycle and we'll duplicate the cockpit measurements as close as we can for starters"
- After adjusting the seat and adding the bars i wanted to run on the Tarmac , we were both a bit surprised that the measurements were almost mirror images of each other !

But appearance wise - they couldnt be more different

3alarmer 

.
...I don't think I said they could not be duplicated, in terms of fitting. If you're willing to change out enough different components, like stem and post, and fiddle around with the height and reach, using a tape measure, with the right level top tube frame, you can duplicate the distance from saddle to pedals, and saddle to bar pretty closely. But the level top tube is a limitation that is difficult to get past, if the standover is too high.

So figuring all this stuff out is probably better done before you drop 1200 bucks on a Colnago that might be a skosh too tall, is all I'm saying.