Manufacturer, Retailer, Survey and Consumer Feedback - Colnago Master XL

HELP. I have a Colnago Master X Lite that is represented to be a 2008 model. On thr rear drop outs the following information is stamped. RR dropout - COLNAGO 7A548. LR dropout - COLNAGO M221. Despite my queries to Colnago and the North American distributor re the meaning of these letter / numbersI have been unable to get a response. The no response from the NA distributor does not come as a surprise because I have never been able to get them to return e-mails for any questions. Is serial number interpretation a big secret or what? Upon further e-mailing to dealers who contacted other distributors, I am advised that this frame was built in 1997. How can a bicycle built in 1997 be sold as a new 2008 model?

Try calling the US distrubitor, I've found them to be very helpful.

FWIW, the Master has changed very little over the years, I have one and I love it, regardless of when it was built.

Also try posting the S/N and photos on the Classic and Vintage section of these boards; you should get a response there.

the same way a car built in summer 2007 can be a model year 2008.

I assume when you suggest US distributor , you are referring to Veltec? If different please advise as I cannot say I'v had much satisfaction on other e-mail questions I have sent. Yes, I understand about cars manufactured in 2007 being sold as a 2008 vehicles, but a frame manufactured in 1997 being sold as a 2008 frame ???? Maybe Colnago builds a large stock of a certain frame and then paints for a model year requirement. I would merely like to understand the process.Thanks all.

Perhaps the dropouts haven't changed in a while...

Sorry to resurrect a two month old thread but I own an older lugged steel Colnago and I have heard that the serial and other numbers, if any, are proprietary information for internal (company) use only and are not given out to the general public. Supposedly because they do not want the numbers to be used to make a counterfeit frame and be passed off as the real thing!

Smurfy - Glad you replied. Your explaination seems very plausible based on the amount of counterfeiting that plagues the world. However, I do think that Colnago could at least respond to queries involving serial numbers and explain their position, especially when their seems to be some question about the authenticity of a 2008 frame. Oh well, the Master X Lite is a wonderful bike and one needs to enjoy the ride and not get too bugged about Colnago and their serial number secrecy.
Regards !