Classic & Vintage - colnago mexican

Here is a question for all of you...

If you came across a Colnago Mexican frame set and it is beat - needs work and paint. Would you consider restoring to original, or do some work and have a really sweet ride with modern drivetrain? (spreading the rear to accept 9 speed)

Now before you purest jump down my back, I have a car that I concour in OEM and would never think of changing it. BUT, if I came across a dog that I could make into a racer or track car, I have no reason to hold the ivory tower up as I am still appreciating the marque.

So, to enjoy or to enjoy faster is the question?

If I found a Colnago Mexico, with tarnished gold plating
and some rust, After having the frame repaired/repainted
(I'd suggest Mary Pfieffer on right coast, Brian Baylis or
Joe bell on Left) I'd do it up original.
Thats just me, I get really retrogrouchy about some bikes more than others, and Colnago is one of them.
who says that the older Nuovo and Super Record stuff
is slower than the new? How about a compromise with
period correct drive train and new lightweight high zoot
wheels (still not lighter than Fiamme yellows tho)?
It really is up to you, what do you want/need?
have a modern go fast? restore to OEM.
Got OEM? make a modern go fast.
Hows that for ambiguous answers?
BTW I know the seller if its same frame, very trustworthy.
Marty

I've done both. I modernized my favorite 1986 Specialized Allez SE, spread the rear. 9spd drivetrain etc. and I have not regretted it. But I am really enjoying building an old Basso frame currently. One aspect that I enjoy, but others my find difficult, is searching for and finding all the various peices needed to build the complete bike in period parts. I'm not in a hurry so I buy a part when I come across a good buy. I was lucky the frame only needed some TLC. If I had to have the frame painted I don't know what I would do. The way I look at it is you can't go wrong regardless of what you decide. Like everything it's a matter of time and/or money.

Here is a question for all of you...

If you came across a Colnago Mexican frame set and it is beat - needs work and paint. Would you consider restoring to original, or do some work and have a really sweet ride with modern drivetrain? (spreading the rear to accept 9 speed)

Now before you purest jump down my back, I have a car that I concour in OEM and would never think of changing it. BUT, if I came across a dog that I could make into a racer or track car, I have no reason to hold the ivory tower up as I am still appreciating the marque.

So, to enjoy or to enjoy faster is the question?Your money not mine.There is plenty of nice old stuff around that is not beat and does not need an expensive paint job.I have nice old stuff as well as new on older frames, and enjoy both.

Whatever floats your boat. You can keep it original or Frankenbike it, whichever. I'd probably want to go for the restoration on a Colnago, but then I'd probably wind up Frankenbiking it because I have parts in my basement that'd do just fine (and, anxious guy I am, I'd want to ride it). That said, I've sworn my next bike will have minimal restoration needs.