Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Steel Colnago Mapei C59?

So I found a bike thats almost a little too tempting for me not to buy but I'd like to know if i should be as axcited as I am. He says its a Colnago Mapei C59 but I cant find any examples of a frame like this on the web, or that this model actually exists (maybe its just misidentified by the seller), to make sure its authentic. Any Colnago experts out there who can identify this frame or at least speculate at the quality? Or does anyone know where to find Colnago catalogues?

I'm waiting to hear back on what kind of tubing is used if that will make it easier to ID.

Have a look

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bik/2759431823.html

I thought C59 was the carbon frame?

to me, and I am not Colnago expert this looks to be a very basic model (well if you consider a bike with Athena to be basic) from '90ish. the frame is not corrigated or crimped (Gilco tubing) so that makes it a Sport?

I think 700 may be a tad high

So I found a bike thats almost a little too tempting for me not to buy but I'd like to know if i should be as axcited as I am. He says its a Colnago Mapei C59 but I cant find any examples of a frame like this on the web, or that this model actually exists (maybe its just misidentified by the seller), to make sure its authentic. Any Colnago experts out there who can identify this frame or at least speculate at the quality? Or does anyone know where to find Colnago catalogues?

I'm waiting to hear back on what kind of tubing is used if that will make it easier to ID.

Have a look

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bik/2759431823.html

I'd be sorely tempted!

Couple of things though.

C59 is the new CF frame, yet I don't see the original seller asserting that is the model.

They are referring to frame size?

I would ask for a better pic of the alleged dent.

I'd also like to know the Columbus grade of tubing. Perhaps EL for this year?

Also, ask about the wheelset. What hubs and rims, as well as condition?

...and to the op, there are extra parts to resell and bring your net down.

Assuming the dent isn't a knockout you may have a sweet deal on your hands.

Otherwise, I'd love to have that particular Mapei scheme myself.

I think it is a C95 or maybe a Superissimo. It would be an easy $700 with all those extras but I think the dent detracts from the value, which is really too bad because it is in otherwise excellent condition. And a real beauty!

Could be a colnago tecnos, but i can't see well the frame tube...

http://www.colnago.com/category/bicycles/

I think it is a C95 or maybe a Superissimo. It would be an easy $700 with all those extras but I think the dent detracts from the value, which is really too bad because it is in otherwise excellent condition. And a real beauty!

If it is a C95 Mapei, they were manufactured with Columbus Thron.

Should be a great rider!

Again, a better pic of the dent would help set this matter straight with me.

Thanks everyone, the seller responded to my questions by telling me I can check it out tomorrow so I think I'll just do that and find out for myself. I feel pretty confident assessing the wheels and other components but is there any kind of tubing I should watch out for (avoid) on a bike like this?

Oh and Gomango, he posted it as a Mapei 59 so I guess I assumed that was synonymous with C59

Thanks everyone, the seller responded to my questions by telling me I can check it out tomorrow so I think I'll just do that and find out for myself. I feel pretty confident assessing the wheels and other components but is there any kind of tubing I should watch out for (avoid) on a bike like this?

Oh and Gomango, he posted it as a Mapei 59 so I guess I assumed that was synonymous with C59


All of the usual culprit frame materials for this frame will be solid riders.

I wouldn't worry so much about the frame material.

Even if it's Thron, it will still give a great ride.

Make sure she fits though!

The model designation for this color scheme is C95 Mapei.

Oh, and make sure to check that dent.

Probably not a knock out punch, but certainly worth looking for any other potential damage at the same time.

Thats good to hear about the tubing and that you can identify the model

And I'm pretty sure the fit wont be an issue as I've been riding a few bikes that have made me feel like a 60 or 59cm is the right fit, but we'll see. I don't think I want another bike that ALMOST fits though.

From the picture, the dent looks more like something that would detract from value rather than strength but thats another thing I'll be checking for sure.

Thanks and I'll follow up after I see the bike.


On another note, can anyone say where Campagnolo's Triumphe group would fit into the hierarchy for ~1986? Having trouble finding much about it..

Well I checked it out yesterday and it fit very nicely. It had the entire Athena groupset including the wheelset with Athena hubs and what looked like the original Campy rims and not including the headset (VeloOrange/Grand Cru) or bottom bracket(Dura-Ace). The dent was even less of a thing than I'd expected, however the paint had cracked around the dent which looked like it could chip. Other than that, the paint was in a pretty good condition with just a bit of chipping around the chromed chainstay.
So the dent didn't seem like it would compromise the strength of the frame in any other way but I know it would detract from the resale value of a bike like this. It also didn't have any Columbus decal but by looking around some more I can almost say for sure its made of Columbus Thron tubing.
I know that for me, right now, its not worth $700 as much as I would like to have the bike. But given the information on the bike, does anyone really think it's worth that price? I was thinking of offering $500.

If you are going to quickly resell the bicycle, you may not have a margin at the asking price.

If you are looking for a nice bicycle to ride and enjoy, it looks like it would work well.

..and it sounds like it has a few extras that may enhance the value a little.

If that were my Colnago, I would not sell it for $500.

Only you can decide if it's the correct decision.