shoota 

You're very welcome. It's the combo I'll likely go with when I build up my aqua/white trek frame again someday.

Sir_Name 

Over the past week or so this build hit critical mass. Time for an update.

All the bits and pieces are in; last steps are to address paint/chrome and then wax, clean up the stem and bars (not included below, but please trust that they are quite appropriate ), receive the correct freewheel after its stay at the spa, stretch the spare then glue all tires... Hm ...then Build, ride, and grin like the idiot I am. At some point I have to figure out if I want to use the Campagnolo or Colnago branded buttons for the pedals/straps.

Without further ado, help yourself to a teaser or two:

repechage

Good rim choice.

gomango

+1

They have worked well for me.

Fancy looks as well.

Sir_Name 

Thank you both. I can't wait to see how it rides. The local mechanic was very impressed with the rims and how well they built up. I'm sure they'll be plenty tough.

And thanks again repechage for the levers. Paint fill on their topside is also on the to-do list (the reason they're installed upside down in the photos above).

kingfishr

Looks fantastic! Enjoy!

Sir_Name 

Thanks, nice photo link in your signature!

Sir_Name 

More paint fill:





This was a test run with acrylic - I was unsure if I wanted the panto mill work left as bare aluminum or painted. I didn't take any pictures of the stem in the as-received condition, but there was a significant amount of dirt, etc. that had worked its way into the tool marks. From 10' or so the effect on the pantographing was noticeable and the edges of certain letters were less than crisp. As seen above, the bare Al was lightly cleaned with a fine-grit sanding pen (very handy).

The paint adds just the effect I was hoping for and I think blends and balances nicely with the aesthetics of the bike on whole. If/once the acrylic starts to wear noticeably I'll clean it out and replace with enamel.

Sir_Name 

One more photo. I'm hoping to be able to spend a good amount of time on this project next week. More updates soon...



Original paint fill.

I think this one is going to fit me like a glove. Just sitting on it feels right around perfect - best fit out of all my bikes to date. I'm glad as this is 1.5cm larger than my Cannondale, which fits pretty darn well. I was worried as the stand-over is just a bit tight, though acceptable, and was really worried that the seatpost flutes would wind up in the seat tube. Without having ridden it yet, this seems to not be an issue.

I cant wait for the first ride. I was hoping for early summer, but at this point I would say that I should have all the bugs worked out and several miles on it by the time fall (officially) rolls around.

Sir_Name 

I've been fiddling with the stem, bars and levers - tape and cables are to follow once the fit is dialed in. This thing rides like a dream.

kflagg 

Beautiful!

Sir_Name 

Aired up and ready for the first ride of any significant substance/length. I'll be back in a few weeks...



Detailed photos to follow once I'm done fiddling.

gomango

Congrats.

That is one gorgeous Colnago you have there.

Bet it rides great.

Sir_Name 

Why thank you!

Yes, rides like nothing else. I have a few minor tweaks to make, but it fits as close to perfect as I could have hoped for. I could ride this all day (and fully intend to).

Sir_Name 

First (real) ride impressions:

-Holy carp.

-As cheesy as it sounds, I now understand what is meant by "the bike disappears beneath you". Other bikes are close, but this is a step above the rest in my...'collection'...I'm sure it's at least partly due to the fit, materials, and tubulars. This climbs just as well, if not better, than my ultra stiff CAAD (as of now I'm leaning on the side of better - insert Jan Heine reference here).

-(btw, I'm sold on tubulars).

-I love Campagnolo (first experience).

-I need to ride more.

-Unfortunately, I believe the RD hanger is slightly bent (despite the frame having been checked by the LBS with their Park goodies). Plenty of builders in the surrounding area, so I can get this and the frame alignment double-checked/corrected easily. It'll just be a bit longer until this thing is completely dialed. No biggie.

-

---

Loose ends:

-I'll be looking to trade Campy med. toe clips for large.

-Cables could use a slight trimming.

-Aforementioned alignment/hanger issues.

-I have white Fizik tape that may replace the cotton (or I'll grab some Ambrosio). Aesthetics.

-Minor fit adjustments.

noglider 

I'm really happy to hear that. Though Colnago makes only high end models, I still think of them as a mass producer. And they prove that mass production can be darned good. Everyone who has a Colnago loves it.

repechage

I avoided buying a Colnago for literally decades. I now own three, one of them for the kids.

gomango

I have owned one, sometimes a few more, in every decade since the 70s.

A recent purchase of a beautiful Kvale frameset has pushed me to the road bike brink and I think my Colnago Elegant "Wordperfect" is heading for the sales' floor.

I really would like to eventually find a beauty like Sir Name's NM here though.

Perhaps after we get the boys out of college.

Gary Fountain

I'll second these sentiments. Love it.

Michael Angelo 

Good looking bike. Nice build, I really like the wheels.

Sir_Name 

Thanks, All. Quite the audience to receive compliments from. This truly is a fantastic bike and I feel more than glad to call it my own. This one's a keeper.

The wheels are rock solid. Lightly used Ambrosio Nemesis, 32h F&R, 3X. DT spokes, 2.0, 1.8, 2.0 w/ DT Al nipples. Record hubs. Regina CX-S Ultra 6sp, 13-23. (I wish the builder had faced the rims to the DS - minor detail). Veloflex Roubaix rubber. They're light enough and I'm sure will prove to be extremely durable.

gomango

I ride Roubaixs on my white Kvale.

Maybe my all time favorite tire.

Fantastic performance.

Tough too, as I ride them on poor country roads almost exclusively at our cabin.

Sir_Name 

Good to hear, esp their durability. I ride hardcase clinchers on the other road bike, so world of difference there.

I need to figure a way to mount a tire saver to the rear - possibly to the brake bridge. I think I have the front figured out.

gomango

Ask Rootboy. He makes them from scratch.

Sir_Name 

Thanks, he and I had a brief conversation about the recessed nut dilemma a few months back. Sure we can come up with something. I've yet to try, but think I can get the front mounted on the threaded portion of the brake mounting bolt exposed within the steerer/crown with a couple extra nuts. Sure to be a finicky installation, but well worth it if it works. Hopefully there are enough threads exposed - I've yet to look.