Fourthgrace

OK, this a great problem to have: I just bought this Simoncini Super Record Columbus Max, which dates from mid-90s. It's a wonderful frame in Columbus Max and is in as new condition with full Dura Ace 8 speed groupset, Mavic wheels with Dura Ace Hubs and skewers, Record seat post, Cinelli bars and stem, and Flite Titanium saddle. I was planning to just keep the frame and to upgrade the components in 2 stages:

Stage 1: swap to ITM Krystal Ti stem and silver Deda 215 handlebars, Selcof Ti seatpost and white Selle Italia SLR leather saddle
Stage 2: swap 8 speed Dura Ace for 10 speed 2010 all-alloy Campagnolo groupset (this is my favourite groupset as it's lighter than Record of old, but still has a classic look).

I had all the parts ready, but now I have the bike I'm having second thoughts....is this one to keep to original spec, or do I go Campag?

Your thoughts please......

Chombi

Bottom line, do what you have to do to make you ride the bike more and enjoy it more..... Build your bike for yourself and what works, feels and looks best for you and not for everyone else.
Just keep the original components in safe keeping so you can reverse any change in the future if you ever want to.
JMOs.

gomango

I like Chombi's suggestion.

Set it all aside and go into stage 1&2 pronto.

That is easily one of the nicer framesets to appear on our forum for a while.

Really gorgeous.

Fourthgrace

I was hunting a Colnage Master frame only and came across this Simoncini complete bike. I'm too easily distracted..... I think if I change over the components I will have to sell the originals It's the only way I can justify the indulgence and offset some of my "investment" (the wife says "costs").

Michael Angelo 

Fantastic looking bike. I'm a big Campy fan, but I would keep the bike the way it is and ride the wheels off it. First time that fishing equipment gives you trouble pitch it. I myself am a big fan of 11 speed Athena.

gomango

Then just sell the whole shebang.

Plenty of folks are looking for it.

Great deals out there on used Chorus and Record groups.

Plenty easy to find a very nice used Campy wheelset for that matter.

That's a very interesting frame and a Max tubeset moves you to the head of the class.

PhilPub

Absolute beauty. Take it for a very long ride on a sunny day, then make your mind up afterwards.

Barrettscv 

Very nice and rare bike. Both plans have merit and both drivetrains are complementary to the period and style of the bike, IMO.

Chombi

If you have to sell the old stuff, I wouldn't really hesitate doing so, as unless the components were really limited (and/or commemorative) production stuff, you can usually find them again later. Just be prepared to pay more for them as the years go by....... But then I've seen so called "rare" stuff still come up for sale in significant enough numbers long after they had been considered as "unobtainium" by C&Vers..... Anyway, part of the big fun of doing C&V is finding these so-called rare items.
Take many good detail pictures of the bike as it is now so you or any future owner will have reference of what was originally on it and record its finish and graphics in case it ever needs to be restored/refinished.

RobbieTunes

Beautiful bike. If it rides anything like my former Simoncini, you'll be well served to put the best components on it you can afford, especially wheels.
Were you surprised at how responsive the frame rides? I know I was. Very easy to ride it fast, quick handling. A polished Centaur group would be excellent on it.

thinktubes 

Beautiful bike. Really can't go wrong here. 50/50 if the current group wasn't an upgrade by a PO, so don't worry too much about keeping it "original".

Fourthgrace

thanks for everyone's thoughts and suggestions. I'm going to ride it as is for a short while, then I will carry out my stage 1 proposal to make it better suited to me. Stage 2 can wait whilst I hunt for the 2009/10 Centaur rear derailleur to complete the groupset I need.

cyclotoine

find a 7-11 merckx and put the dura-ace on that. that is really nice stuff. I would not want to sell it. What a beautiful frame!
Also, if you are not a flite man, let me know. I could use one.

KonAaron Snake 

I'm with Chombi on this one - do what makes you happy. I'd sell the 8sp DA in a second and replace with 10 sp Record.

The value in this bike is the frame, not the parts. I don't think one parts group or the other really takes anything away from it. Honestly I don't even like how the DA looks with it...max lugs are chunky already and it needs a more elegant compliment. And it's an Italian frame that says RECORD on it. It's not a team Merckx, or big name collector bike that people associate with a particular group and want to see as original as possible. It's a smaller name made from a very desirable tubeset - it's the frame that's important here. Make it what you want and will most enjoy; for me that wouldn't be 8sp DA.

I'm downgrading my Motorola to 8sp DA and Wolber rims because I think that bike should be "right" and I rarely ride it anyway. Hopefully I'll find something fun for the Erogo/c record mix on it now...maybe an MXL.

Gary Fountain

I think your plan forward is the way to go too. Very nice bike.

Bianchigirll 

BEAUTIFUL bike!! I am huge MAX fan and this one is fabulous I love the straight fork.

I know I am late to the party and maybe this has been addressed but what is original spec for this? While bikes of this level may be shown in catalog dressed out a certain way they are often offered as a frame and kit as well as how the importer/manufacturer offers it. Personally I see no reason not to change bars and stems for a better fit and if changing the group suits your eye and your enjoyment level go for it.

Fourthgrace

Hi Bianchigirll. Glad to hear you like it as much as I do. I'm pretty sure 8 spd Dura Ace is the original spec. I have learnt that these Simoncini bikes were built for Cycles Clements, a UK bike shop in Ledbury, set up by former road racer Ernie Clements. I took the bike for a ride at the weekend. Felt fantastic. Everything tight and responsive. I have now changed the stem, handlebars, seat post and saddle.250g weight reduction and it's a better fit for me. Pics to follow.

gomango

I kept a DA gruppo on one of my De Rosas for years and took the internet "heat" for that decision.

It was built for a top local amateur racer and I didn't have the heart to rip the bike apart.

I recently decided to part the bike out, but not due to the DA.

I loved riding it with DA.

Force 

That is a really beautiful bike. The MAX tubing is very nice. Looks in great condition ~ Enjoy it.

WNG

Wow, that ride is dripping with cycling sexiness. What a finish. Congrats on a great find. There is really no correct way to config your bike, but your way. Conformity is BS. So, enjoy!

Fourthgrace

Build completed, test ridden.

https://www.flickr.com/x/t/0094009/photos/56012819@N06/sets/72157651259379401/

gomango

Holy smokes, that's a beauty.

bikingshearer 

Your wife is correct (unfortunately).

Beautiful bike. Nice score. Ride the heck out of it - 'tis what it was built for.

FWIW, I would not hesitate to replace the components with Campy 10-speed triple stuff - I've done that with the bikes in my main rotation, none of which has a frame newer than 1986. That is not to say that is what you should do, just that I am firmly in the "use what will maximize your enjoyment" camp.

Doesbrand

Hi There, responding to this thread almost a year later, sorry.. But I was looking for Columbus Max related postings on this forum. What a beautiful bike you have there! I own one which was built in Amsterdam, in the mid-90's. I ride this Brands Columbus Max for 15 years now and I have done a major upgrade: I now have a Campagnolo Athena 11-speed groupset (alloy/silver) and Campagnolo Zonda wheels. It rides just fantastic. I wouldn't bother about period-correct components. Just as long as you avoid carbon wheel sets maybe.