bcaln1

I'm thinking of buying a Colnago Oval Master which is specifically made for larger bikers (or so I've been told). Would this also be a good bike for a normal size guy like me (5'9", 165)? Also, I have a 32" inseam
(floor to crotch) and believe a Colnago 54 cm would work best for me, any feedback?

Thanks,

Bruce

sydney

Yeah, it's a stout frame for big riders. Not my idea of a good time especially in your size and your weight.

Phatman

dude, I would so love to have an ovalmaster. I dont think they make them anymore, though, do they? I've havent seen them on the website. did anything take its place? or is there just the CT2?

don d.

I have an Ovalmaster. Nice bike, nice ride. Very solid and inspiring. It is as stiff as a Cannondale, but a much smoother ride. If you want a super solid bike, this would work well. There are people that would steer you away from a Cannndale and people that would tell you they are the best ride in the world, so I don't think the Ovalmaster would be overkill if a stiff but smooth ride is what you like.

And barring a manufacturing defect, which I have never heard of, there really would never be any reason to replace it. I don't think anyone could ride the life out of one of these frames. And they are light, weighing ~the same as a Look Carbon Fiber frame.

2003 was the last year they were offered as a current model in the Colnago lineup, but you may still find one around. I'm pretty sure Trialtir is out of them though.

www.roadbikereview.com has lots of reviews on this bike/frame.

My frame looks like this, Navigators team paint:

bcaln1

So you think it's alright for an average size rider??

B

sydney

You looking for a guess or idle speculation? I've yet to figure out how others can know what works for you.

don d.

Sure, but then I think most bikes are ok for an average size rider. You don't give any indication why you're interested in this frame, how you intend to use it, or what your cycling experiences are that you would use to compare this bike to, so it is virtually impossible to make recommendations.

Read the feedback, read the reviews at www.roadbikereview.com, think about what you read, and then decide for yourself if this is a frame you want.

But you will no doubt be dropping a pretty penny on this so one word of advice:

Be absolutely certain you get the correct size. Spend the money to get fitted by a Serotta fit system if you can. Don't buy the frame because it's a good deal and a bike shop told you it's your size. I know for a fact you don't have size selections available, so be certain this is right before you buy it. It's been sitting there this long..., it will probably be there when you know for sure what size you need.

yzfrr11

I have owned an Ovalmaster since 2001. I have put over 50k miles worth of very hard training and racing. I am 6'0" - 155lbs. It has been extremely durable and has the classic Colnago geometry (short tt, slack hta). I love this frame and would strongly recommend it for anyone.

There are a few quirks about this frame that you ought to know about before you purchase, however. Why are you considering this frame in particular?

bcaln1

I live in the Bahamas and the roads aren't the best. I heard that these ride great, even on not-so-great roads. Also, I can get it for a great price, about $1200 complete with Campy Chorus components. I'm
5'9" with a 32" inseam (floor to crotch), and from research, the 54cm should work. I know I should be fitted, but that's not practicle at the moment and I don't want to miss the deal (through a friend in the states). If it doesn't work, I can always resell it.

Thanks,

Bruce

blaine

Had my eye on this one...


https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW

bcaln1

I forgot to ask, what 'quirks' are you speaking of?

(Sorry about the repeated size info, I forgot that I had mentioned that in my initial message.)

:-)

bcaln1

Hum, better deal than mine, maybe. Now 'WE' have our eye on it.

I've tried Ebay a couple of times, but the price goes through the roof at the end of the auction.

:-)

yzfrr11

Wow!, It soulds like a REALLY good deal. I would recommend that you buy it. If you can not get your position the way you like it, keep the components - you will be able to get a lot for this frame on EBAY.

The quirks: The frame has horizontal drop-outs which cn be a problem if you use fancy, boutique titanium skewers. The wheel may slip under high power. But if you use a standard skewer (Campy, Shimano) you should be fine (Inurain had no problems with horizontal drop-outs).

The frame has a relatively short top tube. So it is suited for a rider who has relatively long legs. Or be prepared to use a long stem.

It is a VERY durable frame - I'd bet that it would last indefinatly - even on rough roads and crashes!

What lenth top tube have you been using?

bcaln1

The bike I have now is a Specialized Hybrid, this would be my first road bike. I try to get the best I can for the money, in anything. Do you think I'm being dumb by not getting sized at a bike shop, even if I have to wait a few weeks? I've know a couple people who got a custom sized bike, and didn't like the result, so I'm not sure if that is the answer. I guess riding the bike is always the final solution?

Bruce

yzfrr11

The best way to know if the size is right for you is to ride many miles on the frame you are considering. Then, you may want to fine tune your frame size when it is time for your next frame. Your first road frame just needs to be a ball-park size guess.

Professional bike fit is a rip-off and a joke. Don't wast your time or money. There is no substitute for milage. Just get the bike and ride many miles.