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Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Marin County, California, USA
Posts: 47
Bikes: 1953 Schwinn Green Phantom, 1957 Schwinn Corvette, 1949 Whizzer, 1959 Girardengo, 1980 Colnago USSR Olympic TT bike, 1982 Colnago Nuovo Mexico, 1994 Colnago Decor, 1996 Colnago Decor, 2002 Colnago Carbonissimo TT, 1982 Bottecchia, 2007 Cervelo, etc.
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Older thread, first post, rare bike.
Here's my info:
Total of 24 of these made, all identical dimensionally, but only 8 (4 main, 4 spares) actually went to olympics. Built in Colnago factory; Sr. Ernesto Colnago travelled to USSR to investigate possibility of joint venture frame manufacturing facility, but idea was dropped.
The 8 made for Olympics carry no serial numbers, the other 16 made for training do have numbers stamped. These were badged (decals) as "Colnago Mexico" on chain stays, though they were unique. At that time Colnago was promoting Mexico name.
More facts: Top tube, seat tube, down tube, and head tube (yes, head tube!) all same 23mm inside diameter. Custom head set with loose ball bearings 2mm diameter X 25 per race. Note fork tube/headset spacer. Custom forged 3ttt goose neck to fit inside tiny fork tube, anodized black. Campy dropouts.
All groupset components except bottom bracket were Campy Super Record 2nd Generation (Tn fasteners). Bottom bracket was Record. Cinelli bars, San Marco saddle. Chain stay protector looks chrome in photos, but in fact was aluminum foil tape, applied over the paint for effect. Seat post very rare Campy Super Record 25mm, lathe-turned down to 23mm OD to fit into narrow seat tube. Front caliper is special long reach Campy to accommodate rear placement on fork.
Rims were Nisi tubular polished, tires Clement 23mm tubular, 650 front, 700 rear. Front rim aero radial spoked, 18 spokes; rear 3 cross round spoke, 36 spokes.
Vermillion paint finish, bright yellow striping over simulated chain stay protector and bright yellow dropout detailing.
How do I know? I am nearly finished restoring one of the 8 original Moscow bikes. It is unique! I will post photos soon.