Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,003
Likes: 303
From: Hervey Bay, Qld, Australia.
Bikes: Colnago (82, 85, 89, 90, 91, 96, 03), 85 Cinelli, 90 Rossin, 83 Alan, 82 Bianchi, 78 Fountain, 2 x Pinarello, Malvern Star (37), Hillman (70's), 80's Beretto Lo-Pro Track, 80's Kenevans Lo-Pro, Columbus Max (95), DeGrandi (80's) Track.
YES - they are viewable.
Wow, this frame is in much better condition that I first thought. It looks quite original to me.
I agree with your excellent description of tubes, lugs, etc.
My guess (like yours) is that it was built around the time the ESA Mexico was built and perhaps a prelude to the Master being built. Indeed a Master prototype/design exercise. I love the way the downtube was kind of shimmed to fit the bottom bracket. The mix of tubing profiles is so interesting too. The head tube lugs hark from the previous era and are my personal favourite Colnago lug profile.
Both chain stays being stamped 'COLNAGO' is unusual and the left stamping is stamped in an area that has been purposely flattened - interesting. The seat stay caps look to be early 80's - interesting.
I personally don't think the numbers stamped on the rear RH dropout will mean anything to us meer mortals - it was probably some sort of code used at Colnago or the frame builder that put it together. I don't think anyone has been able to translate the Colnago serial number system.
I love this frame. I hope others find it interesting too.
Last edited by Gary Fountain; 01-26-15 at 05:45 PM.