I'm a Pinarello guy myself, but I like the Colnago for what it represents.

The Colnago is perhaps the most identifiable top shelf bike, and even a non cyclist will recognize the name. From a distance, they are gorgeous, but upon closer inspection, you can see the little flaws. The flaws have no effect on ride quality, but even the 2016 Arabesque holds true to the tradition. We wouldn't want it any other way.

My next frameset will probably be a new Colnago Master, but from a pure performance standpoint, I feel the Pinarello is superior as a general rule.

When I got into bicycles, the Gios, Guerciotti, Masi, Faggin, and Colnago etc. were the dream bikes, and the Colnago perhaps the most lusted after. That is why I love Colnago. More of a fantasy, not a performance based reality. The modern lugged steel offerings from Colnago are "overpriced" but that is Ok by me.

That the marque is still lusted after by cyclists half my age, speaks volumes. The Colnago mystique is very much alive. What is there not to love?