Colnago Team Bike ca. 1993 with Columbus EL - What IS this??
#1
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Colnago Elegant ca. 1993 with Columbus EL
Here's a mystery of a bike. Absolutely zero info on the internet. A team bike, but I can't find a single reference anywhere to Team "Vuelta" Italy! The frame is apparently constructed from Columbus EL tubing, but I can't find other similar examples. Custom bike? Gorgeous Wordperfect paint scheme, which dates it to 1993/1994. Looks black but is actually really dark metallic purple. Apparent in bright sunlight. Early carbon Look HSC fork and carbon Campy racing wheels. Any information at all would be appreciated. What's the model name? Approximate value? Thanks.
Last edited by Horochar; 04-27-18 at 05:15 AM. Reason: Positively ID’d bike
#4
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Team?
That’s what seller said. Mostly because it has a team saddle, which I suppose proves nothing without more info. It does have racing wheels too. But (duh) it’s a racing bike, so I guess that proves nothing.
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If this was an ex-Team WordPerect bicycle, I would think that it would have a number peg.
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They did.
Mine didn't have one either.
FWIW Colnago confused this short run model a bit when they put EL decals on ELOS framesets.
The first run of the framesets was EL and apparently they decided to use up the decals on hand.
Check into their tube specs a bit and you'll see what I mean.
Here's a pic of mine.


#9
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Can someone PLEASE tell me what a bike like this would be worth, exactly as shown? Near mint, 9++ condition with 1st gen. Campy "Bora" carbon wheels which are in excellent condition, Campy record components. The problem is that it has a period correct Look carbon fork rather than a Colnago chrome fork, and ITM stem rather than a Colnago branded stem.
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Can someone PLEASE tell me what a bike like this would be worth, exactly as shown? Near mint, 9++ condition with 1st gen. Campy "Bora" carbon wheels which are in excellent condition, Campy record components. The problem is that it has a period correct Look carbon fork rather than a Colnago chrome fork, and ITM stem rather than a Colnago branded stem.
#12
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Thanks. Guessing that by adding the fork (assuming I can find one for $200 or less) will increase its value by $200 or more. But that, too, is a guess. The market for these bikes is tricky. I think I overpaid based on the value of things I traded to get it. I was hoping for a number more in the range of $2000-$2500. Life moves on.
Last edited by Horochar; 04-29-18 at 08:55 PM.
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Thanks. Guessing that by adding the fork (assuming I can find one for $200 or less) will increase its value by $200 or more. But that, too, is a guess. The market for these bikes is tricky. I think I overpaid based on the value of things I traded to get it. I was hoping for a number more in the range of $2000-$2500. Life moves on.
Maybe a titch more.
#14
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Anyone know, would this take a threaded or unthreaded fork? A local bike expert said unthreaded, but in trying to research Colnago forks online, such a thing doesn't seem to exist. Thanks.
#16
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Those forks are pretty hard to find (ask me how I know
) and the asking price should reflect that. Also, tubulars are kind of a pain in the neck, another thing that should be reflected in the asking price and/or your offer.

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The bike is beautiful as is, with the carbon fork, and the black/white bar tape offering perfect symmetry with the black/white saddle. Wheels look gorgeous on it as well. Leave it alone and ride it!
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I would leave the fork as is also it would be costly to and time consuming to change and wouldn't increase value a lot. Figure a original fork, colonago panto quill stem and nice campy headset to put it back to original would cost $300+ and only add $100-200 to the value. As is I would say its in the $1500-1800 range.
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I would leave the fork as is also it would be costly to and time consuming to change and wouldn't increase value a lot. Figure a original fork, colonago panto quill stem and nice campy headset to put it back to original would cost $300+ and only add $100-200 to the value. As is I would say its in the $1500-1800 range.

#22
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#23
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I would leave the fork as is also it would be costly to and time consuming to change and wouldn't increase value a lot. Figure a original fork, colonago panto quill stem and nice campy headset to put it back to original would cost $300+ and only add $100-200 to the value. As is I would say its in the $1500-1800 range.
#24
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Ask him if he kept the fork?
It depends on where the bike is located but I don't think you should pay much more than $1000. Not just because of the missing fork, but, in general, vintage bike prices are way down compared to a few years ago.
If the seller wants a lot more, walk, you can do better for $1000.
It depends on where the bike is located but I don't think you should pay much more than $1000. Not just because of the missing fork, but, in general, vintage bike prices are way down compared to a few years ago.
If the seller wants a lot more, walk, you can do better for $1000.
#25
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Yep, paid $600 for mine (near mint Ferrari red, actual (ladies) team bike, 9S Chorus, original fork) last year after I watched it sit unwanted at $900 for a couple of months.
Feels quite light and rides beautifully with ride quality comparable to my Nuovo Mexicos so well worth the money i.m.o.
Feels quite light and rides beautifully with ride quality comparable to my Nuovo Mexicos so well worth the money i.m.o.