I have been carting an old Colnago frame around the country for the last 15 years. I originally purchased it just for the forks. At the time I was racing and had two Colnago Masters. This frame, has a decal labling it as a Colnago Profil CX. It is a wine colored 'lacquer' over chrome. I was told that it was the predecessor of the Master. The right drop out is stamped '241'. The biggest problem is that it was in an accident, and the down tube is dented. I would love to have it replaced, but like many Colnagos it is some sort of shaped tube. The top and down tubes have a crease down the sides. Can someone out there help me with more information, about the frame. Is it worth fixing? Since the dent is on one side, I just hang the dent towards the wall, and it makes a lovely piece of art. I put up a couple of pictures at www.mcanfield.com/colnago

thanks,

That's a fairly collectable 'Nago from about '84, if I remember correctly. Check with Brian Baylis, Joe Bell, and Cyclart on the repair. It's probably not going to be cheap, though one of those guys should be able to locate a correct tube for it. I believe that's specially crimped Columbus SL or SLX, and pre "Gilco", which I think was squeezed top and bottom as well as on the sides.

If you live anywhere near the southwestern U.S., I strongly concur with TheOtherGuy's three recommended framebuilders and restorers. Please tells us roughly where you are located, and perhaps someone in your area can recommend someone closer to home.

I live in Tampa, Florida. If the frame is really worth the cost of the repair, then thats what I will do. Can you tell me more about the frame. I have seen a couple that were painted, but this is the only one I have seen with a lacquer over chrome. Does any one know if its s/n 241 out of what? Anything that will justify carting this around the country for the last 15 years.

Those I've seen were painted just like yours... Then I've seen only a couple. I know where there was one in a shop (a few years ago) that was built with a Colnago 30th anniversary pantographed Super Record group... The shop owner said $10K when I asked him the price...! I think he wanted to keep it... Honestly, I think it would cost you about a grand to restore your frame, by the time it's repaired, re-plated, and painted... I don't think you'd be making any money if you put it up for sale. If you're wondering how many were made, try writing to Colnago, or posting your question on the CR list. Matt G- or Charles A- are both fairly knowledgeable Colnago buffs.