1970’s Colnago Super - What to do now?
 

I picked up a Colnago Super this week and I’m trying to determine what to do next :)It appears to be mostly original with some great Campy Super Record Pantographed parts! I’m guessing it’s a ‘77-‘78 due to the pat. Number on the derailleur. The stem has been replaced and is gawdawful (the seller is looking for the original, but it’s likely gone, but I have an extra Cinelli that might be a good placeholder), and the wheels have been replaced with Mavic MA3s. The paint has a lot of chips and scratches with rust, and the decals are rougher than they look in the photos, I’m afraid to even breathe on them. Also, the fork has a bit of rust pitting, but it might be salvageable with some evaporust and foil.

I’ve been looking for a Colnago to restore for a while, and I want to do it right. Unfortunately, at 56cm the frame is just too small for me :( so I’m faced with a bit of a dilemma. To repaint or not repaint? Is it worth the money if I can’t ride it? To be honest, I absolutely enjoy restoring bikes, but will I get a return on investment? Or should I just touch-up the paint the best I can and call it a day? Or, lastly remove and restore the components (again, awesome Colnago panto’d Super Record!) and sell or trade the frame for one that is my size? I would love to hear your input BF members!Thanks in advance,Ianhttps://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7f97f4a72.jpeg
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First off, the value is in the details here. Just for starters you have a first-gen Super Record RD which is worth a couple hundred at least to collectors. The panto bits look like they'll clean up well. The paint doesn't look too awful to me. The biggest paint loss is under the shell, not seen in normal use. Chipping on the stay from the chain is an occupational hazard.

I would not repaint with the idea of getting a return on your investment - it just doesn't seem to work that way. I'd be all for it if you were doing it for yourself (your bike, your choice kind of thing), but leave it original and let the next buyer decide.

Looking for more money, part it out. Keep it together if not. Oh, and that chrome will probably clean right up as it looks much like something similar I dealt with recently - and mine came out great.

One other thing: I see two locknuts on that headset - that would mean a longer than normal threaded portion of the steerer. I wonder if the fork is original? It also uses a recessed brake bolt while the rear is exposed. That is strange to me.

DD

Either the fork was built for a really tall stack height for an unusual headset (were there any in the mid-1970s though?), or it might have been replaced somewhere along the way. May be worth it to do a check of the bottom of the headlugs, to be on the safe side.

Honestly, I'd clean it up lightly and try the CR list with a straight-across trade for a similar-condition, mid-1970's Super in your frame size. Also leave it open to the option of swapping frames only. If it's the same era Super to Super, moving the components over would still be true to the donor frame.

-Kurt

That trade list doesn't work that well. Part it out and sell the frame. Or maybe just sell the RD and replace it with a less expensive campy RD to sell the bike complete since it has all the nice pantographed parts. It's my size, :).

But seriously, I wouldn't waste a lot of time restoring a bike that wasn't my size which is too bad because this is a beautiful bike.

Will a taller stem and seatpost solve the problem? It would be a drag to lose that pantographed seatpost but if that lets you ride the bike, it may be worth your while. Nitto has a good selection of tall stems.

No doubt the panto stuff is worth some decent money, as is the RD. I can't really see detail on the top of the fork crown, but think it's probably a replacement as others have said. The portacatena dropout puts it '77 at the very earliest so I think your assumption on the date is pretty close, could go as late as '79.

It is very frustrating to have a bike that is too small, especially one that nice. I think the age and condition of the bike is such that a total restoration is not needed. I like bikes with some patina as long as the rust is averted or stopped. I don't think the others are far off when they recommend selling as a frame and then parting out the bits. I just hate doing that to a bike, it's just me. I bought an ItalVega($100) with some nice components with the idea of taking the bits off and selling the rusty frame on. Well, those that have seen my threads on that bike know how that turned out! The difference is that bike was my size. Also, I love a challenge, Joe joesvintageroadbikes.wordpress

A restoration (repaint) will only be a black hole money wise.
I would look to trade it for a Colnago frame set in a size better suited.
Given some time, if that does not work out, sell the frame set and look for a bigger size.

BTW, those panto bits look original, unlike some that were presented in the valuation forum recently.
Do buy more visually correct hoods, Do exchange that stem... oh the tragedy.

^^^ As already stated above....still very lucky with all of your recent finds down south!
Best, Ben

Would you be interested in selling the bike? The size would work for me. Thanks.

Finding a frame/fork-only mid-70s Colnago in your size and in need of restoration shouldn't be too hard. I would keep all the parts, and swap or sell the frame for one that fits. I also feel the fork may not be original. Also note that your crank is the "Mexico" version. That alone is quite a nice item.

I do love the orange metallic color. Here's my ~1976 Super that I put new decals over original well-patina'd paint:

http://thejennifers.com/Bike_Pics/Or...geColnago5.jpg

Thanks everyone for the input! You’ve all given me a lot to think about!

Good catch on the fork! I was also wondering about the recessed bolt, and the fact that it’s fully chromed, these just don’t match the specs for this period Super. I’m going to give it a bath in some evaporust and polish it up. It’s definitely worth saving as it’s panto’d.

I enjoy restoring bikes as a hobby, not to make $$$, so if I can break even on a project I’m happy. But, it sounds like if I choose to paint, I will be upside down before I know it. I also do not like the idea of parting out. I would like to be as original as possible. So, the new plan is to break it down to the frame, remove and inhibit the rust, and touch up the paint the best I can. If I can’t find a match at the hobby or auto store, I’ll take it to the paint store and try matching it there. I hear it’s about $20 to do so. I will then put it back together and see if I can actually ride the thing. If not, I’m happy to do a frame swap for a taller Super in similar condition, or even offset the cost of one in great condition. Sorry, but I’m going to keep the components no matter what I do! Haha

I will be sure to update as I go along :)

thanks again!!

Ian

Go ahead and restore it if money is not an object. I am by no means wealthy,paycheck to paycheck but have restored a bike that was not my size and i won,t recoup my money from. What i did get was the experience and satisfaction of doing the job. And it brings me great joy to look at it. Someday soon i will pass it along

Great choices. :thumb:

Best of luck, and keep the photos coming during the teardown and cleanup!

-Kurt

Solid plan. Agreed on sharing the occasional pic update. :)

[MENTION=341338]chico81[/MENTION] You have done such fantastic jobs on your "found" bikes recently that I know this one will turn out beautifully without a repaint. When it is done, put the saddle and bars where they are supposed to be for you and continue looking for "your" size. You might find that a 56 is fine (and the fork will bug you so you continue the search).

^^^ fork should be fine. :thumb:

frame has the dropout for the Portacatena, system, so 1977 or beyond, the other attributes suggest prior to 1979-80.
The fork, is a bit later. At this juncture I would leave it. Might keep an eye out for a more period fork, they do show up, this assembly also shows an intermediate lock nut...
An interesting decision.

Terrific project.

I wouldn't necessarily call the fork 'incorrect'. Challenging images but if panto clover Colnago, likely is genuine. Thinking you've got the timeline correct including pushing 1980. So many of them out there and with contract builds, variables do exist.

Next are basing the date by its components. Nonsense. Not uncommon to have the original parts changed out during its use for many reasons. (Damage, crash, upgrade, vanity.) In this case, just look at the stem, brake cables, etc.. Also, the recessed brake cal's are no biggie as that's another easy or rather common change out. Go either way or back date by getting a longer stud mount and use a bushing in the fork crown.

Paint, preserve, sell, part out.... it's a hobby- do as you feel and enjoy it.

I have the same issue with my Master Piu. Frame is too small...52 or 54 and I need a 60. I would love to find a larger frame to put my components on.

So no worries, but 3yr old zombie thread here, you may not get a response, no harm in trying. ;)

And welcome aboard, glad you found us. :thumb: