The last of my three NOS Columbus-tubed frames (I previously posted photos of a Masi Columbus SLX-SP and a Sancineto Columbus MAX). Finally got around to taking pictures of this one, a Colnago Master Piu in Columbus-GILCO, likely from 1989-1991, I think, and in the very best color, red. Not looking for a valuation on this…only posting as a bit of eye candy. The Piu variant of the Master model features internal caliper cable guides. As I understand it, a Colnago serial number is not an indicator of manufacturing date…please correct me if I am wrong about this.

Exquisite.
Not my size.

What is the term for the 'pointed' paint over chrome? Usually on stays. Elegant - formerly owned Merckx had that treatment.

I’ve heard those referred to as “”spear point” or “dagger points”. I had these added to my Zullo when I had it repainted after chroming the fork and seat/chain stays. IIRC, I copied this from a Tommasini.





Here’s what is looks like in 2025:

Piece of art and needs some blinky bits.
Love those gilco frames as they ride wonderful.
Why not just post in C&V since your not looking for appraisals?

That's worth a second look, I like the chainstay bridge, just like my De Bernardi.

Happy ending coming soon for this old girl, too. I figure she has been waiting 35 years! I like my Sancineto Columbus MAX, built up recently with Chorus 12-speed, so much that I couldn’t stop myself from moving forward on building up this old Colnago Master Piu. I bought up a mostly Record 12-speed group this time because, after all, it is a Colnago. Actually, I don’t really feel that way, the Sancineto Columbus MAX has turned out to be a superb bike. Anyways, wanted to try Record this time, even though I prefer the Chorus skeleton caliper design. Notice that the calipers here and the chain are Super Record, and the cassette is Chorus, supposedly because my retailer can’t source Record calipers anymore. Not sure why I got a Chorus cassette. Also not sure what to do about cable colors, as I always thought this frame needed white cables, white bar tape and a white saddle. So, still some decisions to make. Moderators are welcome to move this thread as appropriate, because it doesn’t relate to valuation.

Very nice bikes. I would have kept my '92 Master Piu Decor if it was a bit bigger.

This beauty needs a C Record groupset.

I already have two bikes with complete C-Record groups. Both originally built with Delta calipers but I switched to dual pivot for better braking performance.

Bottecchia Columbus SPX




Ciocc Columbus Minimax (admittedly, an 8-speed rear derailleur)

Very tasteful builds.

Wouldn't it have been better to just move somewhere that has no hills?

With reference to Edwig van Hooydonck and many others a sound case could also be made for Suntour Superbe Pro…

Quite right, not wanting to detract from that other great gruppo.

Ha! I just moved from West Los Angeles to the land of rolling hills, Southern Indiana. And my old high school friend here is a world class cyclist. So those two things have contributed significantly to my interest in modern group sets. I could build many bikes with the NOS C-Record equipment in my collection, but opted for the new stuff to manage the rolling hills of Southern Indiana and my friend’s penchant for riding all-out every ride to the point of exhaustion. BTW, in my experience, Southern Indiana beats California hands down for road cycling, every ride is wonderful country roads.

Looks similar to the landscape here on Vancouver Island, lots of rolling hills and farmland. Perfect for road riding.

Lovely stuff! Again, I'd encourage you to ask a moderator to move this thread to the main C&V forum where more folks participate. You've got a great build ahead of you with this Master Piu and I'm sure others would love to admire it!

-Gregory

Beautiful looking frame!

I am thinking it will go like this

A very lightweight stem, didn’t even know I had it, was looking through my stuff and there it was. I think it’s perfect for this build, early 1990s, I think. Tig welded Columbus Thron tubing.

C-Record versus Record 12-speed

C-Record, such a classic design

Record 12-speed

Except for a brief photo session a few years ago, this Master Piu frame has been wrapped up in protective foam for nearly 20 years. I’ve been saving it as a retirement bucket list item. Taking it tomorrow to a shop in Illinois for fork cutting, facing of head tube and bottom bracket, and chasing of threads. Bit of a drive, but shops near me mostly said, “we don’t do that anymore…don’t even have the tools.” I’ve built up frames before (latest being a Sancineto Columbus MAX with Campagnolo 12-speed), but they were already prepped and ready for parts, so this will be my first experience with this type of work.

This might be my favorite Colnago frameset ever. Beautiful piece that I would build but never ride.

That is a beautiful frame set. I have often looked at them but have not pulled the trigger.
The Pinarello has those spear point paint features.


I am a fan of black and red too. It would work with the "any color as long as it is black" Campy housings.