I was given a vintage Colnago a few years ago. It had a 5 speed Campy nuvo record drivetrain on it. I have since converted it to a fixed gear bike to save on cost. What i wanted to do is build it up again to but I am not sure where i should start? SHould i build it up with OEM equipment or should i rebuild with more current parts?? If i can even do that?

Unless your rich or looking for a period correct restoration I'd just go with a nice cost effective mix. I would defintely add some modern wheels. You could even go 8 speed and add some Record Ergo brifters for a nice, nearly modern affair. However, if it were me I would stick with the Nouvo Record drivertrain and track down a nice Italian 5 speed straight block freewheel for a nice light round the town zippster. You'll want some modern rims for the wheels though... they're nice. If you change your mind you can forward the Colnago to me as I don't have one in the stable (yet).

Actually, if it was a five speed, you might want to measure the rear dropout spacing before running off and buying a new wheelset. Older droputs, in particular five speed dropouts, were spaced at 120mm. An eight speed dropout would be 130mm, most six speed ones are 125mm or 126mm. To go from 120 to 130 would likely require cold setting the dropouts (i.e. bending them) which is really one of those jobs you want to have someone who knows what they're doing do. Check that spacing. Older freewheel hubs can be spaced down from 126 to 120 mm easily enough. If you wanna cold set the frame yourself, there are primitive instructions on Sheldon Brown's site, but I'd by a couple of old junkers to do this on before risking a Colnago.

Aside from this small problem, however, you certainly can equip the bike with newer componentry. Unless you're married to having the bike in exact period condition.

I would at least use an "ultra" 6-speed freewheel, which would look correct and fit 120mm dropout spacing. If you have 126mm spacing or don't mind cold-setting your rear triangle a bit, go with a 7-speed, as I have done with my 1959 Capo.

thanks for the quick responses. i was thinking the same thing with the spacing of the droupouts. i will measure this weekend and hope for the best. i will have to check sheldon brown and see what he has to say on his site.
Being a newbie i must say that this site rocks!!!!!!!!!

Yo Brooklyn,

It would be criminal to put anything but period correct
on that frame.
Check out the classifieds on Campy Only, and also
check e-bay for Nuovo record (or S. Record if correct!),
there is alot of stuff out there, you just have to look,
and you don't have to break the bank to get it.
I've seen complete Super Record Gruppos going for less than
$500.
I completely agree with the Suntour Ultra freewheel, but thats
about as far as I'd go towards "modernizing".

Marty

What model Colnago is it? If it's an early Master or a Super or Mexico (very similar bikes) then I'm with Marty. There were many other Colnagos during the boom years which aren't real special. If you want to modify one of those for additional gears I wouldn't shudder as much as I would if it's one of the models I mentioned.

That is the thing i am not sure what year or what model the colnago is. It has campy nuvo record parts. Chrome for with chrome rear stays. There is a colnago leaf on the bottom bb shell. other than that i have no other info