streik

Hi,

I'm about to aquire this bike, and i would like to get some opinions on it first.

https://photosmart.hpphoto.com/FilmSt...8d0bed&SKU=HP#

Is this a nice one, or just a run-of-the-mill colnago? I owned one once, so i know they ride great.

And, does it look very trashed to you? Any obvious defects? I saw the brake lever is kinda messed up.

Many Thanks,

David

gomango

I'm a sucker for these bikes.

I really do like Masters, Master Piu's, and certainly Master Extra Lights.

I happen to love the way these ride.

This one has some small spots of rust and typical road grime.

I see a rust spot on the fork, is that surface rust or something more? Can't tell from the pic.

Double check for any signs of crash damage. Does it track well?

Looks a nice start for a clean-up and ride Master.

It really could look great.

Due diligence on tires, brakes, cables, and all of the typical lube items when you pick up a used bike.

Bar tape could be redone and a saddle unless that one fits.

Also, does the frame fit?

wrk101

Looks pretty decent to me, needs a thorough clean up for sure, but nothing serious. Personal inspection is key.

I love my Colnago Master Lite.

Enjoy!

streik

Thanks for the replies. I think i'll pick it up this week, i'll post pictures when it's cleaned..

Gary Fountain

I believe the brake callipers may be Campy Cobalto's that have lost their blue 'stones'. I have always wondered if clothing buttons could be acceptable replacements for the stones - with a little work.

I would replace the brake levers - perhaps with levers that match the callipers.

The seatpost could be cleaned up if you had access to a metal lathe. Just don't clean up the insertion area too much making it undersized.

I think it is a great project bike that will clean up readily. I too love the Masters.

gomango

Gary, I have a friend that did just that with his. We were out for a ride last summer, and for gosh sakes, he lost one.

He went to a local antique dealer and found a button and a faux gemstone.

After a lot of sanding, sizing, and polishing, he was back in business. Not sure which one he ended up using.

Collectors will be able to tell, but he felt better about the matter.

Gary, as an aside do you have a link to a flickr page of your bikes?

I'd love to take a look see if that's ok.

Maanster

Amazing bike! It just begs to get restored to its former shine.. Those Gilco tubes are awesome, I wouldn't be surprised if this is a real high end bike. I would keep it as original as possible, don't start messing with the gruppo! That seatpost is a project that could turn out so nice with some polishing and a repaint of the flutes, for example. Do a full restoration of the frame and parts, maybe get new brake hoods and cable housings, and your bike will be awesome.

Bah, it's a perfect size for me as well, let me know if you want it taken off your hands.. I just happen to love these restoration projects, and this one has so much potential. May I ask what you paid for it? Nice catch!

regards,

m

bbattle

I'd use an aluminum polish like Bom's Away to get the oxidation off that seatpost.

What year is the bike? Mid-80's?

Gary Fountain

I haven't got a flickr page Gomango but here is a photo of my Colnago's:



Only one Master (Piu) though; the second one across.

gomango

Thank you Gary!

Made my night.

shrinkboy

i kinda gasped when i saw gary's pic

streik

I didn't yet get it. I switched it for one of my bikes that is way too small for me. Mid 80ies for sure, those brakes are very late SR brakes i think... could be cobalto as well. I thought a c-record gruppo would look nice on it... in a hundred years when i can afford one. Won't mess with the gruppo, love SR...

And Maanster, i don't think you live close by do you?

lotek 

David,

Go get this bike now. If it's on craigslist I'd be surprized if it's still available.

Maanster

Crap, is my english that bad? You're absoutely right. I'm just dead envious and joking around, I live in Stockholm actually.

Again, good luck with the restoration once you get a hold of the bike. If you don't keep the saddle I'd go with a white Regal or Volare/white bar tape to balance the dark color of the frame. Heck, even yellow or red could work to get some connection with the Colnago logo and/or to spice things up. Too much babbling about aesthetics for now, gonna be interesting to see how well it rides.

/m

streik

I'm curious about the ride as well. Stockholm's actually closer than most others. I live in Switzerland.

I know it's still there. I give the guy a veeery nice bike in exchange. I wanted to persuade him to come and get it, but it's a 2.5 hour drive one way, so we'll go the mail route...

I will actually be asking for color suggestions regarding bar tape and saddle. In fact, I am already