Need help dating my new old colnago

I just picked up this bike from an old bike shop in NYC.. It had been up on the wall for 20+ years they said. I loved it from the start so I offered to buy it. It looks to be all original but what do I know.. I emailed Colnago some pics and this is what they said.

"Thank you for reaching out to Colnago. Based on the photos of the frame and the description, this looks to be an early 70s (most likely 1972) Colnago Super Pista. It was built with Columbus SL and SP tube sets and has a sticker on the seat tube commemorating the hour record set by Eddy Merckx in 1972. This is a beautiful frame with very unique lug work that is typical of classic Colnago frames. If you have any more questions about Colnago products or services,please contact your local authorized Colnago dealer. They will be able to assist you with all of your Colnago needs and answer any and all questions about Colnago. Please check our dealer locator at: https://www.colnago.com/dealers/ to find the dealer closest to you. If you do not have a dealer in your area, please contact one of our online partners:"

I know theirs tons of COLNAGO guys who really know. I just want to make sure. I will NOT be changing anything on this bike only the tires as they look to have a little dry rot on them. I will clean it up a bit to restore it to it's original glory.

Please Help.... Yes I will adjust the bars to their proper position. Take a look at some pics.

Thanks for your help

Try a box of dark chocolates and some sweet red wine.

I'm guessing later than 1972 simply because of the BB shell clover (early-80s type) and decal set (late-70s/early 80s).

Is that chainstay actually chromed or is it a foil decal?

That's a beautifully-preserved example and you have the right idea: clean it up but don't change a thing

Congrats!

DD

the seat and handlebars look early 80's but the frame may be older.

I am curious about he Merckxx connection. I never really paid attention did he ride Colnagos while with Moltini?

Man I love the look of campy pista record high flange hubs!

Wow, what a nice bike. Love the rims.

Is there a number in a circle or diamond on the back of the crank arms?

As other pointed out the components may not be all "period" but cranks may help hone in on a narrower date. I would also guess Late 1970s or very early 1980s. The bars are definitely later. That looks like a first gen concour saddle, THAT is beautiful! You could also check the date on the hubs too, but again since campy record didn't really change through that period it makes it hard to narrow in on the age. I am surprised it doesn't have SL pedals, but again, those come off and on all the time, so who knows. Is the headset steel or alloy? The one glimpse of it I see it looks steel.

Not a '72 I think, and looks like a repaint, but very nice bike. I thought that this style Colnago Pista fork was later also, maybe late 70's early 80's?

hmm... just did some googling, and it seems this fork crown was used earlier, possibly late '73 for the trade shows and a '74 release.

My '73 Super road bike has a slightly different club on the BB but the lug ones are the same as yours.

Yes, Colnago, De Rosa and Kessels plus one other that I can't remember at the moment.

EDIT: The other is Marcel Van der Este

Thanks you guys.. I will check the crank tonight.. I also think it's a mid to late 70's bike.. I have tried to keep it all original but I did have to change the tires because of dry rot so I bought some late 70's-80's Vittoria tubular tires and I also bought some new Benotto tape as the old one was rotted.. I had to put a new chain so I went with a brass looking one by KMC D101.. I took the old AFA toe clips and the Christophe leather straps.. To french for me. So I ordered some period correct Campagnolo toe clips along with some Alfredo Binda straps to complete the look.. Have not yet received them..

My shoulders are killing me from all the polishing and kleaning but I'm very happy on how it's coming out.. I will not fix any paint chips or anything like that as I want it to be kept original.. This bike has never been repainted and decals are original from factory..

The polishing thing I used called NEVER DULL is AMAZING.. see the before and after pics.. I recommend it to every one.

It's a foil decal not actual chromed..

I will check it tonight.

How do I check dates on the hubs?

The Head set is chromed steel.

Eddy rode a Colnago in the early days but Ernesto Colnago would put Eddys name on the bike their for it being a Colnago costume made for Eddy Merckxx.. Colnago was the first to do this. Eddy used a Colnago to brake the one hour track time in 1972.

Not a repaint but I do agree that it's not a 72 but a later 1970's. I'm thinking like 1976..

NOT FOR SALE but What would it be worth?

What a beauty! Hard to believe the shop was able to hold onto it for 20 years. They must have gotten alot of good offers over that time.

I'd have to say this bike in this condition is worth anywhere from $2000 - $2500.

Colnago does not really have a history department. Guys who met with Ernesto in San Diego at the Granfondo a few years back commented that Ernesto likes to see the old bikes but does not really remember them in detail, it was about making money guys. From the BB shell and transfers, and BB shell which appears cast due to the thickness and style of Clover cutout, later 70's to very early 80's. The seat stay caps are atypical. That crown really shows up in the mid 70's, like 1975-76, but the graphics especially the head tube are later.