Imthenewblack

I was helping my mom clean out her garage and found an old bike in the corner under a sheet. My mom didn't know much about it and never saw my dad ride it. It appears to have been re-painted and re-decaled at some point. I'm not sure if it is a Master or not.

Any thoughts? Thanks for your help.

vjp

Master

gomango

+1

You found your long lost birthday present.

Great project for you!!!

Find a nice alloy Campy gruppo and life is good.

23skidoo

Moments like that are rare, be sure and savor it at your leisure. That's what you get for helping your mom like a good son.

spacemanz

Looks like a cheap knock-off to me. Just send it here, & I'll dispose of it properly for ya. Obviously, that's a joke. Congrats on your good fortune. Now just build it up right, & think of your Dad when you ride it.

BlueDevil63 

Very nice and looks almost new.

spacemanz

Hey, wait a minute. How is it, that you've been a member here for about 7 1/2 years, & this was only your 2nd post? Slacker!

bici_mania

I also agree that it is a master, as for the year, I can only guess mid 1990's.

qcpmsame 

The C&V equivalent of buying the winning lottery ticket. Good looking frame, the fact it was your dad's, if I understand your OP, makes it more special for you, too. Pictures of the build you decide to use would be appreciated, congratulations.

Bill

Italuminium

You said it Bill OP, that will build into a very nice build. There's plenty of inspiration here on the boards how to do it just right, from mechanical advice to all kinds of opinions on what to wear in terms of bar tape and saddle colours!

Gary Fountain

I want to call it a 'Master Piu' even though the top tube decal says Master. The difference, to me, is that the Master Piu had internal top tube brake cable routing (like your father's frame) where the Master had cable guides brazes to the top tube. I would guess that it's build date would be circa 1984/85.

Its a lovely frame with brilliant ride qualities. I also think the most iconic Colnago frames are red.

Further: It looks like your dad had plans to modernise it with a later model groupset. The Campagnolo bottom bracket is quite a recent incarnation. I wonder if your dad widened the gap between the rear dropouts from 126mm to 130mm? He was probably planning a 10 speed conversion.

YoKev

Your dad had good taste. Sweet frame. Ride it and enjoy it!

rootboy 

Jeeze. I got my dad's pocket knife.

skyrider

keep looking in the shed or garage you might find the gruppo that goes with it.

Imthenewblack

Thanks for the input everyone! I threw on some pedals, a seat, and a pair of bars today to take it for a spin. Unfortunately the bike frame is too large for me---my dad was a tall fellow. In any event, i'm not sure if I'm a good match for the frame. Approximately 7 1/2 years ago I was involved in a nasty bike on truck accident. I haven't rode much since then, which accounts for my absence from this forum. I think it may be good to start riding again, however. For all I know, my dad may have been building this bike for me to get me over the hump. I like to think so.

Having said all that, I think I'd like to try to sell the frame and find something that fits a bit better. A hard call because of the history of the frame, but I think my dad would be okay with my decision. I'm going to post the frame under the "appraisal" forum if anyone is interested in letting me know what they think I might be able to get for it.

Thanks again for the kind words.

Gary Fountain

Thanks for the nice story. Perhaps selling the Colnago frame for one your size is a good idea as it would be nice to be comfortable on your come back to cycling.

Best of Luck,

Gary.

Imthenewblack

I think you were right about the modernization---a 130mm hub fit perfectly in the dropouts. Also, the headset and bb are campy record and show little if any signs of wear.

rekmeyata

That's an extraordinary and esquisite find. One things for sure...you won't be flipping that bike.

ftwelder

I got tools and so will my son.


Beautiful frame. Keep it forever.

stevenc

Beauty. Good example of a repaint well executed.
Is that a 9-speed cassette on the wheel? Seems you will be looking for a nice Campagnolo group to finish the build.

rekmeyata

Ok rootboy, I don't usually read all the posts on these forums because its too time consuming, but I see it doesn't fit him. Maybe another family member may be interested? Now I understand a bit more about his decision.

rootboy 

Read post #15

bici_mania

I know that Colnago has always been very innovative in their design and as I understand it, usually ahead of everyone else but I thought internal cable routing with flush ports such as on this frame were a 1990's era feature. The bikes I have seen with this feature from other makers were from the 90's. Is this an inaccurate indicator?

On a another note, do you know what the correct pronunciation of "Piu" is?

spacemanz

I know the internal cable routing goes back to at least 1971. My Atala mixte has that internal routing, and I think I posted pics here in C&V, if anyone feels like doing a search.

Lascauxcaveman 

Agreed. I have no idea what that thing is worth, but some of the Colnago owners here could probably give you some good estimates. If it doesn't fit, sell it and get something you'll actually ride. I'm assuming you don't have a big collection of other bikes at this time. I am philosophically opposed to 'wall hangers.'

(Although I have no argument against putting nicer bikes on the shelf for the winter.)