Maybe I've had too many cappuchinos, but I just bought a Colnago Profil CX on e-bay. It was advertised (by a bike shop) as an early 90's bike. As a result of investigations and opinions gathered from various e-sources, I believe it is more likely an 84-85, which is just fine by me. A source suggests that in 1980 the Nuovo Mexico model "started using crimped tubing at top and down tubes", and that Guiseppe Sarroni took victories with these frames. In 1982-83 the "Profil" was produced with "a main triangle with all crimped tubes". In 1984-85 the "Profil CX" was produced "same as the Profil but with a shifter boss on top of the downtube. I gather that Colnago was experimenting with tube shapes during this period. The "crimping" is a slight, lengthwise indent in the tube, no more that 3mm deep, and stopping about 5cm from the tube ends. This gives a slightly oval shape to the tube. The bike I bought has crimped top and down tubes, and a crimp along the inside of each of the chainstay tubes. The shifter is located on top of the downtube. It is equipped with Campy Super Record front and rear dr's (which were superceded by C-Record in 1985, I believe), a "Strada" crankset, and OMAS hubs. It has the usual pantographs and cut outs in the fork crown, BB, lower head tube chromed lug, and tops of the seat tubes. The frame is fully chromed beneath a beautiful wine red, which seems to glow due to the chrome underneath. I found a serial number on the drive side rear drop out (Campy) that overprints the "Campagnolo" lettering with "USA" on the top of the axle and "A257" below. The attached photo is from the seller. Any input to understand this bike is appreciated. I know its not unique, but the history is blurred.

I can't help much, if at all but it looks like a genuine 'Profil CX' to me. I think Saronni rode a standard Nuovo Mexico Profil with the shifter bosses on the sides of the down tube. I think your new Profil CX is a little known model and probably a precursor to the more well known 'Oval CX'. I really like the shifter boss located on the top of the down tube. Do the gear cables run internally from the boss?

I wish it was in my 'stable'. Your description is great to read and has made me feel a little jealous.

I certainly would enjoy a few more detail shots.

Maybe a few of more of the shifter bosses, seat cluster, fork crown etc.

This will prompt a little more discussion.

Looks like a real beauty.

Probably a joy to ride.

BTW It looks like it has been very well cared for.

The wheels look like different sizes.

Wish I had access to my Bicycling magazine collection

I want to say 1982 or 1983. The Superissimo and Profil CX were part of the same full-page ad Colnago put out for a few months. Both frames were represented in chromovelato in the ad. In any case, if memory serves the Profil CX was indeed the precursor to the Oval CX, and the precursor to the Profil CX was the Nuovo Mexico - the first of Colnago's frames to feature crimped tubes in the main triangle.

The only thing that makes me wonder about this particular complete bike is the fork - the Profil CX boasted its own special fork crown and blades at one point, but I'm sure that even the earliest models would have used the other fully-sloping fork. This one has the typical semi-sloping (almost flat) fork crown seen on most Supers from the early 70s through to the early 80s. I suspect the fork is not original to the frame.

A C&V member was actually thinking of snapping this one up until I passed along that little tidbit of info. Personally, I'd hold out for an Oval CX, but that's just me - I really like the details of the BB shell in particular on the Oval CX. The Profil CX is almost a dead ringer for my Nuovo Mexico save for the different placement of the gear lever boss and a bit different fork.

Hope this helps. I'll try to scare up a scan online of the Colnago ad referenced above.

Still and all a very nice score!

DD

It's beautiful, definitely worth a couple more shots! Has it arrived yet? It could do with a little less yellow IMO, like white bartape e.g., you can always put yellow straps on the toeclips.
But then again, I am Dutch.

Have another cappucino and click here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Colnago-CX-1...item2c76dc6fe4

have another click here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-NOS-...item23326321e9

All, Thank you for your thoughtful responses. It has arrived. I am pleased. Additional photos will be forthcoming. Yes, the shifter cables run internally, exiting just above the BB, and turning around the BB in the open, actually rubbing the BB. One cable runs right across the cut out "Ace"! But they work smoothly. The bike is very clean, and does look well cared for. The paint has chips in several locations, but it seems to be so thin, probably to let the chrome-ish character come through, that it is not surprising. This also leads me to believe that the front fork is original to the bike. I recall reading somewhere that both the sloping and straight crowns were used at various times. Interesting in that I agree that the straight crown would be an early example, while the shifter on top of the DT points to a later version...perhaps there was some parts bin engineering going on? The wheels are both the same size, Campagnolo Omega Strada Hardox, shod with 700x23c clincher Michelin Pro3 Race "Service Course".

Now to some difficult choices, in which I would value your opinions. I am 6'8", and will be using an extremely long seat tube (see my recently restored Technium attached). I have ordered a non-Campy tube to make this work, since I have not found a 350mm Campy seat tube. This may also, as on my other bikes, require a taller stem. I have used the Nitto Technomic long shaft for my other bikes...but its not Italian! This will take some careful thinking. As to the colors. I think I will leave the paint as -is. It shows some wear, but not abuse, and I doubt that it could be matched. Furthermore, it now has patina, all of which would be lost in a respray. The yellow bar tape and cables are ok with me. They remind me of older Alfa-Romeos. I've got some yellow leather toe-clip straps that will be going on as well. So for the time being, red and yellow will be the theme, to match the lettering of the decals. I think the hoods should be replaced with light tan units. Your thoughts, please.

As promised...the photos

It's a beautiful bike.

I think the Nitto stem is your only real option as for the seat post…..??? I have had a Campy post fail on me before - quite dangerous thrill. I'd probably look for a hefty but longer seat post but I'm not really familiar with anything appropriate. It must be difficult being so tall at times…like this.

I'd definitely leave the paint alone too. perhaps a finger nail polish might be the answer to hiding the paint chips to some degree.

The yellow is always a 'problem' with red but, in this case, I like it too.

I did have similar thoughts to drilliumdude regarding the front fork but that doesn't mean that yours isn't original - as you say.

I love your new bike as I think I have stated before?

For the record...additional details

From a history of Colnago frames: (emphasis is mine)

"To even confuse things further, also in 1980, a new Nuovo Mexico (catalog name only, no label on the frame) model was started using the crimped tubing at top and down tubes. These new Colnago Nuovo Mexicos had nothing to do with Merckx but more to do with the beginning of experiments with crimping and tube shapes which ultimately will result in the Gilco (GILberto COlombo) tubing with Columbus and should be considered the first of their own kind. Guiseppe Sarroni should be associated with these Nuovo Mexicos since he took them to victories. The Nuovo Mexico with anti-vibrant fork is not to be confused with the Profil (1982-1983) which has a main triangle with all tubes crimped with CX fork or the Profil CX (1984-1985) which is the same as Profil (all main tubes crimped) but with aero shifter bosses on the top of the down tube. To confuse the matter even further, the old Mexicos were still being delivered into the1980s due to Colnago's notorious delays in filling orders on time or frame sets languishing in bike shops for years before being sold.

Basically the Merckx Colnago Mexicos (1974-1979) had round superlight main tubes, Sarroni Nuovo Mexicos (1980-1985) crimped top and down tubes, ESA Mexicos (1986-1988) had 6 ribs on main tubes, Zoetemelk Mexico SR/CRs (1985-1986) had a crimped top tube with a 4 rib downtube. "

OK: My bike only has crimped top and downtubes, so does that make it a Sarroni/Nuovo Mexico. Or, because it has shifter bosses on top of the downtube, is it a Profil CX which should have "all main tubes crimped".

You guys know more than I...have at it.

BTW, the black Gyes leather saddle (chrome rivets and center cut out) is now mounted on an Origin8 350mm seat post, and I got the XL toe clips onto the pedals. Took a spin (its 34 degrees here today-Freezing) feels great.

Wow. Interesting stuff. I'm not normally into the gaudy Italian bikes, but this one is fun.

I can't help you with your challenges with your height and the equipment you need. My daughter's friend's father is 6'10", and I'm going to bet he isn't into bikes.

Neither. It makes it a Profil CX as described here: Profil (1982-1983) which has a main triangle with all tubes crimped with CX fork or the Profil CX (1984-1985) which is the same as Profil (all main tubes crimped) but with aero shifter bosses on the top of the down tube.

The only difference with yours is that, as I suspected and noted earlier, it is missing its CX fork and has a replacement 70s Super/Mexico fork.

For clarity's sake, this is a CX fork:



Note the flatter blade profile and the "CX" engraving. The photo shows it on an Oval CX, the ultimate distillation of the Profil concept.

Oh, and for what it's worth, I am unsure about the accuracy of the statement "all main tubes crimped". I've seen the top and downtubes crimped, but not the seat tube. That doesn't mean there isn't one out there, of course, that would prove me wrong

DD

This forum is so cool!

I thank you all for helping me maintain my interest and health, here in my 6th decade, around the simple pleasure of riding a bike!

The small nuances and vagaries of old bikes keep it interesting, as it does with my vintage car and old boat. It keeps the lights on, it offers the pleasure of the hunt, the satisfaction of proper use, and the companionship of like-minded conservators.

Good health to you all!

Btw, I note you are in La Conner - have you ever taken part in the yearly vintage bike show/ride held up the hill at the museum there?

I used to live over on Whidbey until December of 2012 and took part in the show/ride a couple of years ago. Coming back to the PNW sometime in March/April 2014.

DD

I've missed it due to various automotive events.

Please feel free to contact me when you get back. Anyone who has an Iso Grifo in his toy car collection is welcome at my house. I've been on the hunt for an Iso Rivolta for some time, but I can't give up the attached.....Yeah, I know, its not a bike.

Beautiful big red bike, BigBlue. I agonized over this bike - came really close to buying it myself. Even if the fork isn't correct, I think it was bargain priced. Low miles, Campy SR, cromovelato red - lots to like.

There's a good cycling club not far from you, in Skagit land. I'll dig up some info, and forward it on to you. They put on the summer show, and do some nice pub rides throughout the year. I want to see this bike in person, so I'd like to meet up sometime - my Dad keeps his boat in LaConner, and I go up there to run it once/month over the winter.

I owned one of these beautiful bikes! Purchased in 1984 from Ten Speed Drive in Florida through an Indiana dealer. It met it's demise less than a year later when I was a victim of a hit and run driver. Hit from behind and the frame was toast. Left me on the side of the road. Never did get the driver. I was in more pain from losing the bike than all the injuries that kept in the hospital for 2 weeks. It was identical to the pics. Full campy super record installed. Lord I loved that bike. Went to a Guerciotti next because I couldn't get a 56cm replacement. Every USCF race I was in it was the talk of the crowd. The fully chromed frame was beautiful under the candy red. I still drool every time I see one of these works of art.

Alex,

I just discovered that I "don't have enough posts to send a private message"...so everybody gets to read this. I would be pleased to meet you (any of you) in LaConner - contact me at info(at)olsenassociates(dot)net. We can talk bikes, cars, boats, and beer.

BigBlue

I'm beginning to agree with Drillium Dude that the front fork may not be original to the bike. The headset is a Stronglight unit, nothing wrong with that, but why would it be put on an otherwise all Campy bike? As it is I like the whole thing.

Just to update with better info. I have never seen those Profil Cx frames (Supers or Mexico/N. Mexico) with crimps in the seat tube; only top and down tubes. ESAs with main crimped tubes start late '86 (for 1987 model year

Seems to be some other info that does not equate regarding years for some models mentioned; no Nuovo Mexico until c. 1983 model year (frames made in '82-'83). I know of no crimped production bikes for 1980 model year or 1981 for that matter, but always hard to account for model changes occurring during a year after the catalog is published.

Saronni rode a "Profil" style Super in '82; 1982 (September) world champ bike is correctly id'd with "Super" on the display at their museum; features confirm it to not be a N. Mexico. Mexico/N. Mexico never had any inside crimps or indentations inside or out based on my prior bikes and another friend's bikes. Not sure if N. Mexico ever had just 2 downtube crimps, but '85 & '86 model years definitely had the 4 crimps in the down tube.

Look at chain stays for stamped "COLNAGO" which occurred c. late 1981 for the model year. I had a Super (no crimps) c. 1981 with unstamped stays, and no long crimps on the insides except the indents near the front @ tire and chainring indentation. Even on post-'82 the "COLNAGO" stamped stays were not always present.

Not sure why this got revived but here is mine that I dated to 1982. Crimped top tube and down tube, Colnago stamped on chainstays. CX and Colnago panto on fork crown, thin profile fork tubes.

What a bike!

Agree!

I noticed the six (round) hole Campy front derailleur on your photo featuring the crank. Pretty cool!

I wasn’t aware there was such an animal available from Campagnolo, nor does my research reveal they produced one. Any insight on this intriguing component?