Colnago Questions
 

Good morning, all:

I'm in the fortunate position to be looking for a new road frame. Actually, sort of unfortinuate, for my trusty Casati (1991? SLX) decided to bend a seatstay. Poor thing.

One of the local shops has a Colonago steel frame, used, for sale. The problem is that I have no idea (and nor do they; it was a trade-in) what model it is! Does anyone know how to tell the difference between the Classic models and the Master X-Light models? Is there a signature item on the frame that makes it easily identifiable? I've been scouring the 'net looking at pictures, but with no luck. The frame is about 3-4 years old, has chromed head tube lugs (sculpted and cut-out), chromed seat and chainstays.

Any/all help would be greatly appreciated!

My thanks!
-Chris

Most Colnagos have Columbus decals on them which provide a big clue. I think the newer ones are made from Columbus Foco, Ultrafoco, Genius, or one of the other newer steels. The weight of the frame will also give you some idea; the new ones are no where near as heavy as the older ones.

I was in a similar situation a few months ago, and I simply took everything off the two second-hand Colnagos I was looking at, and weighed the frames (totally bare, except for the head-set cups which weigh about 30 grams, if they're alu), and they were absolute ANVILS! They both weighed about 4.8lbs without forks, seat tube bolts, cage bolts.........no nothin'!!

I know weight isn't everything, but there's no need to hack around on a five pound frame in this day and age :)

unless they are ultra cool (colnago)

perhaps this is my ignorance, but could you email the serial number to colnago and ask them what model it is?

"perhaps this is my ignorance, but could you email the serial number to colnago and ask them what model it is?"

Why didn't I think of that?! :-)
Thanks!

BTW: I'll gladly take a 5 pound steel frame for one reason: gorgeous lugwork turns me on. Simple as that. (I'm not a racer, so if my bike weighs 16 pounds or 25 pounds, it makes no difference to me. Sure, that weight difference might mean 10 minues on a century, but I don't really care!)

All newer model Colnago steel frames use propriatary shaped Columbus tubing. The Extralight main triangle has diamond shapes tubes, the Tecno has more rounded tubes with a series of creases in the tubes, Classic is round tubing, ect.

If you post more particulars, including what the tubing sticker states, I'm sure someone can identify the particular model.

Ed

Yeah, but if you go up a hill, you could lose 10 minutes on the one climb! :D

Colnago Questions
 

RedShoe- I am having a problem also identifying a Colnago frame. This frame was represented is as a 2008 Master X Lite in the LX10 paint. However, the colour is not exactly the same as the LX 10 shown in the 2008 Colnago catalogue and although the script on the back of the top tube says "Master", it does not say "Master Light" or "Master X Lite" as I have seen on older Master XL's. I have tried local Colnago dealers, the North American Distributor, and even Colnago themselves in providing serial number off RR dropout and another number off LR dropout. The only information I received was from a dealer in UK, who upon checking with his distributor claims the Serial N indicates it as a 1997 frame ???? Iteresting but ??? There is an old rule in politics that says, "when people cannot get information they get increasingly suspicious" Lets just say it does not just apply to politics. Ha !!

Crikey! A three and a half year old thread :)

Can you post a picture?

Let's hope Readshoe resolved his problem by now. :)

I imagine the problem has been resolved. No need to keep this one open. IGD, you would be better off to start up a new thread for your frame identification.