Now I Get It
#1
Seat Sniffer
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,630
Bikes: Serotta Legend Ti; 2006 Schwinn Fastback Pro and 1996 Colnago Decor Super C96; 2003 Univega Alpina 700; 2000 Schwinn Super Sport
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 945 Post(s)
Liked 1,990 Times
in
569 Posts
Now I Get It
By a great stroke of luck (and charity) a friend of mine offered to sell me a couple of his bikes. He hadn't ridden them in years and decided to stop "kidding himself," and sell them to me at a charitable price.
Since I had essentially been N-1 since giving my daughter my old Schwinn Fastback to ride to work (yay!), there was room in the stable, so I took him up on the offer.
One of the bikes is a 1996 Colnago Decor with Dura Ace components. What a wild color scheme! Silver with purple, magenta, and charteuse highlights. And of all things, BLUE tires.
I found out pretty quickly that the 1996 Dura Ace drivetrain components are an odd animal ... an 8-speed system that is completely incompatible with anything that came before or afterwards. So much for changing the drivetrain for components that give me lower gears than currently (38/26).
I ride a lot in the mountains, but the 38/26 works fine. It just means I need to stand up more and focus on my pedaling technique.
What has amazed me about the bike are the number of compliments I get on it. I've received more compliments on that bike in 4 weeks than I have received about all of my other bikes combined in 20+ years. This weekend, a guy even asked to take a picture of it. I asked why, and was told "It's not something you see everyday."
True enough. I guess it does stand out, even in a cloud of carbon fiber superbikes. I've always liked classic bikes, but had no idea so many other people did.
So anyway, here she is in all her glory. I'm ditching the blue tires in favor of silver/gray ones and getting a different seat bag.
Since I had essentially been N-1 since giving my daughter my old Schwinn Fastback to ride to work (yay!), there was room in the stable, so I took him up on the offer.
One of the bikes is a 1996 Colnago Decor with Dura Ace components. What a wild color scheme! Silver with purple, magenta, and charteuse highlights. And of all things, BLUE tires.
I found out pretty quickly that the 1996 Dura Ace drivetrain components are an odd animal ... an 8-speed system that is completely incompatible with anything that came before or afterwards. So much for changing the drivetrain for components that give me lower gears than currently (38/26).
I ride a lot in the mountains, but the 38/26 works fine. It just means I need to stand up more and focus on my pedaling technique.
What has amazed me about the bike are the number of compliments I get on it. I've received more compliments on that bike in 4 weeks than I have received about all of my other bikes combined in 20+ years. This weekend, a guy even asked to take a picture of it. I asked why, and was told "It's not something you see everyday."
True enough. I guess it does stand out, even in a cloud of carbon fiber superbikes. I've always liked classic bikes, but had no idea so many other people did.
So anyway, here she is in all her glory. I'm ditching the blue tires in favor of silver/gray ones and getting a different seat bag.
__________________
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
#2
Señor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,926
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1492 Post(s)
Liked 1,096 Times
in
642 Posts
That is a beautiful bicycle. If only they made silver tires.
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Fredericksburg, Va
Posts: 9,579
Bikes: '65 Frejus TDF, '73 Bottecchia Giro d'Italia, '83 Colnago Superissimo, '84 Trek 610, '84 Trek 760, '88 Pinarello Veneto, '88 De Rosa Pro, '89 Pinarello Montello, '94 Burley Duet, 97 Specialized RockHopper, 2010 Langster, Tern Link D8
Mentioned: 73 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1609 Post(s)
Liked 2,216 Times
in
1,103 Posts
Great looking bike! Be grateful it is not the 7spd DA! I have the 7400 series on my 91 Pinarello with DT shifters and really enjoy it. Shifts nearly flawlessly. I find that with a light bike, I can live with higher gear sets. What amazes me is the 53 big ring with the 12 tooth sprocket. The only time I can use that combination is going over 25. Rarely do I go on the 13 but use the rest regularly. Enjoy!
__________________
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
#4
Cat 6
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Mountain Brook, AL
Posts: 7,482
Mentioned: 27 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 500 Post(s)
Liked 183 Times
in
118 Posts
By
I found out pretty quickly that the 1996 Dura Ace drivetrain components are an odd animal ... an 8-speed system that is completely incompatible with anything that came before or afterwards. So much for changing the drivetrain for components that give me lower gears than currently (38/26).
[/URL]
I found out pretty quickly that the 1996 Dura Ace drivetrain components are an odd animal ... an 8-speed system that is completely incompatible with anything that came before or afterwards. So much for changing the drivetrain for components that give me lower gears than currently (38/26).
[/URL]
#5
Hump, what hump?
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: SC midlands
Posts: 1,934
Bikes: See signature
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 337 Post(s)
Liked 227 Times
in
145 Posts
I have some Hutchinsons with silver or gray accents. Don't know if they're still available.
Nice bike, BTW.
Nice bike, BTW.
__________________
2010 AB T1X ** 2010 Cannondale SIX-5 ** 1993 Cannondale RS900 ** 1988 Bottecchia Team Record ** 1989 Bianchi Brava ** 1988 Nishiki Olympic ** 1987 Centurion Ironman Expert(2) ** 1985 DeRosa Professional SLX ** 1982 Colnago Super ** 1982 Basso Gap ** 198? Ciocc Competition SL ** 19?? Roberts Audax ** 198? Brian Rourke ** 1982 Mercian Olympic ** 1970 Raleigh Professional MK I ** 1952 Raleigh Sports
2010 AB T1X ** 2010 Cannondale SIX-5 ** 1993 Cannondale RS900 ** 1988 Bottecchia Team Record ** 1989 Bianchi Brava ** 1988 Nishiki Olympic ** 1987 Centurion Ironman Expert(2) ** 1985 DeRosa Professional SLX ** 1982 Colnago Super ** 1982 Basso Gap ** 198? Ciocc Competition SL ** 19?? Roberts Audax ** 198? Brian Rourke ** 1982 Mercian Olympic ** 1970 Raleigh Professional MK I ** 1952 Raleigh Sports
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: S Oregon
Posts: 801
Bikes: Berthoud Randoneusse, Curt Goodrich steel road, Zanconato Minimax road, Jeff Lyon steel all road,
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
wow, gorgeous bike. I'd switch the purple tape before the blue tires...
#7
Seat Sniffer
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,630
Bikes: Serotta Legend Ti; 2006 Schwinn Fastback Pro and 1996 Colnago Decor Super C96; 2003 Univega Alpina 700; 2000 Schwinn Super Sport
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 945 Post(s)
Liked 1,990 Times
in
569 Posts
Silver perhaps?
__________________
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Port Angeles, WA
Posts: 7,922
Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.
Mentioned: 194 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1627 Post(s)
Liked 630 Times
in
356 Posts
Schwinn Fastback, out; Colnago, in? I'd say you made a considerable upgrade to your stable. Beauty!
That 38/26 climbing combo would be the death of me, though. Either you're a lot fitter than I or my mountains are bigger
That 38/26 climbing combo would be the death of me, though. Either you're a lot fitter than I or my mountains are bigger
__________________
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
#9
Still learning
Awesome Decor! Look at Serfas Seca tires for a grey stripe.
#10
Senior Member
That is far more attractive than a plastic fantastic. Ride it 'til the wheels fall off.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 219
Bikes: My wife says "Too Many"
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Beautiful bike!!! I think I have seen another similar paint scheme on the forums by the owner's own designation, "Disco".
#12
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,614
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10965 Post(s)
Liked 7,492 Times
in
4,189 Posts
+1
I have a set with the gray stripes and they are a good ride for about $25 each. Just try to look at them in person first to make sure the striping is straight. One of mine was made by someone half in the bag and its a little wavy.
I have a set with the gray stripes and they are a good ride for about $25 each. Just try to look at them in person first to make sure the striping is straight. One of mine was made by someone half in the bag and its a little wavy.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: northern michigan
Posts: 13,317
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Liked 595 Times
in
313 Posts
Welcome to the Colnago Club (punfully intended)
Oh, and my Colnago has a 42/21 granny gear.
Oh, and my Colnago has a 42/21 granny gear.
Last edited by OldsCOOL; 07-07-15 at 12:22 PM.
#14
Seat Sniffer
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,630
Bikes: Serotta Legend Ti; 2006 Schwinn Fastback Pro and 1996 Colnago Decor Super C96; 2003 Univega Alpina 700; 2000 Schwinn Super Sport
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 945 Post(s)
Liked 1,990 Times
in
569 Posts
A 42/21 would be no bueno for me in the mountains ... I be walkin'! The corncobs do have a nice look to them, though.
I ordered a set of gray Michelin Pro4 Endurance tires for it ... hope they don't destroy the awesomeness.
__________________
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: northern michigan
Posts: 13,317
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Liked 595 Times
in
313 Posts
My gentlemans racer unless I swap that FW. Too many hills. Hey, those tires will make your ride awesome. Good match I think.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: North Bend, Washington State
Posts: 2,942
Bikes: 1937 Hobbs; 1977 Bruce Gordon; 1987 Bill Holland; 1988 Schwinn Paramount (Fixed gear); 1999 Fat City Yo Eddy (MTB); 2018 Woodrup (Touring) 2016 Ritchey breakaway
Mentioned: 291 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 554 Post(s)
Liked 3,794 Times
in
668 Posts
Welcome to the C&V forum, Vic. Nice 'Nago. I hope to see you contribute some of your awesome photography in the "were'd you ride today" here in C&V. It would be a good way to showcase that bike of yours
I sure enjoy your posts in the 50+ 'photo of the day" thread
I sure enjoy your posts in the 50+ 'photo of the day" thread
#17
Seat Sniffer
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,630
Bikes: Serotta Legend Ti; 2006 Schwinn Fastback Pro and 1996 Colnago Decor Super C96; 2003 Univega Alpina 700; 2000 Schwinn Super Sport
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 945 Post(s)
Liked 1,990 Times
in
569 Posts
Thanks! I'll do my best.
__________________
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Yukon, Canada
Posts: 8,759
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 113 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 16 Times
in
14 Posts
nice. The Pro 4s will look great, but I agree with another poster. I'd go with some silver or grey fi'zi:k tape.
__________________
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Fredericksburg, Va
Posts: 9,579
Bikes: '65 Frejus TDF, '73 Bottecchia Giro d'Italia, '83 Colnago Superissimo, '84 Trek 610, '84 Trek 760, '88 Pinarello Veneto, '88 De Rosa Pro, '89 Pinarello Montello, '94 Burley Duet, 97 Specialized RockHopper, 2010 Langster, Tern Link D8
Mentioned: 73 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1609 Post(s)
Liked 2,216 Times
in
1,103 Posts
Colnago's do required good aesthetics! And it is expected of the owner! I was trashed for using splash tape on mine even though the color scheme worked for me. Truth be told, I was experimenting! Since the splash looks like patina on paint, I thought it might fit well! But noooooo.. the comments kept rolling in!
[IMG]B_Y_DS, on Flickr[/IMG]
So, since I was looking for parts to replace the non-Campy ones, the look become more period correct driving me to use Bennotto tape.
[IMG]1983 Colnago Superissimo, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]B_Y_DS, on Flickr[/IMG]
So, since I was looking for parts to replace the non-Campy ones, the look become more period correct driving me to use Bennotto tape.
[IMG]1983 Colnago Superissimo, on Flickr[/IMG]
__________________
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 20,305
Mentioned: 130 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3464 Post(s)
Liked 2,831 Times
in
1,997 Posts
not a Colnago multicolor fan, but at least the skewers match and it has a curved fork.
Good purchase.
I would have set the bars up a bit differently, rotated them down a bit and then maybe moved the levers up after.
Personal taste I know.
What Brand/kind of purple tape?
Good purchase.
I would have set the bars up a bit differently, rotated them down a bit and then maybe moved the levers up after.
Personal taste I know.
What Brand/kind of purple tape?
#21
Seat Sniffer
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,630
Bikes: Serotta Legend Ti; 2006 Schwinn Fastback Pro and 1996 Colnago Decor Super C96; 2003 Univega Alpina 700; 2000 Schwinn Super Sport
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 945 Post(s)
Liked 1,990 Times
in
569 Posts
Splash tape! That was what was on the bike when purchased.
Here's a photo of the splash tape and the top tube from the rider's view ... kinda showing the purple color on the top tube and the front of the head tube (thought to match the (Deda) handlebar tape.
Here's a photo of the splash tape and the top tube from the rider's view ... kinda showing the purple color on the top tube and the front of the head tube (thought to match the (Deda) handlebar tape.
__________________
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Hopkinton, MA
Posts: 1,538
Bikes: 1938 Raleigh Record Ace (2), 1938 Schwinn Paramount, 1961 Torpado, 1964? Frejus, 1980 Raleigh 753 Team Pro, Moulton, other stuff...
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
11 Posts
First, you need to turn the bike around
Second, you need to set her up against a garage door for the photo
Third, box it up and send her to me.
#23
Seat Sniffer
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,630
Bikes: Serotta Legend Ti; 2006 Schwinn Fastback Pro and 1996 Colnago Decor Super C96; 2003 Univega Alpina 700; 2000 Schwinn Super Sport
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 945 Post(s)
Liked 1,990 Times
in
569 Posts
#24
Banned.
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Carlsbad, CA
Posts: 6,434
Bikes: '09 Felt F55, '84 Masi Cran Criterium, (2)'86 Schwinn Pelotons, '86 Look Equippe Hinault, '09 Globe Live 3 (dogtaxi), '94 Greg Lemond, '99 GT Pulse Kinesis
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 389 Post(s)
Liked 270 Times
in
153 Posts
Heh--Palos Verdes, yes? (Love that fountain!)
Last edited by calamarichris; 07-22-15 at 09:38 AM.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 8,896
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 196 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
4 Posts
Beautiful. Looks much better with the black-gray tires, IMHO. The blue tires competed with and detracted from the frame, which should be the focus with such an incredible paint job.