Wednesday, April 24, 2013

1973 Colnago Super - Molteni












LOTS of photos (posted by the previous owner who undertook this project) here:


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Frame: 1974 Colnago Super, Columbus SL, Campagnolo dropouts
Fork: Columbus SL, Campagnolo fork tips
Dimensions:
ST: 61cm c-t
TT: 58cm c-c

Rims: 700c Nisi tubulars
Hubs: Campagnolo Record low-flange, 36h F/R, 100mm/120mm
Skewers: Campagnolo Record, pre-CPSC, flat QR lever
Tires: Vittoria Corsa Evo SC, 700x23
Cranks: Campagnolo Record, 172.5mm, 1982? (2 in a circle)
Chain rings: Campagnolo Nuovo Record, 52/42
Pedals: Campagnolo Pista
Toe clips: Christophe Special
Toe straps: Alfredo Binda
Bottom Bracket: Campagnolo Record
Freewheel: Regina Corsa, 5-speed
Chain: Regina Extra SL, Superlegerra
Front Derailleur: Campagnolo Nuovo Record, pre-CPSC, flat cage
Rear Derailleur: Campagnolo Nuovo Record, patent 1971
Brake Levers: Campagnolo Nuovo Record, early type, NOS Campagnolo gum hoods
Brake Calipers: Campagnolo Record, pre-CPSC (flat QR)
Saddle: 3ttt
Seat Post: Campagnolo Record, 2-bolt
Seat Binder Bolt: Campagnolo
Stem: Cinelli 1A
Headset: Campagnolo Record
Handlebars: Cinelli Mod Giro D'Italia, 40cm c-c

Extras: TA bottle cage, NOS Campagnolo grey cable housing, NOS Campagnolo brake cable clips, Cinelli Milano bar end caps

This is a rare, beautiful Colnago bicycle in ready-to-ride or show condition. Pristine, 10/10 in all respects.

I "showed" this bike recently at the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix Vintage Bicycle Show. Pics of that here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dreamcalendars/sets/72157634536676686/

This is a repaint, reconditioned frame - Cyclart of Vista CA did the work - Jim Cunningham is the man there. He replaced the seat stays that were rusted out with correct, Columbus stays. No other rust problems existed. The frame is in pristine condition.

In case you're wondering, the bike curretly looks exactly like the photos. I only rode it around the block after I bought it. The saddle is even free of sweat stains... sorry, TMI, but these details are important.

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Quick history: I acquired the bike from the previous owner who was responsible for all of the work - piecing this together over a period of a year from NOS parts. He purchased it as a near complete bike from a seller on eBay, the frame had been stripped and spray painted so he knew all along that a repaint was in order. The parts were not going to work for his dream rebuild, so were re-purposed on "lesser" machines. When the owner received the frame he found it had extensive seat stay rust issues that required the replacement of the seat stays.  Cyclart came through with the frame repairs and with a nice "modern" paint job, in the spirit, but not exact shade of the Molteni Team bike that Eddy Merckx rode in that era.

To spice up some of the components, the previous owner summoned the help from veteran members DrilliumDude and Otis, both experts in drillium in their own ways. Both DrilliumDude and Otis own beautiful examples of Molteni Orange Colnagos that were added inspiration for this build. Drillium Dude went to work on the brake levers and shifters, while Otis milled the stem and seat post. The previous owner did the chain ring himself and was complimented by DrilliumDude for this very artful attempt.


3 comments:

  1. What a great bike. How do you known that this bike is from 1973?

    ReplyDelete
  2. The previous owner told me that, but I'm pretty certain it would be on the serial number if it was on the bottom bracket. I'd have to check. It's currently in storage, so I'll check next time I take it out. Thanks for the comment.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am the original owner, I sent you a PM on BikeForums.net with a few questions about the Colnago. Miss that bike!

    ReplyDelete

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