The Colnago Master Light Report

Colnago is the Gucci of cycling. Colnago has been involved in cycling at the top level for longer than any other manufacture I can think of.
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Everybody has their favorites, but I think it’s safe to say Colnago is no.1. It’s not hard to qualify that statement by looking at their body of work.
http://www.colnago.com/historyENG.html
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This frame is a 57cm frame, normally I ride a 56cm. However I found that this frame is just my size. When you buy a bicycle frame you have to look at the geometry.
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Seat Tube (C-T): 57.0cm
Seat Tube (C-C): 55.5cm
Top Tube: 55.5 cm
Seat Tube: 73°
Stem 13cm
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Seat tube length is the first consideration. This measurement gets you into the ball park. The first thing you have to figure out is the measured from center of bottom bracket to top of seat tube, or center of bottom bracket to center of the top tube.
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Top Tube in combination with the seat tube angle is the next consideration. This combination will give you an idea of how far you will have to reach for you handlebars. This frame’s top tube measures 55.5cm, and has a seat tube angle of 73°. Most people never look at the combination only top tube length. Say you have two frames both with 55.5cm top tubes, and seat angles of 73°, and 74°. The frame with 73° will bring the bars back into you about 1cm resulting in less reach than a frame with a 74° seat tube. Basically a frame with 73° /55.5cm seat tube and 55.5 top tube is the same as a 74° /55.5cm seat tube and 54.5 top tube. Do the Math! . . . here's a picture just in case you don't feel like breaking out the slide rule.

. . . and this is just my 2 cents worth on that.
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I found the frame and fork to be really stiff and light. I can't imagine a frame any stiffer. A lot of the stiffness though has to do with contrasting my experience with my Raleigh Grad Prix with 28c tires I've been riding for the last 4 months. I like it when people come in to the bike shop anf test a bicycle to see how stiff it is by hold the bike by the bars and saddle, then pushing on the pedal with there foot. This really does nothing, as closer inspection will show you most the flex you think your feeling is coming from the tires and the wheel.
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Another note is the fork. I found the Full sloping crown, straight blades to be very stiff. I know Colnago says they are supposed to be more responsive and compliant, but I don't see it. It's very stiff and ridged. The longer the fork blade, the more flex. Personally I like flex in my fork to absorb road shock. This is one of the concept behind long chainstays on touring frames. Here they have done all the can to make the stiffest fork possible. I'll give it a couple more days. Until then . . .
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Official Site
http://www.colnago.com/masterENG.html
Everything Colnago
http://colnagomaster.com/
http://www.colnago.cc/

Colnago Master Light

What about Bob's Colnago Master Light, with Rabobank Paint scheme? A friend of mine came in from Seattle, so I borrowed it so we could hit the town. before I gave it back I snapped a few pictures. (notice anything funny?)

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I think the Bicycle is a 1995ish. The frames tubing was specially designed by Columbus for Colnago by a company called Gilco.

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The tubing is round at the ends, so they can fit into the lugs, but in the middle they take on different shapes. This picture give you a good idea.

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Short Chainstays, Tight tire clearance. Also

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Chrome lugs a +


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The paint scheme is a little busy for me, but I'd take it. It's starting to grow on me. Bob might have to pry this from my cold, dead hands, if he wants it back

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Gotta have a seat to match.

I found the ride of this bike to be very good. I suspect it has to do with it stiff tubing design. Very stiff and responsive. Over the last year I've only ridden bikes made from 4130. Now switch to a light weight heat treated air hardened steel.

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So I guess it's Project time! I mean at $2500 for the frame only, why not make my own? Won't be Gilco designed Columbus tubing, but I bet I can get very close.

Continental Tire Toughness

Here's proof of how good Continental's 4 seasons tire casing is. This is a first for me with a road tire. I've never worn all the rubber off a road tire before. I got a flat last night, then looked at the tire . . . Wow . . . No Rubber . . . Usually I'll get so many puntures in a tire it will make the tire unusable way before the rubber is gone.

(Click on the picture to see it enlarged)
You might ask the question, how come you didn't notice the tire was in this condidtion to begin with. The tires are on my commuter bike that has fenders. I just haven't have a puncture in many many miles, and If had no need to look at them. All the hallmarks of the perfect tire. I highly recommend them.

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