The Colnago build begins....

[kenyonchris]

So, all ya'll who have expressed interest, much appreciated advice, words of support and encouragement, and general support in an overwhelming prosess.....
I decided early on to go Campy. I tend to be a bit of a purist, and could not pull my Shimano Ultegra off the Ruby and stick it on the Colnago. And, since I have not built out a bike from the frame up, I sought the advice of the LBS, and relied upon ya'll, research, my SO (who only offers his opinion when asked, out of respect for it being, really MY project) who rides only Campy, and the internet to make some of the bigger decisions. My LBS, which has several locations, services the PD bikes, so I have a pretty good working relationship with them, appreciate the effort they put into my personal bikes, and think that is important. SO....
Today I ordered a complete Chorus groupset for it. My credit card groaned. I toyed with putting part Centaur stuff on it, but what the heck, right? I probably could have found it a little cheaper online, but they will put it on for me for $40. Can't beat that with a stick.
I also decided to buy a pretty basic (the Scirocco) Campy wheelset until I decide to upgrade. I don't need a very aero wheelset, because I am easily blown around anyhow. I'll ride it and if I don't like them swap them out for something different. LBS guy told me that Campy wheelsets are all very reliable, good, solid wheelsets.
The big dilemma came with the crankset. I have always ridden a compact double, except for a brief tryst with a triple, but the guys made fun of me and I really didn't love it anyhow, so I quickly abandoned THAT idea. The LBS guy thought that I am an aggressive and strong enough rider to enjoy a standard crankset (39/53) with a 12/27 cassette (I insisted on some sort of climbing gear). I am a little nervous about it, but even SO chirped up from his vow of silence and told me I would be fine with it, so ok then.
So I am ordering a Cinelli stem (might as well stay in my ethnic group) and have a set of Look pedals...at some point I have to stay away from being too Matchy Matchy....it came with the Thompson seatpost (much admired by LBS guy) and Chris King Headset. Stick my Arundel bar tape and expensive but worth it Arundel carbon cages on there and it will be done. Hopefully in 10 days. I will post pics!
The funny thing about it is that it has a unique paint job...grey with sort of lemony yellow accents. The pattern painted on it is a little odd....somehow I decided they look like toes and now just see toes every time I look at it. I don't mind toes on my bike, but it is a little weird.
So fingers crossed that the build goes smoothly. Once I get the thing together, I am going to give myself a birthday present (like I haven't already with this whole thing) and get a professional fit. My LBS does it, but I don't think it is really their thing. I would like the whole digital imaging thing that some places offer. Anyone have any reccomendations in Texas (preferably someplace with some nice riding nearby) let me know! Will (and want) to travel....

[smilingcat]

happy birthday and what a gorgeous present to yourself with Colnago and Chorus groupo. Just like some of the pro teams. Many of the pro teams use Chrous cause Record is just too much $$ (that's what I've heard anywaty).

Like a pic when its done so I can have anothe bike lust.

[Flur]

The bike sounds great. Definitely post pics!

[Pedal Wench]

Excellent!!! I'm so happy you're building it up Campy, and Chorus is a great fit for that frame.

I'll warn you that some Campy wheels are just a very tight fit when you first put on tires. Tear-inducing, but usually, it's just the first or second time you put on a tire. So, have the shop do it the first time, ride for a while, try to take it on and off in the comfort of your home, and then it should be stretched enough to handle it on the road.

I always call the design on that frame "planets" - looks like little Saturn's to me.

Have fun with the build!

[Biciclista]

pictures, please, i want to see the toes/planets!

[ASammy1]

Wow! I can't wait to see the finished product...

[kenyonchris]

Excellent!!! I'm so happy you're building it up Campy, and Chorus is a great fit for that frame.

I'll warn you that some Campy wheels are just a very tight fit when you first put on tires. Tear-inducing, but usually, it's just the first or second time you put on a tire. So, have the shop do it the first time, ride for a while, try to take it on and off in the comfort of your home, and then it should be stretched enough to handle it on the road.

I always call the design on that frame "planets" - looks like little Saturn's to me.

Have fun with the build!

I've heard that about the campy wheels....so I'll certainly take your suggestions!! Thanks!!

[Thorn]

With regards to tight tires on large rims, may I suggest investing in a bead jack? http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...th+Handle.aspx

My bike shop has gotten me hooked on using Panaracer Duros. On my rims that is a really, really tight fit. Not having the skill or hand strength to mount them, I bought the bead jack. No struggles. No temper tantrums.

So far I haven't had to change a flat on the road, but the longer I ride them, the less of a problem I assume I'll have.

Oh, and you'll love the Chorus. I have a Chorus bike and Veloce bike. The Veloce is "OK", but the Chorus is smoooooooth. It is a very nice group.

Looking forward to the pictures

[Trekhawk]

How exciting!
Yep need to see some pics.

[TxDoc]

Once I get the thing together, I am going to give myself a birthday present (like I haven't already with this whole thing) and get a professional fit. My LBS does it, but I don't think it is really their thing. I would like the whole digital imaging thing that some places offer. Anyone have any reccomendations in Texas (preferably someplace with some nice riding nearby) let me know! Will (and want) to travel....

There's a couple of places in the Houston area that I've heard of - you get your fit done and then ride around the coast. One is rpm sports, I cannot remember the name of the other one right this minute. The local franchise (Bike Barn) also has a fit studio somewhere downtown, but I've never been there and I am not impressed with their regular 'in store' fit services. Maybe they opened the fit studio to make up for the poor fitting service usually given in their stores, who knows
Or you can go get your fit done in the Hill Country, and ride around Fredericksburg & surroundings. I've heard very good things of hill country bicycle in Kerryvillle.
Good luck
Hey you can always give yourself a big B-Day present and go to a wind tunnel

[kenyonchris]

Great! I will look at both of those. Like I said, my LBS does a close enough job, but I would like the deluxe treatment and little tweaks, sort of for comparison sake.