Too bad I can't make this work...
 

Just got this off ebay. Seller measured it incorrectly and now I'm left with what might be an unusable but highly collectible 1979 Colnago Super.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1283411018.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1283411032.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1283411044.jpg

I tried to contact the seller to make some sort of deal (i.e. take the frame back), but as of yet, no success.

It's a 55cm. I ride 53cm. I'm going to hook up with a new local mechanic, as my old one doesn't like older bikes. Maybe she (the new mechanic) can help me out.

For you roadies out there, any suggestions other than seat, stem and post to make this thing work for me?

I also ride a 53cm... Aside from using shorter cranks (165mm) etc there's not much you can do. My cranks are 170cm.
They do have slimmer seats that could help a bit but you need at least a "fist full of seat post" from the bottom of the seat to the frame.

The good new. You should be able to re sell the 55cm easily.

How are you measuring this frame?
(From the top of the seat tube to the center of the crank tube?)

Like this? This is a 53cm.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1283417126.jpg

That certainly is a beautiful frame. I know white is kinda last year's color for bikes (blue is this year's so good choice), anyway, a white saddle, white striped Michelins, and some white leather perforated bar tape would make a sublime looking bike.

I can ride anywhere between 58-62cm frames. I know fit is an obsession for some folks, but I should think that you could find the right fit on that 55cm frame somehow.

Frames are measured differently from manufacturer to manufacturer. There is no standard. Some measure from the center of the BB to the center of the top tube, others measure the furthest points. My point being, they may not have measured incorrectly, just differently than you did.

That being said, the geometry of the bike should not change. You can change the feel of the bike with a different stem, bars, crank length, seat post height as well as seat position on the post. Also, the forks will have a great impact if only on how the bike handles.

I am sure, with effort you can make this bike comfortable.

DD74,

Where do you live?

I might have a shop to send you to that likes and trades old relics

Jim,

PM'd you.

SmileWavy

Thanks for the kind words and advice.

I measured center of axle to top of the seat tube for the height, and center of seat tube to center of head tube for the length. Both came out to 22 inches = 55.8 cm., which is far too long IMO.

I plan to play around with it when I get the chance. I ride 170mm cranks, and a 100mm stem. Such a set up fits perfectly on this older road bike:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1283446554.jpg

Too bad. That is a nice frame.
I have a friend that might be interested if nothing else pans out.
I am putting together a 1987 Merckx with campy SR right now. Been a fun project.

I used to sell those frames many years ago (1979 - 1980) when I worked for Gerald Mulroney. There's a slim chance I sold that frame new.

2 cm in the head tube would be a deal killer, but 2 cm in the seat tube? Not so much.

Please read this before deciding on what to do with your new frame.

Rivendell Bicycle Works: Fit, Sizing, Position (our thoughts)

Quote: When you come to us for a bike, we'll ask what size you ride now, and invariably put you on a bike that's two to five centimeters bigger. You'll still have crotch clearance, but your bar will be higher, you'll lean over less, and you'll be a lot more comfortable.

use smaller tires...

What was your intended use-vintage road or fixie?

Oh Fuch, fixed gear?

Back in the old days, like the mid 80s, most frames were measured center to center (seat tube). When you went into a shop, you ask for a 55, it was C to C.

I like fixies, but to subject that beautiful old frame into a life of fixie service, no way.
Hunt for some equally old Campy gear and do it up right.