Hi all,
LBS has an 06 Colnago Active Plus frame. I can get it for $3000 with Campy Centaur and Fulcrum Racing 7 wheels. Granted it’s not a total dream bike, but a huge improvement over my Specialized Allez Elite. The frame is my size; and it suits my needs to have primarily a road bike where I can use clip on bars for the tri’s I do - would probably do a couple Oly’s and 1 half this year.
The question is whether it’s worth the money or should I look elsewhere to get something better suited for me? LBS also stocks Giant / Fuji / Litespeed. If I’m going to be spending that kind of money (and this exceeds my budget), I’d prefer to get value, and something that I would appreciate the difference.
I realize I’d be paying a bit of a premium for a Colnago, but this is really their lowest end made-in-italy frame. And it’s aluminum - so is my Allez. I’ve searched all over for opinions on this Active Plus frame, but haven’t seen anything on it, so I’m a bit leery. It feels like I might be paying too much just for the name.
I would suggest that any colnago is overpriced. If they have Giant and Fuji look at what their equivilant at $3k is, I’d say it would be significantly better value for money.
$3000 seems pretty cheap to me, given the Centaur and Fulcrum wheels. And anything Colnago is a solid product (I have a C40, and spent a lot of time researching what I should buy).
The weak dollar is apparently raising prices less than I had expected.
If you are really worried about cost, then take a look at eBay for used Colnagos (or whatever). I see one size 51 on eBay right now.
Good suggestion untill you have tried Colnago. By far the best bikes I have ever ridden!!! The guy has been building frames forever and is still one of the most respected frame builders.
Good suggestion untill you have tried Colnago. By far the best bikes I have ever ridden!!! The guy has been building frames forever and is still one of the most respected frame builders.
dt
IMO, the active is not a true Colnago. I’ve read different things about this frame and it sounds like Ernesto is risking his reputation buy putting his name on a low budget (compared to Colnago’s others) frame that isn’t build by them. I wouldn’t buy a bike based on the brand name alone. Try it side by side with a few equally priced bikes.
With that said, I currently own 3 Colnagos (C50, C40, and MasterPista)…They fit me very well and ride nicely. I’ve also owned Aluminum Colnagos which have ridden well. While I can’t comment on this specific frame, I can state categorically that I’ve enjoyed every one of my Colnagos (carbon, steel, and aluminum).
The nice thing about Colnagos for triathletes is that the top-tube is relatively short so you are less likely to be over-stretched when riding on clip-ons.
I’ve ridden my C-40 in 8 Ironmans and can say that it has served me well (I even nabbed a Kona slot on it). With that said, I’ll buy a steeper triathlon bike for the 2007 season based upon my experience riding tri geometry last year (I rode a lot faster on fewer watts in an optimized position made possible by a steeper seat angle and shorter headtube).
As for the Centaur…That stuff is bullet-proof. I’ve used it in CCX and it works great. Best bang-for-the-buck on the market and highly recommended.
You will pay a premium for Colnago and the haters will tell you it’s a waste…Whatever you choose, enjoy the choice YOU make.
The nice thing about Colnagos for triathletes is that the top-tube is relatively short so you are less likely to be over-stretched when riding on clip-ons.
I’ve ridden my C-40 in 8 Ironmans and can say that it has served me well (I even nabbed a Kona slot on it). With that said, I’ll buy a steeper triathlon bike for the 2007 season based upon my experience riding tri geometry last year (I rode a lot faster on fewer watts in an optimized position made possible by a steeper seat angle and shorter headtube).
Cheers,
Puskas
Untrue! The C40, and most all road frames, are “square” frames, so the top tube ctc is equal to the seat tube ctc. The nominal size is larger (e.g., I ride a 57, which is really a 56cm top tube and 57 seat tube ctt and 56 ctc), which tricks many into thinking the top tubes are short. they aren’t. They are average/normal length.
I WISH they were shorter, as I would simply keep my allegiance to Colnago and ride a Chrono for TT/tri. But alas, the top tubes are way long relative to a tri bike.
That said, I run aero clip ons on my C40, and live with the tight hip angle when training until events get near.
Isn’t the C40 basically the same as the Cristallo? If so, I heard they are ultra stiff and, on long rides, as unforgiving as Jennifer Aniston after she walked in on Brad Pitt and that hot chick with big pouty lips. Jollie, that’s her name.