Buying a Colnago? Try Maestro UK !!
jaredpace
Posts: 111
Some six months ago I opened a topic about buying a Colnago EPS. This created quite some debate. For those that remember, I finally settled on an Extreme Power and not the original choice of an EPS. Also I was going to use Maestro UK, aka Mike Perry, despite some extremely strong views not to do so.
Alas to say, after all the feedback received and other shops recommended, I am sooo pleased I stuck with my gut instincts and used Mike Perry! He suggested I change the size of frame I had always used (for the better). Mike never mislead me with expected delivery dates, unlike most other shops. He simply took a small deposit and said now the wait starts. I kept in touch with him on a monthly basis, and he was always willing to check on my frame's progress.
When I arranged a day to pick up the bike, the first thing Mike did was make me one of those lovely Italian coffee's, of which I had several more.
I had the opportunity to view my EP side by side with an EPS, for which I am glad I decided to go with the Extreme Power. Needless to say, this is a personal preference.
I have had the bike for a month now, and can't believe how well it rides, and the change of frame size has seen a markedly improved riding position with no slight aches and pains, which I would normally of suffered. An 80 miler on the EP feels like a 50 miler on my old Madone. I can only thank Mike for this, as all other shops originally visited were going to order me the same size frame as the Madone. Only Mike bothered to measure me, regardless of what I was already riding!
So, I ask you. Do you want a no nonsense opinion, extremely competitive pricing, never tiring advice to many questions? If you answered yes, then go no where else for your Colnago. Just be prepared to wait, afterall, it is a Colnago and it's the way the Italian's work.
If only I could work out how to put pics on this editorial?!
Alas to say, after all the feedback received and other shops recommended, I am sooo pleased I stuck with my gut instincts and used Mike Perry! He suggested I change the size of frame I had always used (for the better). Mike never mislead me with expected delivery dates, unlike most other shops. He simply took a small deposit and said now the wait starts. I kept in touch with him on a monthly basis, and he was always willing to check on my frame's progress.
When I arranged a day to pick up the bike, the first thing Mike did was make me one of those lovely Italian coffee's, of which I had several more.
I had the opportunity to view my EP side by side with an EPS, for which I am glad I decided to go with the Extreme Power. Needless to say, this is a personal preference.
I have had the bike for a month now, and can't believe how well it rides, and the change of frame size has seen a markedly improved riding position with no slight aches and pains, which I would normally of suffered. An 80 miler on the EP feels like a 50 miler on my old Madone. I can only thank Mike for this, as all other shops originally visited were going to order me the same size frame as the Madone. Only Mike bothered to measure me, regardless of what I was already riding!
So, I ask you. Do you want a no nonsense opinion, extremely competitive pricing, never tiring advice to many questions? If you answered yes, then go no where else for your Colnago. Just be prepared to wait, afterall, it is a Colnago and it's the way the Italian's work.
If only I could work out how to put pics on this editorial?!
Jared
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Glad you like it. Just in time for the warm(er) weather too.
Go to imageshack.us and upload some photos, then post the links on here. Everyone loves a bit of bike p0rn
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Any idea what's happened to Maestro's website? It used to show prices for frames and groupsets etc but recently only seems to show a couple of pictures of frames.0
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Good to hear of your good service and that it was worth the wait. Sounds like it's a dream to ride for you.
I'm very disappointed, however, at the lack of pictures!0 -
I bought my Colnago from Mike and know many others too who have been pleased with the experience. Unfortunately, the 'Official UK Distributor' might not agree - he has to justify his 20% price-premium somehow - long deliveries, limited choices and limited warranties - so much for being in the EU!Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..0
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I hope this works!
Jared0 -
is nice
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jaredpace - glad it has all worked out for you. As a matter of interest, how long is your Colnago effective horizontal top tube measurement compared to what you would normally ride? And if you can sort out pictures of the beast, even better!!0
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This might be better pics?
No sure what the effective measurement is. However, it's a 48 sloping which as I understand it, is the same as a 52 horizontal (traditional). My Madone frame size was a 54.
Hope that helps!Jared0 -
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jaredpace wrote:This might be better pics?
No sure what the effective measurement is. However, it's a 48 sloping which as I understand it, is the same as a 52 horizontal (traditional). My Madone frame size was a 54.
Hope that helps!
Without researching the effective top tubes of each, it sounds as if Maestro have recommended that you ride a slightly shorter top tube than normal, and I see you've set your saddle quite far back too.
When I bought my Colnago, I followed a similar rule, selecting an effective top tube 1cm shorter than I would normally ride. With the layback seatpost, it rides with a poise that none of my other bikes have - it's lovely!0 -
yes normal procedure for a Colnago is to set the saddle back to the 'Stop' mark on the rails.0
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Thanks juggler.0
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Sorry to resurrect this thread but thanks Jared. I am about to commence the long road to Colnago ownership and need to get my cash together first but you have given me loads of faith in Maestro now.
Unlike some people who know someone who knew someone etc.
Just out of interest how much does a custom paintjob cost?
(Also love the EP is it that much different to an EPS?)+++++++++++++++++++++
we are the proud, the few, Descendents.
Panama - finally putting a nail in the economic theory of the trickle down effect.0 -
symo wrote:Sorry to resurrect this thread but thanks Jared. I am about to commence the long road to Colnago ownership and need to get my cash together first but you have given me loads of faith in Maestro now.
Unlike some people who know someone who knew someone etc.
Just out of interest how much does a custom paintjob cost?
(Also love the EP is it that much different to an EPS?)
Looking at the 2010 Catalogue and the Extreme Power is not there, so maybe this is being discontinued in favour of the EPS. Would seem to make sense as the EP and EPS are very similar i think. C50 is still there thoughm,if you don;t like the new headset and want something with thinner tubes. I bought an EPS from Maestro this year btwm great bike.0 -
The C50 is probably in it's last year of production in Italy. I hope to get one soon for winter riding, with Chorus and exotic handbuilt wheels.
Don't know about the Extreme Power must admit.0 -
juggler wrote:
Looking at the 2010 Catalogue and the Extreme Power is not there, so maybe this is being discontinued in favour of the EPS. Would seem to make sense as the EP and EPS are very similar i think. C50 is still there thoughm,if you don;t like the new headset and want something with thinner tubes. I bought an EPS from Maestro this year btwm great bike.
Where have you seen the C50 in the 2010 catalogue? Although I have been told by various people that the C50 continues for one more year, it still isn't listed on the Colnago web site0 -
Downloaded a PDF of the catalogue ( actly the Colnago America catalogue).
C50 is defintelly there with new paint schemes.
Check here as well for details of the 2010 range. Confims C50 and EPS will be the only Italian carbon frames. Also story that ATR have gone bust, they are the Italian company that supply carbon to Colnago so maybe that will come from the Far East now?
Www.colnago.cc0 -
juggler wrote:Downloaded a PDF of the catalogue ( actly the Colnago America catalogue).
C50 is defintelly there with new paint schemes.
Check here as well for details of the 2010 range. Confims C50 and EPS will be the only Italian carbon frames. Also story that ATR have gone bust, they are the Italian company that supply carbon to Colnago so maybe that will come from the Far East now?
Www.colnago.cc
Which is what I said mate. The ATR thing is old news now as well. This is why I am going to grab a C50 before they all go. I do think there will be models made in Italy such as the EPS and whatever they bring out next.0 -
Colnago top end frames are still made in Italy0
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Yes know that.
The point i was making was hat supposedlly the Italian company that makes the tubing has gone bust if we believe the reports on the web, so presumably Colnago will need to source the tubing from elsewhere in the future.... as per the article on the www.colnago.cc site.
btw the new paint schemes for the 2010 C50's are a bit 'out there', can;t find the link to download the catalogue anymore to post here, sorry....0 -
That's OK mate don't worry. And you're right about the 'special colors' colour schemes for the C50, they are a bit aren't they? Have you got the Colnago America 2010 catalogue?
Have you seen the violet one (AKVI )for the EPS? Nice but whoa ......0 -
Maestro is the ONLY place to go for a Colnago. - Mike Perry has been selling them for
30 years, so he knows what he`s talking about. Bought my Colnago Extreme Power Saronni a few weeks ago - it took 5 months, but Mike will tell you that it might take a few months But believe me it`s worth the wait. - Why pay silly add-on prices at Windwave when you can get a great Frame/bike and a price thats very reasonable. Colnago's are better than that far east junk namely Giant & Trek.0 -
Gazzetta67 wrote:Colnago's are better than that far east junk namely Giant & Trek.
Why? Facts please. Or is it just your opinion? :roll:It’s the most beautiful sport in the world but it’s governed by ***ts who have turned it into a crock of ****.0 -
In a related matter I read elsewhere that ATR had gone out of business and Colnago would be forced to find the tubes from the far east. However as a firm I work closely with orders a lot of stuff from ATR, their rep explained owing to the credit crunch ATR had massive issues paying its suppliers.
However they applied for some sort of bankruptcy protection which appears to be keeping the firm running. This comes as no surprise as they are one of the worlds foremost carbon fibre manufacturers and one of Italy's industrial jewels.
So Ernesto will be able to get his hands on the splined tubes for a while longer yet.+++++++++++++++++++++
we are the proud, the few, Descendents.
Panama - finally putting a nail in the economic theory of the trickle down effect.0
