When was the Colnago C50 introduced and how good is it?

miurasv
miurasv Posts: 345
edited May 2009 in Road buying advice
Thinking of getting a used Colnago C50 and wondered how long they've been made for? Is this the only Colnago to consider? Would prefer to buy used so am also wondering if the fibres in any carbon frame break down over time? Do they have a use by date like a motorcycle helmet would for example. Sorry for all the questions but any info will be greatly appreciated and thank you in advance for all replies I may receive.

Comments

  • mrushton
    mrushton Posts: 5,182
    It's a classic tube/lug construction and is still being made for the track. The EPS is also tube/lug. It was introduced about 2003. the HP version has the diamond stays. Lovely bike and very usable. As long as it's been looked after you'll be fine. Have a look at
    www.colnago.cc
    M.Rushton
  • schlepcycling
    schlepcycling Posts: 1,614
    The C50 was introduced in 2004 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Colnago and is still available as a road frame in both traditional and sloping geometries.
    'Hello to Jason Isaacs'
  • Gavin Gilbert
    Gavin Gilbert Posts: 4,019
    schlepcycling wrote:
    The C50 was introduced in 2004 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Colnago and is still available as a road frame in both traditional and sloping geometries.

    I took a look at one in 2005 when it was a very stiff race bike. Colnago have since re-designed it for the Sportive rider market.

    I've ridden one. It was lush 8)
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    The c50 was introduced 5 years ago - Colnagos don't have a reputation for being under-built and it's predecessor the C40 is 15 years old. Colnago have one of the best pedigrees for carbon frames and no worries about carbon fibres deteriorating with age - unless you pickle it in paint-thinners, you have few concerns.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • grant.greg
    grant.greg Posts: 87
    Hi guys-I'm looking at buying a used 2005 C50, or, on the cheaper side, a Dream. How much would be a fair/good price for either of these frames (away from the madness of Ebay that is..) and what should I look out for by way of faults?

    thanks,

    Greg
  • mrushton
    mrushton Posts: 5,182
    Any crash damage or bad repainting. I think it should have the Star fork and an o/sized headset. Generally owners of these bikes look after them. The Dream is Alloy (I think) and won't ride like a C50. Make sure it is a C50 not something with pretend logos to trap the unknowing punter. There are enough Colnago afficionados on here and in the real world to advise you what to look for.

    www.colnago.org.uk
    M.Rushton
  • Ash_
    Ash_ Posts: 385
    mrushton wrote:
    Any crash damage or bad repainting. I think it should have the Star fork and an o/sized headset. Generally owners of these bikes look after them. The Dream is Alloy (I think) and won't ride like a C50. Make sure it is a C50 not something with pretend logos to trap the unknowing punter. There are enough Colnago afficionados on here and in the real world to advise you what to look for.

    I think the uniqueness of the HP stays will take care of that. Although you do need to be aware that these stays are also present on later models of the C40, and there was also a Dream HP version that had them.

    c50-chainstay.jpg

    As for the question about price. They hold their value very well, so what you may consider to be 'silly money' on eBay is probably close to the fair market price. Also, as there is a large worldwide demand for these things, people tend to put them on eBay, knowing full well that they're likely to get a better price.
  • cswebbo
    cswebbo Posts: 220
    I have a Colnago C40 from 1995. Still in almost perfect condition. As long as you don't crash it, a Colnago should last a very long time.
    I have seen other people go through 2-3 frames during this time and have ended up spending a lot more than what i paid for lower quality.

Categories