Colnago Arabesque/ Master ride quality?

on-yer-bike

Would these frames with their traditional small diameter tubing and steel forks be very uncomfortable to ride compared to a modern high end carbon frame or even a modern oversize steel frame?

mercia_man

I've never ridden a Colnago but my two main bikes are a modern custom carbon frame and a 1991 custom 531 steel frame with narrow diameter tubes.

As long as the size and geometry suits you, by far the biggest effect on comfort in my experience is tyre type, size and pressure rather than frame material and tubing diameter.

On my carbon bike, a supple high tpi 23mm tyre with latex tubes fitted to a modern wider rim (Archetype in my case) at say 90/95 psi soaks up road irregularities better than the same tyre/tube fitted to a narrower rim (Campag Neutron Ultra) at 105/110. On my steel bike, a shift from stiff 28mm tyres to supple 32mm ones gives similar improvements.

mfin

I've got a couple of high end carbon frames, one is comfortable and the smoothest bike I've had, the other is the harshest bike I have had (same wheels, tyres, bars, saddle). So, the question doesn't really work at all in my opinion.

People buy into the "carbon is smooth" generalisation, and back it up in their minds when they've bought a carbon bike and find their particular one is smooth, but the generalisation isn't actually true.

fenix

My CF was more comfy than the 653 that preceded it - and that was the same wheels and kit so a straight swap - and I hadnt even thought of the ride - was just expecting it to be lighter - so I'm pretty sure it rode nicer.

When I was on the 653 though - I never thought it was an uncomfortable ride.

I''m also pretty sure you adapt quickly to whatever bike you're riding so I don't think you'd say it was uncomfortable after a while.

on-yer-bike

Ive been told that the old racing bikes of which the Arabesque is a copy were awful to ride compared to modern bikes. It would be good to test ride one but I doubt if that's possible. I guess its like comparing an E Type jag with the current F type. I suppose the attraction is to do with nostalgia.

cld531c

Who cares, they are beautiful!

FatTed

Colnago Master I had was very nice to ride, I suspect tyre width and pressure may be more important. My Custom lugged steel bike is better than my Old Master I recently tried a Specialized CF bike and it felt unenvolving to me.

matt_n-2

I've had a Master for the last 4 years and simply love it, the combination of the race geometry and give in the steel makes for a precise, comfortable and confidence inspiring ride, I've never heard of anyone who has regretted buying a Master.

Feel free to ask any specific questions.

timothyw

Yeah, comfort and ride quality is not a problem.

What you might notice is the flex/whip in the frame when pedalling. This will inevitably be more than a modern oversized frame, but in my experience adds to the charm of the bike - certainly better than more utilitarian steel builds that just feel dead (and heavy).

pblakeney

TimothyW wrote:

Yeah, comfort and ride quality is not a problem.

What you might notice is the flex/whip in the frame when pedalling...

Whilst still being much stiffer than a Raleigh 531c frame & forks.
Now that whipped! :shock: