We could all probably tell a story something like this..but this is mine.
I have a number of vintage Colnagos. I like them all very much and enjoy riding them.
However, I had an experience recently that put my Colnagos in some shade.
A list member sold me a very pretty 3Rensho road bike, early 80s, team-blue, with an appropriate mix of parts (huret Jubilee; Avocet cranks; Gran Compe sidepulls--man, those are fantastic brakes! They brake better than Campy, although it might just be the pads, they feel extremely solid and delicate at the same time..). This Rensho is one size too big for me, at 57cm c-t, but I can ride a 57 and make it work ok...I'm one of those in-between size people (freak, in other words..).
Anyway, I set up this Rensho just right, and took it on an LA Wheelman ride a couple of weeks ago for a shakedown.
Wow! Is all I can say. I have never in my life ridden a bike that wanted to go fast like this 3Rensho does. And it's a climbing *fiend!* I left nearly everyone in the dust, even a guy who usually dusts me. It made no sense at all. I am not in the best shape right now...but we managed to drift right up Laurel Pass Canyon with no problem. The bike simply carried me up, all I had to do was make the pedals go 'round.
I wish I could find one in a 56cm, that'd be interesting to try (all other things being equal, I climb better on smaller frames. Don't we all?)...in any event, my Colnagos don't seem to want to go fast nearly as badly as this 3Rensho does. If you can find one in your size, go for it. It's a very interesting experience.
Charles Andrews
cloudy SoCal