In a message dated 1/14/2003 10:47:03 AM Eastern Standard Time, chasds@mindspring.com writes:
<< Earlier Mexicos came with a very trick parts group, so that's one feature Supers didn't necessarily have. >>
The Mexico model (commemorating Eddy Merckx's Hour Record which Windsor decals were slapped on the Colnago bike) could be equipped by Colnago with reworked "Mexico" Campagnolo parts, (anodizing removed, reshaped into an "aero" profile, pantographed & highly polished.) This started or reflected a craze for "Mexico" style reworked components which became offered by other bike manufacturers and supported a mini-industry of aftermarket component customizers. The ultimate realization of that trend might have been the Swiss ICS outfit....
<< The other reason has to do with the tubing, which was apparently some super-light stuff from Columbus. I've always been a bit fuzzy about this part of it, but I do know the tubing was different from that used in a Super, and this difference persisted until the Mexico was discontinued.>>
We have talked about this topic before but I am too lazy to search the CR archives (sorry Chuck!) but my own understanding was that at first the Mexico frames were of ultra thin straight gauge Columbus. "Record "tubing. A tubing that technically should never be used in an all purpose road frame.. Later it supposedly became Columbus KL, an ultra light butted tube designation that also has limited application, that being for very light riders, both in weight and pedaling style. I do think Colnago was at times somewhat vague as to what went into the Mexico models, just saying "Very light special tubing" and theoretically lighter than Supers.
<< It's not clear to me if the geometry of the Mexico was different from the super...if it was, it wasn't much different. >>
Yes, it was just the same.. after all, as Ernesto might say in with great humility, how can you improve on perfection?
Dale Brown
Greensboro, NC