The term "rare" is often used to describe those few vintage new old stock lugged steel Colnagos with those great threaded 1" forks that occasionally find their way to the bike market. That may be an accurate term in the context of NOS Colnagos, but this Hermann limited edition Colnago Super frameset makes those other relatively rare Colnago frames almost seem ubiquitous by comparison.
This Colnago Super is a limited edition frameset produced for Roman Hermann, former general distributor for Colnago in Switzerland and 1980's racer of some renown. The seller of these frames to me said there are maybe 5 frames ever built in this color scheme with the Hermann name pantographed on the top of the seatstay and top of the chromed flat fork crown. I have seen two other Hermann-labeled Colnagos over the years, but they were solid colors.
In addition to the Hermann pantographing, the rear dropouts and fork dropouts are engraved RDV, the initials of Roger de Vlaeminck. Roger De Vlaeminck is one of only three riders who won all the five "Monument" one day races in their careers (the five "Monuments" are Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Ronde van Vlaanderen, Milan-San Remo and the Giro di Lombardia)
Now that you know some of the history on this frameset, let me tell you all about its current status. This beautiful Colnago Super was made in Italy of Columbus steel tubing. The frame measures 55cm from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the top tube, with a 54.3cm long top tube.
The reddish pink and white pearl-like paint scheme is stunning! This reddish-pink and white fade color scheme reminds me of the blue and white fade paint scheme on the 3Rensho Katana. The leading edges of the downtube, fork legs, seattube, stays, and bottom of the top tube are reddish-pink and the rest of the bike is white. This color combination, enhanced by a beautiful pearl effect of the paint, makes this stunning paint scheme almost seem to glow!
The frame has the Colnago ace of clubs cut out of the bottom bracket shell. The chromed 1" threaded fork has HERMANN pantographed into the top of the beautiful flat fork crown, as do the top of the seat stays. The rear spacing is 126mm, head tube length 125mm, and the threaded 1" fork steerer is 178mm long.
This frame has adjustable rear horizontal RDV dropouts (screws not included), braze-on front derailleur tab and down tube shifter bosses, derailleur cable guides brazed-on under the bottom bracket shell, one set of water bottle bosses, and the rear brake cable housing is routed on the top of the top tube.
There are no dings or dents...this new old stock limited edition Colnago Super in the limited edition Hermann edition with RDV dropouts is breathtaking! The chrome on the fork crown is shiny and bright. The frame and fork have been completely treated inside the tubes with Boeshield T-9 rust prevention spray. This frame will turn heads wherever you go...it is that striking! It will also provide you with a wonderful ride that you can only experience on a Colnago. Once you build this frame up and ride it, you will understand why Colnago has such a fiercely loyal following.
$595 professionally packed, shipped, and insured within the lower 48 United States. Pictures available on request.
Thanks,
Frank Phillips
McAlester, OK