OK. My turn.
I have had a 1971 Colnago Super since 1975. The friend and then co-bike
shop worker bought the frame at the NY trade show. As bad as it looks, it
was a display frame. There are gaps in the brazing of the rear brake bridge
and many other brazing and finishing flaws. The paint chips off and the
bottom bracket threads are cut crooked (not a problem thanks to Phil Wood).
I also have a bazillion miles on it, not all smooth pavement. The bike
still handles great and is just as lively as it was 25 years ago. It has
always been my front line bike for racing, training, riding in the rain and
all around great ride to be on. When I had McLean build a frame for me, I
wanted it to handle like the Colnago but fit me better and look a lot
better. McLean did a great job. I got exactly what I wanted. I cherish
the McLean dearly and it would be the one bike I would keep till the grave.
However, that junkie looking Colnago still performs when things are too
nasty to risk the McLean. I love that Colnago even though the thick paint
did not hide the brazing problems.
All in all I would say they were built to ride, not to hang on the wall.
Steve (in love with Mcleans but riding a Colnago) Solombrino