Despite what I said about it being 'a keeper', I had made the call to sell my Parlee Z1 because my fit changed following some core strength and flexibility work, plus I *finally* had clarity on the kind of bike I wanted to order next. I was on my way towards getting the funds together when I realised two things:
1. I needed *way* more funds than I thought due to the exchange rate
2. The next bike I bought would be my 50th since I returned to cycling in 2003
At a similar time, a very cool Colnago C40 flashed up on my Instagram feed from a European second-hand specialist I follow - which made me think that something iconic would be cool for my 50th bike. In turn, that reminded me of a local C40 I’d seen at a good price in good condition. Fast-forward through a few days of to-and-fro with the seller and it was suddenly in my possession.
Oh.
It got stripped and my ‘spare’ Record 12 groupset went straight on it. After a couple of short rides I blew the rest of the ‘new bike budget’ when I pulled the trigger on a set of Campag Bora WTO 33s - I needed a second set of wheels anyway as I was down to one set, and this was good enough to wear them well...
I initially advertised it for sale because I didn’t think it was right for me, but I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to spend more time with it. The fit is quite aggressive for me (and a LONG way lower than the front end of the linked Z1 above), but it seems to be working quite well despite that.
I can see why these are such loved and iconic bikes - the ride really is very engaging. Interestingly, the ride feel is *very* much like my Z1; which is perhaps unsurprising given the similarities in material and construction.
I have a NOS original Flite saddle on the way and I have some fresh rubber due soon in the form of the new FMB 26c clincher tyres. I’ll probably try a couple of different bar tape colours on it, but otherwise this is how it’ll stay - despite my previous urges to have an 11v Athena groupset polished and pantographed for it...
I’m not sure how long it’ll stick around, but for now I’m really enjoying it!
Build is as follows:
- Colnago C40 B-Stay (v3 model, circa '99/2000), size '58'
- Full Campagnolo Record 12 groupset
- Campagnolo Bora WTO 33 wheelset
- Veloflex Master 25 tyres (switching to FMB clinchers this week)
- Deda Superleggera 110mm stem
- Zipp SSR alu bars 40cm width
- Colnago Carbon seatpost
- SQlab 612 ErgoWave Ti saddle (original NOS Flite Carbonio on the way)
- Dura-Ace pedals
- Supacaz alu bottle cages (likely to change for some black Elite Ciussi)
Weight is TBC.
