As I explained in my last post, I stripped down my previous Colnago bicycle and sold the frame. Although I saved most of the components from the Dream Lux, it had a
threadless headset with a stem clamped to the steering tube, while the C-97
requires the traditional threaded headset and a quill stem (see comparison
photos below from Sheldon Brown’s excellent cycling website). My pals at
Bikesport recommended that I have the headtube re-faced and reamed before pressing
the headset in place, due to some paint chipping and oxidation on the head
tube. Since this could cause uneven seating of the headset races, I figured
this is the last thing anyone would want to happen to a brand new Campagnolo
Record headset!
I
don’t have experience with (or the specialized tools for) pressing a headset,
so I decided that this was another step to leave for the pros! While this whole
process wasn’t going to be cheap, it was definitely something I wanted done
correctly, and I was surprised by a timely Bikesport coupon for discounted
parts that arrived in the mail, which helped lessen the pain from the service
charge.
I picked up the completed job (photo below right) a few days ago, and I knew I had made the
right choice, because one of the guys was polishing the chrome with a rag to
remove any fingerprints. I would expect a top-quality shop to have appreciation
for “the good stuff”, and I especially enjoyed the look of admiration on the
mechanic’s face when he handed the frame to me over the counter.
I had been disappointed with the lack of paying customers down in the shop this spring, but I finally have a couple folks scheduled next week for some minor work. When I have a chance, I will update the progress assembling my C-97. I also plan on discussing a little side project for my wife that I have been working on for a few
months.
Hope you are checking out the Giro d’Italia – fantastic to see American
Taylor Phinney wearing the maglia rosa!
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