Sweeney, you have been away for a veeeerrrrrrry long tide, huh???
The 'nag looks great. You have become enlightened, I see. That is the thing about Colnagos. They aren't everyone's cup of tea in many respects and the handling doesn't bowl most people over right away. When I first got my Colnago Mix, the handling didn't stand out one way or another. But only after having it awhile, did I notice the subtle handling differences between the Colnago and my other bikes. I became a convert. I think there is no other bike that handles like a Colnago. I have bikes that feel stiffer, climb a little better, maintains speed a little better, etc. But none of them give me the confidence I have when descending on the nags. I thought it was just me and my own fascination with the brand but there have been a lot of others I know or met that stated the exact same thing. One of my good riding buddies has had just about every top-end frame made, from Parlee Z1, Pinarello (Prince, Dogma, Paris) carbons, Time (VXRS, VXS), Look (585 Ultra, 595, 586), Cervelos, Bianchis, Trek Madones, (too many more than I can recall) and he stated recently that his favorite of them all was the Ext Power. He said it had the best combo of traits, plus the handling was the best period. Another is an owner of a very high-end shop in Ventura, CA and he personally rides the C59. He said the Colnagos were the best handling bikes he had ever ridden too.
