How to identify a Colnago International or Super Sprint

Colnago International
Colnago International circa 1986.
Image courtesy of steel-vintage.com

The Colnago International bicycle was first listed in a circa 1986 Colnago catalogue. It was sold as a complete bike fitted with a Ofmega Premier group and just like the Colnago Super, it was built using Columbus SL tubes (according to the catalogue).

The following year (1987 catalogue), it appears the International was renamed as the Colnago Classic International and was now offered as a complete bike or as a frameset. However, the frame was now built using a mix of Columbus SL tubes and slightly heavier Columbus Cromor tubes. Presumably this was done to create a lower price point for the Colnago Classic International. I presume it probably shared similar geometry to the Colnago Super.

Features of a Colnago International.

These images are a mix of two mid 1980’s International bikes to show the general features of the Colnago International.
Images courtesy of steel-vintage.com

Colnago International catalogue page (circa 1987)
Colnago International catalogue page (circa 1987)

What about the Colnago Super Sprint?

The Colnago Classic International was dropped from the 1988 catalogue and appears to have been reborn as the Colnago Super Sprint (definitely a more catchy name). Like the Colnago Classic International, this model was built from a mix of Columbus SL and Columbus Cromor tubing. One year later in Colnago’s 1989 catalogue, the Colnago Super Sprint was pictured with chrome plated head tube lugs.

Colnago Super Sprint catalogue page (circa 1988)
Colnago Super Sprint catalogue page (circa 1988)

If you look at the top left side of the bottom bracket, you will find the frame stamped with either the word ‘SPRINT’ or the word ‘CROMOR’. Examples of the stamping appear below.

If you want to see detailed images of a Colnago frame with ‘SPRINT’ stamped on the bottom bracket, please refer to this article on the LFGSS website.

Here are images of the Colnago frame stamped with ‘CROMOR’ in above photo.

Colnago Literature.

The following websites have a large selection scanned Colnago literature including reviews, catalogues and brochures.

bulgier.net
2velo.com

Article References.

I hope you found this article interesting. I have listed the following website pages as general references.

steel-vintage.com
Columbus tubing chart

Disclaimer!

Please remember that this information is only to be used as a guide.
I consider myself an enthusiast, not an expert. The information I have presented in this article is based on my many hours of online research.

In addition, there will always be frames that don’t quite match the characteristics of a particular model as they could have been a custom build, prototype etc. Note: forks can also be swapped between different frames.

About Me.

I have been riding and working on my own bikes for many years now. I wanted to share my experiences, knowledge and research with others. My aim is to inspire people to get involved in all aspects of this amazing sport. Cheers.

Comments.

I welcome reader feedback in the comments section. Should you wish to suggest an amendment, please include a note advising the source of your information so that myself and other readers can ascertain the accuracy of your information. Note: Trolling or argumentative comments will be removed as they are counter-productive.

14 thoughts on “How to identify a Colnago International or Super Sprint

  • Would an International ever have Colnago lettering stamped on the non-chromed chainstay? I’m looking at a frame that I want to buy that seems to have all the hallmarks of an International with this additional lettering, the seller doesn’t seem to know what model it is exactly.

    • I suspect that if it has the lettering on the RHS chain stay that it is a Colnago Super. Unfortunately, I don’t have lots of the data on the Colnago International which was a Super in 1986 and then in 1987 it was changed to slightly heavier gauge tubes and sold as a cheaper frameset.

  • Hi guys,posted another comment under the Super section. Trying to identify the model of Colnago I have is causing me to lose precious sleep…The model I have has the exact same bottom bracket and fork as the International but all other aspects point to a Super. The rear stays are stamped at the seatpost as well as the chain stays. Here’s where it gets weird though,the bike does not appear to be resprayed but it had super decals on the down tube. Upon closer inspection I noticed another decal at the bottom. After carefully removing it,it has what looks like an original Colnago Sport decal. At this point it might be easier to email Colnago and ask if I can create my own line: Colnago Super International Sport! Hoping to get some insight from you guys on this one. Cheers

    • Hi Bradley. Catchy name or maybe the Colnago International Super Sport! According to my research the Colnago Sport has no Colnago club or brand markings, so I think you can eliminate that model. According to the catalogues, I believe the primary difference between the Super & (International / Sprint) was the Super was built from all Columbus SL tubes, the (International / Sprint) were built using a mix of Columbus SL and Cromor tubing. If the Super decals look original, that’s most likely what it is, they were sold in large numbers. Only a few models have forks that were specifically built for that model. Many models share the same forks which have different crown markings according to the era of manufacture.

      • Hi Rouleur,
        Thanks for insight and info. I done a bit more researching as I’m trying to find a decal set to match as I’m likely going to refurb the frame. Interestingly I came across a post on steel vintage (https://steel-vintage.com/colnago-super-mexico-1986-saronni-red-130212-detail)
        Which helps in identifying the frame and eliminating the guess work…although I did like the possibility of a new name!
        Next question,which is the best decal sets/manufacturer of decals you’ve come across?
        Rgds
        Brad

        • Hi Brad,
          Glad to hear you have found the mid 1980’s Super as a match for your frame. I purchased my decals from an Australian based supplier https://www.cyclomondo.net/. Greg can mix’n’match decals from any set and he can also replicate decals that are not currently in his library. There are plenty of decal options for the Colnago Super depending on your preference and how period correct you want it to be.

  • Hello Rouler,
    I have a Colnago frame that I am unable to identify. I was was wondering if you or any of the riders could help.
    The fork has the club symbol inside “C”.
    There is Cromor stamped on the bottom bracket top left hand side.
    Club symbol on the down tube lug.
    No club cutout under the bottom bracket.
    No serial number to be found except the frame size (57) stamped on the fork steering inner tube and under the bottom bracket.
    Colnago lettering on seat stay caps. Rounded caps.
    Changer/derailleur inner cables pass under rthe bottom bracket.
    Colnago stamped on Front and rear dropouts both sides.
    I don’t know how to put the photos.
    Regards
    Andrew

    • Hi Andrew,
      The details of that frame match a mid to late 1980’s period. My guess is the frame is a Super Sprint (which was made with Cromor tubing). Whilst the top of the bottom bracket is stamped CROMOR, I have found no evidence of a Colnago Cromor model. I suspect some Colnago Sprint frames were stamped with SPRINT and some with CROMOR. I have added more content to the original page.

  • Hi,

    My Colnago, probabily repainted, have shift cable guides under bottom bracket like a International, but with lettering “COLNAGO” on outside of the chain stays like a Mexico.
    Could you help me to indentify?
    thanks for help me.

    Andrea – Italy

  • Hello, So relieved to find this website and all the needed info on Colnago you have put together. I happen to have a Colnago International that I bought brand new in 1986 or 87. I will give it a bath and then send in some photos to help (I hope ) clear up some of the questions I read here. It is in original condition with original parts except the tires. It has seen many a nor-cal local race and many miles, but no accidents and lay-downs, just a few flat tires! Give me about a week to get back here. Thank you for all your time you’ve put in!

    • Hi Jeri, glad to hear that the website was helpful for you. Great to hear the bike is in good condition with the original parts.

  • Posseggo dal 1986 circa una bici colnago international completamente originale rossa comprata da un corridore che l’ha sostituita sono contento dei commenti letti perché non avevo notizie di questo modello gradirei sapere se ha un valore come bici storica grazie.

    Translated to English:
    I have owned a completely original red Colnago International bike since around 1986, bought by a rider who replaced it. I am happy with the comments I read because I had no news about this model. I would like to know if it has any value as a historic bike, thanks.

  • Hey!
    I just bought on eBay a Colnago super which from this page i understand it’s an international model, how can i know if it’s the good 86 or the heavier 87?

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