The Colnago Master X-Light is, in many ways, the definitive Colnago frameset. It's a lugged, plated, painted steel bike with the distinctive fork, tube shapes, and paint that placed it apart from the pack. It first appeared thirty years ago, and to celebrate it's introduction, Colnago is releasing it once again. Building it like it was always built, and in Italy, too.
 
The frameset is exactly where it was when it last appeared in the Colnago lineup. The tubing, DT15V steel, is identical to the tubing they used before. When the bike was built last, it was with a tubeset that was a joint effort between Columbus and Colnago. Columbus isn't making the tubes anymore, so Colnago tracked down the guy who drew the tubes, brought him the dies, and he produced them for Colnago. So you get the same mix of star-shaped and round tubes. They are joined by the same lugs. The straight-blade Precisa fork, revolutionary when it first appeared, is back. And so is the chrome-plating, and the luxurious, detailed paint. Even with all this going on, the frame is a relatively svelte 1400g.
 
The big deal with all the pieces is how they work together with the geometry for an incredible ride. The straight blade fork is precise and compliant thanks to the rake and internal tapering. The star-shaped tubes resist the torsional forces of pedaling and the round stays keep the bike comfortable. The ride is fast, stable, and comfortable. Great for riding long, great for riding hard, great for riding long and hard. If you ever wonder what the DNA of a Colnago ride is, ride this bike, and you'll know it.
 
And the paint scheme. Oooh la la. The paint applied over the chrome was the acme of Colnago's fascination with fun and funky detailing. Fades, bright contrasts, intricate graphics, its all here.
 
The frameset is detailed as it always was. 1" steerer tube, though this time with a threadless steerer. Italian-threaded bottom bracket. 27.2mm seat tube diameter. Room for 25mm tires. Two bottle braze-ons. Plated braze-on front derailleur tab. Integrated seat clamp with pin included. Vertical dropouts.
 
The Colnago Master X-Light frameset is the extra light bike of yore, 30 years young. Its ride is now as it was then, a joy like no other.