The carbon fibre production in the Colnago 2009 catalogue takes for sure the hi-prize level on the market. Not just the row materials, but also the constructive processes are without compromises and this is one of the causes determining the cost. But more of this is the will to project, assemble and finish every single detail without to go outside of Cambiago. This is why Colnago is a state of style and advanced technology really “Made in Italy”. A bicycle signed Colnago hides behind its tactful (discreet) style the most meticulous and complex study of any facet, from the conception to realization.
It was November 25, 1946, Santa Caterina Day when young Ernesto entered the gates of Cicli Gloria, on viale Abruzzi, 42. Ernesto was just 13 years old, but to start work, he had to be at least 14. He changed the date on his working papers and so was hired as an assistant welder. Young Colnago was also a good amateur cyclist: a proud and determined rider. Bright and creative, his ideas and flights of fancy were no drawback for him. During the 1951 racing season, Ernesto was racing in the amateur classic Milano-Busseto. During the tight final sprint, there was a massive crash and young Colnago didn’t come out well.
He broke his right leg and had to spend fifty days immobilized in a crash. But Ernesto didn’t get down: not at all! He asked Mr. Focesi of Gloria to send him wheels to build at home which was a stroke of luck. Quick and accurate at building wheels, Ernesto realized he could make more money working at home, enough to let him start working at home as a sub-contractor.
It was 1954 when Colnago went out on his own in a tiny little workshop, 5 meters square on via Cavour in Cambiago. And it was there that Ernesto Colnago started his career as a bicycle builder, the “Benvenuto Cellini” of bicycles as he was called by famous Italian sportswriter Gianni Brera called him.
Since then, his bicycles have been used by more than 100 professional team, 2,500 professional racers, who have won more than 7,500 wins worldwide. Champion riders of the caliber of Fiorenzo Magni, Gastone Nencini, Eddy Merckx, Giuseppe Saronni, Gianni Motta, Gibì Baronchelli, Michele Dancelli, Gianni Bugno, Oscar Freire, Johan Museeuw, Tony Rominger, Pavel Tonkov, Yaroslaw Popovych, Erik Zabel e Alessandro Petacchi, and many others, have ridden Colnago Bicycles to victory.
Colnago Carbon Fiber Road Bike Review:
"I sold my C40 to purchase the anniversary bike. After waiting 4 months for my framesize (60cm) I finally received the bike. It was absolutely worth the wait. Pictures do not do this bike justice. The nube carbon is awesome in the sun. But more importantly the ride is superior to the C40. Incredible ride. All day and comfortable."
- From Road Bike Review
"fter 15 years on steel frames, this was my first aluminum frame. Compared to my previous bikes, this one feels much saver in corners and descends especially on bad roads. This is maybe also a result of the geometry. It's very easy to ride free-hand on this bike, you simple sit up and it keeps following a straight line.
The rear of the frame, though feels a tiny bit soft, at least it seems so during the first five minutes of a ride but becomes a plus after a longer distance in the saddle. "
- From Road Bike Review
