Colnago, main

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Updated 12.15.2008
11 Via Cavour, Cambiago (Milan), Italy

One of the most successful racing bike builders in history! Ernesto was a racer in his earlier years, and later served as a team mechanic for the famous Molteni (Sausage!) Team with Eddy Merckx. Colnago bicycles have a current domination of the Pro team ranks. Always an innovator, arguably sometimes for effect as much as efficiency, Colnago has built a legend.
(Note on serial numbers: After our attempt to deduce the year of manufacture from existing bike serial numbers, the attempt has been abandoned as there seems to be discernable pattern.

Ernesto's early racing

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Ernesto and brother prep Merckx bike

Greg Softley's controversial Pista bicycle:
The earliest known Colnago in existence? Said to have been constructed in 1959,
this bike is somewhat controversial. Some cognoscenti think it may not be genuine, but it has obviously authentic patina and is equipped with era-correct components. Did Colnago make his own brand as early as 1959? This is not yet revealed in the contemporaneous press or literature, nonetheless it is said to be a 1959 or early 1960s bike. In any case, it is handsome machine....

Click to see 21 image gallery HERE

Greg Softley's early Super restoration:
"The black and white photo below of the 1971 Polish team bike initiated
the journey. With the able assistance of John Murray (Qld Oz), a 12 month
long research project covering several continents and dozens of leads finally
resulted in a correct restoration."

Click to see 28 image gallery HERE