Colnago

COLNAGO. The most successful bikes in the world.

When you want the best, choose Colnago road or trekking bikes. Colnago is a manufacturer of high-end road racing bicycles founded by Ernesto Colnago near Milano in Cambiago, Italy. Instead of following his family's farming business, Ernesto Colnago chose to work in the cycle trade. In 1952, when aged only 20, Ernesto Colnago handed in his notice at the Gloria bike factory to set up on his own in Cambiago, north-east of Milan. A keen racer himself, Colnago was soon building wheels for some of the best Italian racing cyclists of that era, including Giorgio Albani, the multiple stage winner of the Giro d'Italia, and the legendary Fausto Coppi.

The company first became known for high quality steel framed bicycles suitable for the demanding environment of professional racing, and later as one of the more creative cycling manufacturers responsible for innovations in design and experimentation with new and diverse materials including carbon fiber, now a mainstay of modern bicycle construction.

No rider did more for the brand thanEddy Merckx, who won just about every major title after he joined the Molteni team riding Colnagos in the early 1970s. Merckx's haul included the Tour de France, the Giro and the spring Classics. In perhaps his most celebrated collaboration with the brand, ‘The Cannibal’ also obliterated the world-hour record in 1971 on a bespoke bike that Colnago developed using a titanium stem, drilled chainrings and alloys that were so advanced they had to be made in the United States because the technology required was not available in Europe.

Today they continue to assemble the world's best carbon and steel road bikes by hand in their Cambiago factory. Much can be said about the Colnago paint workshop, which produces the most sensational and memorable color schemes on the road today.

Colnago is one of only a few in the entire cycling industry to have ISO 9001 certification.

Heritage, true-world race refinement and attention to quality are all aspects of the Colnago racing bicycle. From humble beginnings and through hard work, all the while with a deep respect for time-proven technology, Colnago has been successful in consistently providing professionals with the most reliable tools for their trade while simultaneously being able to offer the same machines to cycling enthusiasts of all levels.

Colnago remains among the most coveted racing bikes among enthusiasts, partly for its rich history but also because of its bikes’ inimitable handling.