Collection Gift Guide: The Ferrari of Bicycles
December 1, 2006
To observer and owner alike, a Colnago bicycle mixes art and technology, beauty and calculation. The ISO 9001 quality management tribute the company received in 1998 spoke to its Cambiago, Italy, factory’s standard of fit and finish, unmatched in the industry.
The Limited Edition CF4 ($8,900), dedicated to Ferrari, is no branding stunt; founder Ernesto Colnago and Enzo Ferrari were friends and mutual admirers. In addition, Colnago’s carbon-fiber frames were developed with composites firm ATR, which also assists Ferrari’s Formula One team in carbon-specific areas.
The bike’s monocoque construction produces a light, integral frame with no lugs or apparent seams. The tubes can be made narrower in diameter, bringing increased rigidity at stress points and less need for reinforcement that adds mass. The racing handlebar/stem is a one-piece Cinelli Ram unit, also of carbon fiber. Ferrari’s trademark emblem (Baracca’s prancing horse) is prominent, and the two company logos appear on the down tube—in metallic silver that the maker says refers to “the color of a Ferrari engine block.” Sold complete only—no menu of off-the-shelf components—the CF4 can be had in six seat-tube sloping variants.
Its companion, the Limited Edition CF5 ($7,500), was not originally intended for purchase, but rather as a pit bike for Ferrari crew members. The straight (i.e., non racing) handlebar gives it away, but it has much in common with its illustrious sibling—monocoque frame and paint scheme, Fulcrum racing wheels, and Colnago signature tires and saddle. It is available in three sizes.
Trialtir USA
888.867.4334
www.trialtir-usa.com
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