When Ernesto Colnago started building racing bikes in 1954, the era of Fausto Coppi was slowly coming to an end in Italy. The Tour de France was dominated by Louison Bobet, and in Belgium a young boy called Eddy Merckx was winning his first school races. Today, half a century later, all of these names have long been part of cycling history. But the now 72-year-old company patriarch from Cambiago near Milan is still heavily involved in the scene, and his bikes are more sought-after than ever.
What makes the brand with the playing card cross logo so legendary? Above all, racing success. In addition, Colnago has always been an innovative and creative force among the traditionally conservative Italian manufacturers. Ten years ago, Lombarde finally presented the carbon frame that became its greatest success to date: the "C40". The weight - 1,200 grams at frame height 57 - was sensational at the time, all the more so as the frame was relatively stiff and stable by the standards of the time. The C40 was not only used by professionals to go from success to success. It also became an object of desire for well-heeled racing bike fans. And for Colnago, it became a ducat donkey: the frameset, which had been modified several times over the years, ultimately cost over 4,000 euros.
Last autumn, after ten years of production, Colnago felt the time had come to replace its classic with a new top model. In keeping with the company's anniversary, the new model bears the name "C50". In the free PDF download you can read all about this noble bike and how it feels on the road. (Test from TOUR 4/2004)
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