By Lars Hundley
Italian bicycle manufacturer Colnago has announced the release of the Gioiello, a limited edition road bike inspired by the iconic Trofeo Senza Fine trophy of the Giro d’Italia. The bicycle, released in celebration of the 106th Giro d’Italia, is a testament to the Italian spirit, craftsmanship, and beauty that Colnago has upheld since 1954.
Limited to just 50 numbered editions, the Gioiello is based on the C68 frame, which showcases Colnago’s attention to unique and exclusive design elements. The bicycle is intended as a “golden emblem” to represent the partnership between Colnago and the Corsa Rosa, both of which contribute significantly to the appreciation and admiration of Italy’s beauty worldwide.
“The search for aesthetic pleasure and the proverbial Italian creativity lead us to design unique, exciting objects that make the whole world appreciate and admire the Italian spirit,” said a representative of Colnago. “That is exactly what happened with the latest bicycle we have created, a real Gioiello (jewel).”
The Gioiello is decorated entirely in gold leaf, featuring a fork with a dedicated texture that presents a refined version of Colnago’s Ace of Clubs symbol. This design is also echoed on the saddle, created in collaboration with Selle Italia, and on the handlebar tape.
Other golden details that adorn the Gioiello include a gear cage with oversize pulleys 3D printed in titanium, handlebar caps and through-axle caps worked in gold leaf, and hand-assembled wheels spokes. The bicycle’s 3D printed bottle cage, also covered in gold leaf, emulates the spirals of the Corsa Rosa symbol, adding an extra touch of grandeur.
The C Series models, including the Gioiello, represent Colnago’s tribute to the handmade multi-part Italian tradition processes and to the passion for road bikes with a distinctive and exclusive design. The C in the series stands for Carbon, Colnago, Cambiago (the location of Colnago’s inception), and Class. The number 68 indicates the evolution of the company since its establishment in 1954.
Colnago, originally founded in Cambiago, Italy, in 1954, has made a name for itself in the production of high-end road-racing bicycles. The company initially gained recognition for its top-quality steel-framed bicycles, crafted specifically for the rigorous conditions of professional racing. After establishing its strong reputation for its high-quality steel bicycles, it has successfully evolved with industry trends, notably the shift towards carbon fiber as a primary material in modern bike construction.
Known for its consistent performance in various championships, Colnago bicycles have been part of winning 14 Grand Tours, 377 Grand Tour stages, 37 Classic Monuments, 27 World Championships, and 18 Olympic Gold Medals. Tadej Pogačar, the winner of both the 2020 and 2021 editions of the Tour de France, was riding Colnago bikes.
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