Colnago Oval CX Aero Road Bicycle 1980s

Before computer modeling bicycles and wind tunnel tests in an excellently engineered lab, the concept of aerodynamics in cycling mainly consisted of getting in the drops and turning your cap backwards. Riders relied on the feel of the breeze and their marginal gain was shaving their legs.
Colnago however knew bicycle design was about to change forever when they partnered with Columbus to utilize a radical new tubing that beacame known as Oval CX.

Due to its labor intensive nature, and the need to develop precision machinery to accommodate not only the tubes, but also the lugs to join them, bikes built utilising these oval tubes were exceedingly rare in the early 1980s. In fact, Columbus gave only one master frame builder, Vanni Pettenella, the chance to build these bikes for Colnago spanning from 1983 to 1985.

Known for pushing the limits of current technology from their beginning, Colnago knew they had a different kind of bike and didn’t stop at the tube shape.

Though the science of measuring aerodynamics was still new to the bicycle industry, it didn’t stop Colnago from experimenting with frame features that are now common in any manufacturers “aero” lineup. The reverse-seating of the brake calipers was an example of this forward thinking attitude, pun intended.
Additionally, the down tube shifters were moved in closer together and cables were routed internally, to save that extra watt or two.

The impressive condition of this bike indicates the previous owner knew it was something special.
It has been completely serviced and is set up nicely with a speed hungry Campagnolo Super Record groupset, which has been completed by the lightweight Modolo Kronos resin shifting levers. Some of the parts have also been pantographed by Colnago - a fine finishing touch for a very special bicycle.

Not only is this a bike for historians and collectors of beautiful racing machines, but it’s also more than fit to be taken off the wall and give you a feeling of the wind on your face.