Colnago Master Bititan Mapei Rare Bike 1990s

Being always at the forefront of technical improvements, it is no miracle that Colnago also experimented with various frame materials at the same time. And in fact, there were years when they built bikes from steel, aluminium, carbon fiber and titanium at the same time. Ernesto Colnago basically forced the company to have a foot in every door possible.

Some of the outcomes of their endeavors were nothing short of amazing. Breathtaking studies and ready-to-race bikes alike.

One of those fine pieces is the bike we are presenting here. It is a Colnago Master Bititan. One of the great masterpieces which were crafted by Vidmantas Zukauskas, the famous titanium expert. How he was able to shape the top tube into the classic star-shaped profile escapes our mind. The downtube is replaced by two smaller tubes, an actually old way of stabilizing bikes which was dubbed the bitubo by Colnago. This double downtube appeared on various bikes from the 1980s to the mid 1990s made of - you would have guessed it - aluminium, carbon fiber and titanium.

This form of frame was actually the favourite design of Tony Rominger, who is said to have a stash of these in his garage.

Such a rare piece cannot be equipped with anything less than Shimano's finest groupset, the Shimano Dura Ace 35 anniversary edition, including clipless pedals and a set of wheels with rare Mavic Ceramic wheels. Together with its parts, this frame forms a veritable 1990s superbike. Something you could only dream of but never lay hands on - until now. And what is even better: It comes in the Team Mapei paint scheme!

A rare piece of cycling tech and a sweet ride indeed.