Colnago Master Piu NOS Custom Mavic ZAP Road Bike 1992

Bikes from the Colnago Master model line are certainly some of the most recognizable and sought-after classic bicycles. They are admired for their extraordinary tube profile and unprecedented ride comfort. The frame is built of special Gilco Profilo S4 Columbus tubes. The profile of these tubes has a special star shape, which makes the bicycle very rigid when accelerating or descending, but still makes for a surprisingly smooth and comfortable ride at the same time.

Launched in 1987, the Colnago Master Più was basically meant to be an improvement of the Master, from which it differs for the internally routed rear brake cable and for three-point lugs.

There are a few things that are just extra special about this bicycle not only is it in NOS ( New Old Stock) condition but it has been custom designed with only one friction shifter for the Mavic ZAP groupset. This groupset is in itself a rare sight!

The Mavic ZAP System which was introduced in 1992! Yes indeed, It was not Shimano who came up with the idea and in some aspects, the Mavic engineers were decades ahead of their competition. The whole system was hardwired and unlike modern electronic shifting, it did not need a massive battery. In fact, it is so small that it is easily stored in the end of a handlebar. But how is that possible? Simple: Mavic decided to just use the battery to send signals but not to power a motor for the actual derailleur. The movement of the derailleur is powered by the movement of the chain and is initiated by an electromagnetic switch.

The systems had some real friends in the pro-peloton the likes of Tony Rominger and Chris Boardman.

This is one of the best bikes of the early 1990s, period. And it is in NOS condition. What else could you ask for.