Colnago Con Brio

Colnago Con Brio http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com Most recent posts at Colnago Con Brio posterous.com Sat, 31 Mar 2012 07:10:00 -0700 Colnago C59 - For Sale http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/colnago-c59-for-sale http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/colnago-c59-for-sale

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For Sale - Colnago C59 race frame (as pictured) The frame is in mint condition and will sell with Colnago seat post which doesn't normally come with the frame from the factory. If you are interested - Please contact me @ colnagoconbrio@gmail.com (UK only) (Size 52 Sloping)

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Please also see a selection of pictures of the frame on the link below

http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/colnago-c59-italia-some-things-are-just-worth

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/780931/colnago_logo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AkWD0CDrsyt Colnago Con Brio Colnago Con Brio Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:56:00 -0700 I would like to invite you to the new Colnago Con Brio web site ! http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/i-would-like-to-invite-you-to-the-new-colnago http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/i-would-like-to-invite-you-to-the-new-colnago

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Folks, I would like to invite you all to the new Colnago Con Brio web site - I hope you like it. There will be further things to add as the weeks go by! Remember, Colnago Con Brio belongs to Colnago fans all over the world, so if you would like to contribute or send in pictures of your beloved Colnago bicycle, please feel free! Also, add your comments and actively take part within our Colnago community......it's for all of us! Ciao

http://colnagoconbrio.wordpress.com/2012/03/12/the-new-colnago-disc-c59-what-...

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/780931/colnago_logo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AkWD0CDrsyt Colnago Con Brio Colnago Con Brio Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:28:00 -0800 Colnago with cutting edge 'Aero' carbon Wheels. http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/colnago-with-cutting-edge-aero-carbon-wheels http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/colnago-with-cutting-edge-aero-carbon-wheels

Over the past months, I receive numerous email from Colnago owners and enthusiasts around the world enquiring about wheels which will work well with a Colnago frame. Of course, purchasing wheels is very much a personal affair, taking into consideration the individuals needs and of course performance and aesthetics. I for one am a complete sucker for wheels and can quite happily talk about this subject for hours upon end! The thing is, they are important and detrimental to the actual ride and enjoyment factor of cycling....period! If you have spent your hard earned wedge on a top flight Colnago race frame or even a classic Colnago, then you most certainly want a pair of wheels to complement the build.

There are so many wheels on the market these days, offering the customer this and that, at times it can be quite mind boggling! Also, the quality of factory built wheels are exceptionally good!

So, with this in mind, I thought we could take a look at the latest cutting edge 'Aero' wheels. Again, recently I have received emails on this very subject which prompted me to put this article together. So, Aero, what do you think? Well some may say it might just be a case of smoke and mirrors from the actual wheel manufactures to put a different slant on things to sell their products. However, how many people said, ah, electronic groupsets, it will never catch on! Well, yes it has and by all accounts, selling extremely well, with Campagnolo joining the party with it's latest EPS offering which looks drop dead gorgeous!

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So, back to Aero wheels. I guess it's important for any self respecting carbon wheel manufacturer to keep their finger on the pulse on technology and development. Of course, if Aero wheels are going to give the rider/racer an improved performance in wind protection and possibly pace & speed, then people are going to take it! And, why not aero!How many times have you been on a fast descent on a pair of deep section carbon wheels when you get hit by a gust of wind, it ain't funny. So, if we can have improved aerodynamics and wind stability, that's really appealing to me!

So, the guys over at Enve composites have taken this development one stage further with their new 'Smart' system 3.4 and 6.7 road wheels. I guess if you are going to talk about aerodynamics, what better then to get Simon Smart involved who has been actively involved in Formula 1 race aerodynamics and technology. A guy with extremely high credentials within the 'Aero' field. Here is Simon to explain about the development of the new 'Smart' series of wheels from Enve

Also, I have just heard from Enve that they are in the process of launching their new 'Smart' series wheels in a clincher version, which will be most appealing to both camps! Also, with a good weight as one might expect!

So, here are a select of photograph of the new Enve Smart system wheels on a Colnago M10 and a Colnago C59 Italia. You can make your own mind up whether they actually work aesthetically on the frame, personally I think they do. Its also quite refreshing to see a pair of cutting edge race wheels on a top of the range Colnago race frame!

I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank John Williams for sending in these mouthwatering pictures of his beloved Colnago C59 with the latest Enve 6.7 tubular wheels. I would also like to warmly thank Luigibikes for their equally stunning Colnago M10 with the latest Smart 3.4 tubular wheels.

For more information, please check out the Enve web site http://www.enve.com/

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/780931/colnago_logo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AkWD0CDrsyt Colnago Con Brio Colnago Con Brio Sun, 04 Mar 2012 07:08:17 -0800 Colnago - What all the 'cool cats' are wearing ! :-) http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/colnago-what-all-the-cool-cats-are-wearing http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/colnago-what-all-the-cool-cats-are-wearing

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/780931/colnago_logo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AkWD0CDrsyt Colnago Con Brio Colnago Con Brio Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:31:00 -0800 Close up view of the new Colnago K.Zero Time Trial bike! http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/close-up-view-of-the-new-colnago-kzero-time-t-82984 http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/close-up-view-of-the-new-colnago-kzero-time-t-82984

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Nice picture of Alessandro Colnago in the wind tunnel on the new K.Zero Time Trial bike !

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/780931/colnago_logo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AkWD0CDrsyt Colnago Con Brio Colnago Con Brio Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:27:00 -0800 Untitled http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/close-up-view-of-the-new-colnago-kzero-time-t http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/close-up-view-of-the-new-colnago-kzero-time-t

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/780931/colnago_logo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AkWD0CDrsyt Colnago Con Brio Colnago Con Brio Tue, 28 Feb 2012 01:47:00 -0800 The brand new Time Trial frame from Colnago ! (photo Colnago) http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/the-brand-new-time-trial-frame-from-colnago-p http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/the-brand-new-time-trial-frame-from-colnago-p

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/780931/colnago_logo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AkWD0CDrsyt Colnago Con Brio Colnago Con Brio Sun, 26 Feb 2012 11:29:00 -0800 Colnago Limited Edition 'Ottanta' - Up-front and personal ! http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/colnago-limited-edition-ottanta-up-front-and http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/colnago-limited-edition-ottanta-up-front-and

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OK folks, this is your opportunity for an up-front and personal look at the new Limited Edition Colnago Ottanta! So, sit back and enjoy these lovely photographs of this mouthwatering bike! We love Colnago! :-)

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/780931/colnago_logo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AkWD0CDrsyt Colnago Con Brio Colnago Con Brio Sat, 25 Feb 2012 02:06:51 -0800 Colnago Ottanta - hits the dealers ! http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/colnago-ottanta-hits-the-dealers http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/colnago-ottanta-hits-the-dealers

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/780931/colnago_logo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AkWD0CDrsyt Colnago Con Brio Colnago Con Brio Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:27:24 -0800 Colnago Ottanta........who wants one? http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/colnago-ottantawho-wants-one http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/colnago-ottantawho-wants-one

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/780931/colnago_logo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AkWD0CDrsyt Colnago Con Brio Colnago Con Brio Mon, 20 Feb 2012 03:52:00 -0800 Colnago C40 - Quite simply heart melting ! http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/colnago-c40-quite-simply-heart-melting http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/colnago-c40-quite-simply-heart-melting

We all know Colnago are masters at wielding a spray gun! From the present Colnago C59 Italia going back through the archive to the days of the Art Decor designs and colours etc. Wonderful!

However, when my good friend Rohan Dubash (AKA Doctor D http://doctord.co.uk/) sent over a selection of pictures of his beloved C40 frame, my heart just melted. Those of you who may know Rohan from his days at Sigma Sport and being a regular writer for Rouleur Magazine, will know he has been a Colnago and Campagnolo devotee for many years.

Now, back to the C40! Just take a look at this one folks, this frame was especially custom painted for Rohan by the Colnago paint-shop. A unique one-off! The colours and paint graphics are truly mouthwatering! Also, with the snow background, the frame really stands out. I can't wait to see this frame built up.

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Rohan also runs a really interesting Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Doctor-D/151367174964293 of all the Colnago frames/bikes etc he has built up for his customers. Owners can log onto his Facebook page and check out their build, as he regularly publishes photographs of each bike build.

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/780931/colnago_logo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AkWD0CDrsyt Colnago Con Brio Colnago Con Brio Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:31:00 -0800 The importance of being Ernesto ! http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/the-importance-of-being-ernesto http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/the-importance-of-being-ernesto

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Sorry for the play on words ( Oscar Wilde) I just couldn't resist it! :-) So, Ernesto Colnago (aka The Master) has reached the grand age of eighty years. You will note that I haven't coined the well know phrase grand 'old' age, as Ernesto is far from being old in modern terms! If you have ever had the delightful opportunity of meeting Ernesto, you will soon realise that he is indeed as sharp as a razor blade with an encyclopedic memory. He truly is a fascinating human being! I would even go so far to suggest quite a few country leaders would give their right arm for a hint of his immense popularity with folk around the world. There is just something about Ernesto that you genuinely warm to and you don't even have to be a Colnago owner!

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He remains the figurehead and founder of one of the most desired bicycle frame manufacturers within the world which bears his name! People speak so warmly and fondly of their Colnago bikes and memories....you just can't buy that. I even established a web site in total devotion to this iconic manufacturer based in Cambigo, just outside of Milan. Colnago is a name that unites owners and enthusiasts around the globe with genuine and sincere passion for these frames and of course, Ernesto! Even now, Ernesto very much keeps his finger on the pulse with his hands on style of management. He truly is a man who leads by example!

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So, Ernesto reached the age of 80 on the 09th February 2012, to mark this fantastic occasion, Colnago have launched the limited edition C59 model called simply ' Ottanta' . only 80 of these bikes have been especially designed and created to mark the birthday of this senior statesman within the bicycle industry! Here we see Colnago and Campagnolo working in pure harmony. Cementing the historic links both companies have achieved through the years. So, we see this beautiful gold frame being dressed in the latest Campagnolo technology in way of the brand new EPS electric group-set, drenched in carbon fibre refinement. In Italian terms, it's just so right! It would have been great if all the Campagnolo parts were especially pantographed for this 'oro' frame, that would of been the icing on the cake! The wheels work in perfect collaboration with the name Campagnolo etched in gold. The beautiful carbon artwork which takes us back to the historic Arabesque style lugs which makes all Colnago fans go weak at the knees. The carbon peaking through the gold just tantalises the naked human eye. Not to mention the original headtube badge of Colnago dating back to the 1950's, really nice finishing touch to this masterpiece!

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Folks, this is a fantastic bicycle produced by the house of Colnago. This will become an historical piece of cycling memorabilia and will no doubt find itself in the auction showrooms of Southeby's etc in years to come. For me being a total Colnago enthusiast, it strikes a direct cord in my heart and soul. Whether you ride it or simply display it as a thing of pure beauty, it will constantly reward with every glance!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/780931/colnago_logo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AkWD0CDrsyt Colnago Con Brio Colnago Con Brio Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:57:00 -0800 Happy 80th Birthday - Ernesto Colnago !! http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/happy-80th-birthday-ernesto-colnago http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/happy-80th-birthday-ernesto-colnago

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Happy 80th birthday Ernesto - we salute you! to celebrate this great occasion, Colnago have made a very special gold bike called ' C59 Ottanta' . A fitting tribute to such a wonderful man!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/780931/colnago_logo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AkWD0CDrsyt Colnago Con Brio Colnago Con Brio Sun, 05 Feb 2012 07:27:00 -0800 On the road and behind the scenes look at Colnago & Team Europcar http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/on-the-road-and-behind-the-scenes-look-at-col http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/on-the-road-and-behind-the-scenes-look-at-col

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Whilst we all thoroughly enjoy supporting the riders of team Europcar aboard their Colnago racing bikes, zooming up some mountain pass or navigating at speed a deceptive hairpin bend etc. Spare a thought for the staff behind the scenes! The guys who work relentlessly to keep the boys in green on the road. The mechanics who work around the clock, stripping, building, cleaning and preparing these bikes for the riders. The true unsung heroes of any professional cycling teams. During the Tour de France, we see when the cameras take us behind the scenes how these guys operate. Combining skill and speed to get the bikes ready for the next race, not to mention being in the back of the team car fixing mechanical problems on the move whilst hanging out of the window. Do these guys ever sleep? We salute you! Picture credits - R. Ughetto

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/780931/colnago_logo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AkWD0CDrsyt Colnago Con Brio Colnago Con Brio Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:36:58 -0800 The big Interview with Ernesto Colnago ! http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/the-big-interview-with-ernesto-colnago http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/the-big-interview-with-ernesto-colnago

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He's the head honcho of one the most revered manufacturers in cycling, and the company that bears his name has a level of kudos that other firms can only dream about, but there's no need to tell Ernesto Colnago about it...

Ernesto Colnago heads a small empire in Milan's northern industrial outskirts that has been a hallmark of quality in the cycling world for 50 years. From Eddy Merckx to Thomas Voeckler in yellow at last year's Tour, his bicycle frames have been ridden by countless stars of the sport.

The energetic Italian started out crafting bikes in steel - from the Super to the Master - but now leads the way in carbon-fibre designs, including the top C59 model. His bikes have carried cyclists to victory in the World Championships, the Tour de France, the Classics and the Olympics. Cycling Weekly caught up with the 80 year old at his factory.

CW: How many frames do you supply to your sponsored teams?
EC: The first team to use Colnago-branded bikes was SCIC in 1974, which had around 15 riders and two bikes apiece. Now, Europcar, with 30 riders and four bikes apiece, have 120 frames!

Who is the most memorable rider you've worked with?
EC: I worked with many riders, but Eddy Merckx was the most brilliant. He took more than 20 bikes a year! He'd come in here in the morning and wouldn't leave until he had the perfect bike.

On a Tuesday, ahead of Liège-Bastogne-Liège he'd say he wanted the bike to have further setback. We went from 16 to 19cm! I remember he finally had 21cm when he won Liège. He ripped his legs apart and was in bed for two days afterwards.

Do you look to other frame builders for ideas?
EC: I respect all the manufacturers, but they've all copied Colnago. Every one! We brought out titanium, the straight fork... I'm sorry for the others, they aren't looking within and studying.

What motivates you?
EC: Even if the others are doing well and making a lot of money, I am looking out for my family and making sure we are creating beautiful products. Colnago can't risk ruining its name after 57 years in the cycling business.

We've won 43 World Championships, we've won 17 Olympics... What am I going to look out of the window to see? Whether it's raining? I am looking out with sadness because people are buying bikes thinking that they are the same as ours, but they're not. They are looking at the colour or the price, and that's it.

What sets Colnago apart from its competitors?
EC: We work in high-end, custom measured bikes. There's no one doing this at our level. We make custom bikes on top of the 15 or so stock measurements.

Ernesto Colnago started this 50 years ago; no one else was making custom bikes. We are still here making 5,000 frames in Italy; for the other 10,000 frames - our lower range - we are obliged to take our forms and technology to Taiwan.

How do you compete against big firms like Specialized and Giant?
EC: We focus on quality and they focus on quantity. I do my research and then they copy it. If they want to research, and have so much money, they should focus on custom sizes. It's not enough to make millions of dollars, but you also have to make a profit. I can have a small fraction [of their output], but still be profitable.

How important is team sponsorship for you?
EC: I've been fortunate to find teams with winning racers. However, it's not as if Oscar Freire wins the Worlds, we sell more in Spain. It always stays the same. Spain always buys the lowest number of Colnagos, and that didn't change with Freire's wins. Or if Sven Nys wins every weekend, we don't sell more cyclo-cross frames.

We sponsor to maintain our position. It's the same way for Ferrari in F1. We lose money doing it, but it's good for R&D and maintains our market position.

Do you agree with the UCI's restrictions on bike design?
EC: No. They need to let the companies have more space.
We can do the research and development, but we have a limit as to what we can provide.

Do you think the UCI should lower the minimum weight?
EC: No. How can [Alessandro] Petacchi or [Tom] Boonen race on a bike that's less than 6.8kg? It works for someone who weighs 60kg, but a frame also has to work for someone who weighs 80kg. A frame needs to weigh 1.150kg, then if you are using it for Paris-Roubaix, you use stronger components.

Instead, the mechanics use lightweight components and these high-profile wheels for Roubaix. It's crazy! The frame is the heart of the bike. If you want a bike for the mountains, keep the heart of the bike strong, but use lighter components.

Do you think the UCI restrictions help to protect the riders?
EC: The UCI has to test every model of our frames, they take frames and they ask for 5,000 Swiss francs. Europcar uses M10 and C59, they have to test both of those and ask for 10,000 Swiss francs.

The frames come back, but I think all they do is sit there and drink coffee! However, they did well to ban Spinaci bars and Spinergy wheels. They do well to block dangerous designs, but need to give the framebuilders more freedom.

How do you see the Colnago business in 10 to 20 years?
EC: I had Fiorenzo Magni and Alfredo Martini here; they are 90 years old and going strong. I'll be here, maybe in a wheelchair... a wheelchair of carbon or the best material available.

Interview via Cycling Weekly.

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/780931/colnago_logo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AkWD0CDrsyt Colnago Con Brio Colnago Con Brio Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:41:00 -0800 Niels Albert wins the cycle-cross world championship aboard his Colnago Prestige! http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/niels-albert-wins-the-cycle-cross-world-champ http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/niels-albert-wins-the-cycle-cross-world-champ

A fantastic victory for Neils Albert in Belgium, taking the World Cycle-Cross championship aboard his eye catching electric blue Colnago Prestige. Its only the beginning of 2012 and Colnago have secured another World Championship title. Big congratulations to Niels and his team for an illustrious performance! Also, nice to see some close up pictures of the Colnago Prestige that took Niles to the winning line! Pictures credits - CX Magazine and L'avenir.net.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/780931/colnago_logo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AkWD0CDrsyt Colnago Con Brio Colnago Con Brio Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:56:00 -0800 Colnago - Team Europcar presentation in Paris 26/01/2012 http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/colnago-team-europcar-presentation-in-paris-2 http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/colnago-team-europcar-presentation-in-paris-2

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The 2012 Europcar team was presented to the World today, with general manager Jean-René Bernadeau looking back on its most successful year to date, while looking ahead to what he hopes will be further glory. The green and black Professional Continental team, which is based in France’s western coastal Vendée region, punched high above its weight in 2011, will eleven of its riders taking a victory.

It was the Tour de France where the team really hit the headlines though, with stage victory on Alpe d’Huez and the white jersey for Pierre Rolland, and fourth place overall for Thomas Voeckler, after he’d spent ten glorious days in yellow.

“2011 is a great story,” said Bernadeau. “I am very proud of this year; people say ‘thank you’ rather than ‘well done’ to the image of the team. At the foot of Alpe d'Huez, there was virtually the entire team to defend the jersey. Thank you to our sponsors and all of our riders.

Europcar has always been a team that, like its talismanic leader Voeckler, races with its heart on its sleeve, and 2012 will be no exception to this.

“No race will be used to prepare for another,” said Bernadeau. “We respect the organizers.

“Winning is good,” he explained. “To give emotion is better. We do not want to be an actor, always controlling the race. I love my riders from the bottom of my heart.

“The Vendée loves cycling, and loves our team,” he added.

Rolland’s Alpe victory and white jersey were, for many, the beginnings of the realisation of a long-identified talent. His relatively modest results before last July allowed him a certain anonymity, from which he managed to use to his advantage, but he will not allowed the same luxury this year.

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"This year I will not have the element of surprise to play with,” he acknowledged. “The Tour is still the goal; my winter was good, so everything is ok."

Voeckler’s performance in the Tour was more than a personal achievement, in that it raised the hopes of the host nation again. All eyes will be on the 32-year-old this July to see if he can match, or better, his 2011 achievement; as one of the highest profile French riders for many years though, this is something he is used to.

"The pressure does not bother me,” he said. “I have experience; I live with it. People identify well with what the team does. It's fun. It gives pleasure to people.

“My goals? It’s January 26, it’s easy to talk,” he added. “We must remain humble. I have many ambitions; I won’t go to a race without playing something."

The presentation also saw the unveiling of the team’s new jersey, made by Canadian company Louis Garneau. The black and green design is little changed from that of 2011, with any changes part of an evolution, not a revolution. The team will continue to ride Colnago frames equipped with Campagnolo wheels and components.

Team Europcar will kick off the 2012 season with the traditional French season-opener, La Grand Prix l’Ouverture La Marseillaise, in the south of France this coming Sunday.

We Wish Team Europcar all the very best for 2012 !

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http://fr.teameuropcar.com/cyclisme/2012-c-est-parti_vid215772/video.shtml

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The Below article was written by Nick Hussey.

It was supposed to be forever.

A bike I would have throughout my life. The components might be replaced, but the steel heart would remain. Something I had always wanted, that had my own story and I could be proud of.

2 years ago I had an amazing opportunity. Through my cycling friend Chris Haworth, we were working with Ernesto Colnago, the Greatest Ever Italian Framebuilder to create unique bikes for The Fireflies, a super tough but friendly charity ride through The Alps, in aid of Leuka. It was a genuine dream come true. To be involved with my childhood heroes, and help create the very frame I had lusted after as a teenager, plus raise money for a fantastic charity.

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The Colnago Master was THE steel racing frame of the 70s and 80s. Its what pros rode on before the advent of quality aluminium, titanium and of course carbon. But I could never afford one. Here was my chance to make good on a dream, but actually with Colnago!!

This was and is a unique project for Colnago, creating frames designed specifically to help raise money for a charity and charity cyclists. We were getting top-end EPS Carbon and Master-X Steel frames made. I went for the Master. Much prettier, with its chrome lug work, classic looks and slim silhouette.

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The project got a fair bit of presss attention. Here's some stuff with nice photography, especially of the EPS. You'll be able to spot my grinning face holding up Chris' EPS if you're inclined!:

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The frames arrived (after much archetypal Italian delay!) in late May, just a week or two before the ride. A ride organiser had connections with Rapha and they gladly gave us space to hand them out, built up with Campagnolo groupsets, from their pop up cafe in Central London. There were about 15 EPS and 15 Masters, all handbuilt in Italy to each rider's exact measurements.

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For Those Who Suffer We Ride - Motto of The Fireflies

It was a massive day for me. A frame built exactly to my specifications, unique in the world. And here I was handing them out to other grinning faces. Chris had come from his home in the Alps to be there. He'd been the lucky bleeder who'd been travelling to the Colnago factory to see work in progress.

I built my bike from scratch. I've always loved building bikes, choosing each and every component myself, deliberating over it in the months before. I loved the curl of fresh paint popping out of the rear-mech hangar as I screwed out the specially designed nut, to give a clean thread. I loved tighten up the Record cranks and starring at them gleaming on an otherwise bare frame....I made sure I was alone that morning, savouring every component as I tightened each piece of metal and carbon onto my dream bike.

This is no lightweight by contemporary standards. For a high-end bike, it is heavy. But it is super-light by steel standards. So I expected a comfortable but sluggish ride.

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The first trip out was a genuine revelation. The acceleration was the real eye-opener! This bike is spritely. It kicks if you kick and corners with utter confidence. Colnago are famous for their superb geometries and awesome handling. Now I got it.

That acceleration was coming from a great tubeset and frame building technique. The tubes are uniquely crimped to add stiffness. I admit to thinking this was just cosmetic, but I could feel it. What a bike! I was in love.

But this was never going to be my Forever Bike. When I sent my measurements sheet off to Colnago I was sending them as a chap with back problems that I thought were solved. When the frame arrived I was receiving it as a man with permanent spine problems and degrading disks. I couldn't get it to fit.

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My clubmates teased me for my maximum stack height on the fork, and up-turned stem. It ruined the sleek racing lines of the bike.

I've ridden this baby 5 times, for about 200 miles in total. Every time was bliss. I even managed to ride 95 miles in a hilly sportive. It was a last hurrah and the bike was joyful. I threw it round corners, my favourite pastime. Bliss.

For the last year or so I've just been looking at it and hoping I could get to a state where I'd be back on it. But I've got worse and the saddle/bar drop is a no-go.

Friends have said I should keep it. I helped create it. But I believe bikes are meant to be ridden, not hung on walls. And more to the point, if I sell this, I can get something else that's beautiful, that fits me and actually RIDE it!! So off it goes.

Full build:

Frame: Custom Fireflies Master-X. 54cm seat tube, 55cm top tube.
Fork: Steel chromed Colnago Master.
Headset: Campagnolo Record 1".
Head spacers: 4cm stack.
Stem: Deda, 11cm.
Bars: FSA Wing Pro 42cm.
Seatpost: Campagnolo Chorus Carbon 27.2mm.
Saddle: Selle San Marco SKN.
Chainset: Campagnolo Record 53/39, 172.5mm. (In my opinion the most gorgeous cranks available).
Bottom bracket: Campagnolo Chorus Italian thread 102mm.
Rear mech: Campagnolo Chorus long cage.
Front mech: Campagnolo Centaur.
Cassette: Campagnolo Centaur 13-29.
Chain: Campagnolo Record.
Shifters: Campagnolo Centaur.
Brake calipers: Campagnolo Centaur.
Wheels: Campagnolo Zonda clincher.
Quick release: Campagnolo classic chrome, not nasty black ones.
Tyres: Continental GP4000S
Tubes: Continental.
Bottle cages: Elite Ciussi Inox.
Cables: Campagnolo.
Pedals: Time RXS Carbon.

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Please see http://www.vulpine.cc/

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/780931/colnago_logo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AkWD0CDrsyt Colnago Con Brio Colnago Con Brio Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:10:56 -0800 Ernesto Colnago - Nothing more needs to be said !! http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/ernesto-colnago-nothing-more-needs-to-be-said http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/ernesto-colnago-nothing-more-needs-to-be-said

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/780931/colnago_logo.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5AkWD0CDrsyt Colnago Con Brio Colnago Con Brio Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:18:00 -0800 Colnago World Cup 2.0 - Full Review http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/colnago-world-cup-20-full-review http://colnagoconbrio.posterous.com/colnago-world-cup-20-full-review

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I recently had the opportunity to test ride the 2012 Colnago World Cup 2.0 bicycle via the good people at Windwave who are the Colnago importer and representative within the United Kingdom.

Having been following the great success of a certain Belgian national cycle-cross star, namely Sven Nys on his Colnago cross bike, I awaited the arrival of the Colnago World Cup with intrepid anticipation!

Well, the day of arrival was most certainly greeted with a rather large WOW factor from myself. After carefully unleashing this cross bike from the confines of an extremely large cardboard bike box, it was there in its entire full glory. The first thought that immediately came to mind was this is the 'Landrover' of the Colnago range. A bike built for a purpose and not for the faint hearted. After getting over the initial visual 'hit' you start taking in the complete structure and overall fabrication of this Aluminium frame. For a bike that is 100 % constructed for cross riding and training purposes, its rather elegant in its design and features. I would even go as far as saying it is quite curvaceous in style. The frame really flows, from tube to tube. Its double butted tubes are light, but immensely strong. There is nothing out of place or ugly about this frame. Yes, its quite Italian in design and its evident that some thought had actually gone into its creation and finish. From tube to tube the welding/joining is tastefully done. The tubes are produced in a neatly boxed design with a rather flat top tube which allows the cables to flow unobtrusively from front to rear. A nice touch from the Colnago design team at Cambiago.

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It comes with a semi integrated headset which is housed in a rather large head tube. Again, tastefully done. This particular model was fitted with disc brakes and as I was to find out a little later, these brakes allow you to stop on a dime. They look quite impressive and functional as one would expect on a bike like this. Colnago not missing a trick, have also constructed a mounting point on the bridge, so you could possibly fit caliper brakes if you so wish. Ideal if you want to switch the wheels and brake system over for full road use. Dual purpose! The bike came equipped with a Shimano group-set which was functional and reliable, just what you need on a bike like this. The bike set up comes with a pair of robust Colnago generic wheels which are slightly on the weighty side, however when you are putting the bike through its paces 'off road' then they really come into their element. However, if you are looking at spending more time on the road with this bike, then I would suggest swapping these wheels out for more of a suitable pair of road wheels. The tyres are made by Kenda and are a rather chunky ' go anywhere' look about them.

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As you will see by the enclosed photographs, the frame is pleasantly painted and quite pleasing on the eye. This also goes for the logos and decals on the frame, quite subtle and in their rightful place. No gimmick wordings or other such nonsense on this frame which I rather like! One other point which caught my attention was the actual quality of the paint. I know that this bike has been out previously with some other test riders, so I was expecting to see a few chips on the frame, especially on the underside which faces the road and taking the brunt of the grit, stones and other usual debris. However, on assessment, it was in superb condition.

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So, once I had fully set the bike up for my size and personal dimensions, I was ready to hit the road and track. I must, say I felt really quite excited about taking this bike out! As I spend 99.9 % of my time on a road bike, it was so nice to have the opportunity to go and play on the World Cup.

How does it ride? The thing I immediately noticed about the World cup was just how comfortable the bike is. I live in Kent (UK) which is notoriously hilly with every other road being some kind of a gradient. However, for its weight and sheer structure, I found this bike immensely comfortable. Ok, with the wheels and tyres, it will not have the same agile feel as a road bike, but the riding experience was very positive. I also liked the way the rider has to work the frame which is quite rewarding. Once up to speed, the bike isn't sluggish and felt that I just needed to 'top up' the muscular gas to keep a good pace. The forks on this frame are something else, you can really feel the stability through this frame without any major harshness. Its extremely sure footed as one might expect given its purpose. Even on the steeper hills, I didn't find the bike lumbering in anyway. Of course, any bike is only as good as the engine driving it, but this frame really enhances the quality of the ride. If you are looking at spending long periods on the road and depending on the weather conditions and terrain, this bike appears to be at home with a complete mixed bag of conditions. Due to the nature of the tyres, the performance on the road at times was a little slippery, depending on the surface, but this could be easly remedied by using a set of road wheels/tyres. One thing that did strike me, what a fantastic commuter this bike would make. With its 'go anywhere' presence, this bicycle would be perfect, especially taking into consideration it's immense comfort and handling !

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How was it off road ? If you take a trip to Chelsea in London, you will find quite a considerable amount of residence driving around in their plush Range Rover Vogue's and Porsche Cayenne vehicles. Motor vehicles which are made for ' off road' activities with their high and low ratio gearing etc. However, how many really get to experience this! I was about to take this purpose built Colnago off road! Now, this is where those wheels and tyres really come into their own. I spent hours riding this bike down bridal paths, along hedge row paths and horse way paths. Soaking up the true essence of the World Cup build. This baby is very stable in these conditions, with mud flying off the back wheel. Folks, this is just pure 100% fun, I was thinking to myself, this is what I have been missing out on! As I'm pretty much a novice when it comes to off road actives, this bike just installs confidence and even flatters your riding ability. Its so stable when you are hacking down various tracks, flying by the seat of your pants. You can see how the frame technology and style really works with the boxed tube sections, offering amazing strength but relative lightness in these condition. The ample clearance at the bottom bracket doesn't leave you worried or concerned about grounding out and the forks really inspire the ride . It was so rewarding to be riding a Colnago in these conditions! I was even stopped by a couple of mountain bikers for a quick low down on the World Cup!

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If I had to sum this bike up, I would simply say, it genuinely is a great all rounder. If you are looking for a bike to use on the road, it works. If you are looking for a commuter, it will reward with comfort and stability. If you are looking for a general winter trainer, again it ticks the boxes. If you are looking for a bike that will combine all these activities, plus perform exceedingly well off road and bring hours of fun and thrills, this could be the bike for you. Its just a cracking all rounder and at approximately £1500 for the complete bike, ready to go, its a no brainer!

I would like to thank Peter, Luke and the rest of the team at Windwave (Colnago UK) for their help and assistance in the test ride of the Colnago World Cup!

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