One of the most expensive and prestigious metals in the world, gold represents prosperity, wealth, and power. It is employed in a variety of industries, including aircraft, electronics, medical, and jewelry.
But did you know that expensive bicycles can also be made of gold? Yes, numerous premium models come with a gold finish that is either partial or full. The designs made by the Italian business Colnago are among the most exquisite examples of two-wheeled art.
The start of Colnago’s golden collection
The Colnago Mexico Oro bicycle, which is nearly entirely covered in a thin layer of 18K gold, is the result of Ernesto Colnago, a supporter of the Italian cycling traditions. It combines the simplicity of design with noble metal. The limited edition was made available in honor of Eddy Merckx breaking the record for the greatest bicycle distance covered in one hour. Pope John Paul II even received one copy from a restricted edition in 1979 as a gift.
The pontiff’s gilded bicycle is shown in the picture and is currently on display in the Cambiago company museum.
Golden customs from the past and present
Since then, Colnago has honored major occasions in both the company’s history and the history of cycling by embellishing several models with the regal metal. The Gold Private Collection, a limited edition of 64 bicycles built on the C64 frameset to commemorate the company’s 64th anniversary, is one such instance.
The bike caught people’s attention due to its superior technical capabilities in addition to its exclusive style and golden accents. The signature and trademark logo of Ernesto Colnago, the ace of clubs, are engraved on a 24K gold-plated carbon frame. The noble metal is also used as decoration on the bicycle fork, saddle, and seatpost (dropper post), bottom bracket, and CeramicSpeed pulley.
In the image, a body made of black carbon fiber serves as a background against which the complete splendor of the metal of kings is revealed to the viewer.
Timeless work of art
Gioiello, a genuine piece of art that showcases the skill and originality of Italian engineers and designers, is the jewel in Colnago’s golden park. This bicycle is for people who value elegance, style, and quality. For those who adore gold, a bicycle.
Colnago unveiled the Colnago Gioiello C68 road bike in time for the 106th running of the Giro d’Italia in the spring of 2023. Based on the company’s most recent design, this truly exceptional high-end bike is offered with an anticipated retail price of almost $24,000. The fork legs, head tube, top tube, and down tube are all covered with gold leaf. Even the bottle cage, which was created using cutting-edge 3D printing and was modeled after the Trofeo Senza Fine (or Endless Trophy) cup, is embellished with gold.
As one of the most prominent cycling competitions in the world, the Giro d’Italia Grand Tour is well-known. Nearly more people view winning the race as a success than earning an Olympic medal. The bicycle has gained notoriety and the greatest status as a result of being introduced in recognition of such an important occasion. There are only 50 pieces in the series, and each one is differentiated by a special pattern made from sheets of the purest gold that is meticulously hand-applied by artisans.
The top piece, known simply as “Number 1,” was chosen as the flagship among the fifty pieces created in honor of the illustrious Giro d’Italia. The finishing touch of the master, a pair of embossed Colnago emblems in the shape of the ace of clubs made of 24K gold, and a 2K diamond on top of the headset, set off this item from the others in addition to the plate bearing the issue number and name. At the end of May, Sotheby’s auctioned off the Gioiello series’ crown jewel for an astounding $133,000 price.
“The bicycle ought to be easy to use”
Ernesto Colnago, the master of two-wheeled masterpieces, at least claims as much. Why did the supporter of simplicity decide to embellish his sculptures with the metal that is the most well-known in the world?
The distinctive physical and chemical characteristics, high price, rarity, and cultural significance of gold all contribute to its attractiveness. Being a perfectionist, a visionary, and a fervent supporter of the history of Italian cycling and bicycle manufacture, Mr. Colnago was unable to ignore the ancient sign of timeless value.
The snapshot shows the pitch-black Number One being lavishly coated in the finest gold design and being capped with a diamond.
In addition to being exquisite, gold is a remarkable metal with a wide range of uses and connotations. A excellent illustration of how solar metal may be used to make one-of-a-kind, magnificent works of art is the Colnago Gioiello gold bicycle.
