Earlier this month, March 2014, Colnago released a new stallion from their stable upon the world. It was the C60, and has been receiving fond but critical reviews. Fond, because it is a marvellous riding machine, as you’d expect from the venerable Ernesto Colnago. Critical, because it wasn’t afraid of coming in at a tad over a kilogram for the frame. Colnago has never sacrificed weight for style, evidenced by its lavish celebratory models. Like this Master, accentuated with 24 karat gold.

In fact, when it comes to a Master draped with gold plated first generation C-Record components from Campagnolo, weight be damned. While not a Cambiago-sanctioned build, Ernesto would approve — although Pope John Paul may not: his Colnago was spec’d down and lacked upholstery in Cinelli’s VIP suede saddle and bar tape. Today’s Master, built by Javier Jubete and his Vintage Luxury Bicycles shop, may have been considered too excessive by the standards of the church.

Javier is a self-proclaimed child of the 80s, the extravagant heyday of Italian fashion and architecture, when a Colnago was one of the most desirable bikes around, especially when adorned with Cinelli. Antonio Colombo really knows his stuff. Javier, however, came from a humble family and only ever owned second hand bikes. Now that he is older, the passion for beautiful bikes is as strong as ever, resulting in the culmination of a dream.

Vintage Luxury Bicycles is a small workshop in Spain’s northwest. Colnagold is the first project to be released, and is currently for sale. Javier was inspired by the work of Italcicli Cycle Systems, a Swiss-based company specialising in “highly refined modifications and customisations to Campagnolo equipment“. 24 karat gold plating of your C-Record groupset, for example. From the suede saddle to the gold lated Record Strada rims, this is a pushie worthy of the Gods.

PS: If you’re reminiscing about Italian cycling glory but think this is a touch beyond your price range, head to the De Marchi online store for more heritage.













