Magical rides (beautiful machines)

I have had the wonderful opportunity to ride many different road bikes thru the years, some steel, some aluminum, some carbon, and at times a combination of materials. There have been a few US made bikes, and a number of "boutique" rides. All of them special in their own way, but time and time again my Euro passion for all things cycling steered me down the path of foreign (to the US) bicycle makers. Of all the bikes I've owned, there is one company, and one model in particular that I feel is above and beyond anything that it has been compared to. I'm speaking of Colnago bicycles, the C40 in particular. Truth be told, its attention to detail, exquisite paint jobs, and magical ride of it's lugged carbon tube build put it in a class by itself.
I got lucky and obtained my first Colnago from a friend who owned a shop, I traded my beloved Merckx for it, the model was one of the first Mapei edition C40's like this one.

A few other bike manufactures and specific models come to mind as well. One of the earliest high-end bikes I owned was a team Motorola Eddy Merckx MX Leader frame set. As has always been the case, I have sold one bike to afford my next ride, but of every bike that I've had, I really wish I still owned the Merckx. It was beautiful, the red, white, blue (and chrome) color scheme was a definite eye catcher. It made for a great ride on the annual 4th of July 100k ride. The multi-shaped tube set made from Columbus MAX tubing, and the monstrous shaped fork made this bike a ride to be cherished. It was legend. The lightness of modern day marvels leave the MX Leader at somewhat of  a disadvantage, but were talking  about a "steel is real" magical ride with a history of greatness. A bike that would last literally forever if owned by a cycling fanatic. Truth be told, it was with this bike that I became "a cyclist". Maybe someday the cycling gods will smile upon me, and I can build one up to ride into my later years.

 If I never cross paths with an MX Leader, another bike will more than fit the bill. I'm speaking of a fine Italian steel bike made by Tommasini. the steel bikes Irio Tomassini make, are breathtaking. Actually, no picture can do the beauty of the frames with their intricately carved chrome lugs and beautiful paint jobs justice. These works of art need to be seen to be fully appreciated. They are truly works of art from a master craftsman.

 Although Tomassini now make custom frame sets in a variety of materials, my heart belongs to his immaculately made lugged steel frames. They offer custom frame sets and custom colors, which make this a great choice for passionate Euro Old School roadies who want a beautiful looking ride with the magical ride of a well made steel frame. Truth be told, I lust over owning one again, and pray to the Madonna Del Ghisallo that life and finances will allow me to once again be the proud owner of what I believe is the absolute finest example of steel road frames.

That brings me to my current ride, and as I mentioned early on the bike I place above all others. the Colnago C40. It is simply the best carbon frame set ever made. Light, strong, and comfortable. It has won my favorite spring classic, Paris-Roubaix (LenFer Du'Norde) more than any other bike, and it's history of victories and the riders and teams it's been ridden by is simply unequaled. Mapei, Rabobank (in their best years), Tony Rominger,Eddy Merckx, Johan Musseuw, Franco Ballarini, Maurizio Fondriest, the list goes on and on. From its multi-shaped (clover leaf) tubes, its well crafted lugs, and its remarkable paint jobs, this bike will always be my prize possession. It's handling and comfort have to be ridden to believed, and once you take the time to dial your riding position in, it becomes a ride of legend.Take a look at The greatest modern day era of our sport and the bike that created it

 and for an interesting and informative article that focuses on the history of the Colnago C40 be sure to look at thewashingmachinepost.net's story on the bikes history

Being the proud owner of a variety of bikes thru the years, In my opinion, I believe the bikes I've spoken of today are the best of the best, the rides of legend, Euro works of art, legend, and greatness, bikes that are rich in cycling history and lore.

 I am grateful I have had (and continue to have) the opportunity to swing my leg over the saddle and experience the magic that is Road cycling...

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