Colnago to unveil new Ottanta5 road bike this week

On Thursday this week Italian company Colnago will launch a new bike called the Ottanta5 which we believe will celebrate founder Ernesto Colnago’s 85th birthday this year. 

Colnago was founded in 1952 by Ernesto Colnago, who was born in 1932, the year that is referenced in this short video that has appeared on Facebook. Could the new bike be a celebration of his 85th birthday this year? 

If it is, will it be a brand new model, a special version of a current bike, or a classic reborn? It’s impossible to determine that from the short video. All we know is that it’ll be called the Ottanta5 and all will be revealed soon. Our guess is it’ll be a special edition C60 and it’ll be sold in very limited numbers, perhaps just 85. 

- Review: Colnago C60 road bike frame

Ottanta translates to eighty in English and it’s been used by Colnago before, with a special edition C59 five years ago when Ernesto turned 80-years-old. That bike was finished with a gold finish and the iconic ace of clubs logo replaced by the company’s original Eagle and Arrow badge.  That bike cost just shy of £12k, do don't expect this new bike to be what anyone can realistically call affordable.

Colnago has most recently added the Concept to its 2017 range, its first fully dedicated aero road bike. It’s also backing the new UAE Abu Dhabi WorldTour team, seeing the Italian company return to the top tier of professional road racing after a short hiatus.

- Colnago Concept frameset