Colnago Ottanta5 C60 launched to celebrate Ernesto’s 85th birthday

If you’re the owner of one of the most iconic bicycle brands in the world, how do you celebrate your 85th birthday? By producing a special limited edition bike of course. 

Today Colnago unveiled the Ottanta5 (Italian for 85) which is based on the current C60, the carbon frame that is handmade in Italy but with a very special paint job. Now the bike has only just been launched in Italy, but London's Sigma Sport have somehow managed to get their hands on the only bike in the UK. Jammy sods! However, they have kindly sent us these photos of the stunning bike so we'll let them off. So if you're in London and want to take a closer look, you know where to go.

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The limited edition bike might be based on the C60, but they've gone to quite some effort to ensure the finish makes the bike really stand out. It combines a hand-painted silver metallic gloss finish with arabesque decorated lugs and a return of the first Colnago logo first used in 1954 when the company was founded. The usual Colnago logos are swapped for Ernesto's signature and Ottanta5 wording. 

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“A nod to the glorious past of Colnago,” says the company at its launch today.

Of course the frame will be built up with the best equipment, and naturally for an Italian bike brand that can only mean Campagnolo. A full Super Record EPS groupset with Bora Ultra 50 wheels and signature Ottanta5 handlebars and stem will complete the bike, along with Vittoria Corsa tyres. And the price? A snip at £9,999.95. 

It's a bit better than a cake and some candles isn't it?