Arabesque

Brand

Description

The Colnago Arabesque, introduced in the early 1980s, is celebrated for its intricate craftsmanship and distinctive aesthetic, embodying the elegance and precision of Italian bicycle design. Originally produced to commemorate Colnago's 30th anniversary in 1984, the Arabesque has become one of the most sought-after models among collectors and cycling enthusiasts.

Frame Design and Construction

The Arabesque is renowned for its unique decorative lugs, which set it apart from other models of its era. Key features include:

Decorative Lugs: The frame showcases ornate lugs with intricate arabesque patterns, particularly noticeable on the head tube and seat tube. These lugs were crafted by an Italian manufacturer known as 'Rauler' and were also used in other Colnago models, such as the Colnago Regal and the 2016 Colnago Master Arabesque.
Crimped Tubing: Early versions of the Arabesque featured crimped tubing similar to the Colnago Super Profil, with single crimps on each side of the top and down tubes. Later models adopted the crimping style of the Nuovo Mexico, with a single crimp on each side of the top tube and two offset crimps on each side of the down tube, totaling four crimps.
Materials: The frame was constructed using high-quality Columbus steel tubing, known for its durability and ride quality. Some versions, like the Master Arabesque, utilized the Gilco Master profile tubes, characterized by their star-shaped cross-section for enhanced stiffness.
Finish: Many Arabesque frames were chrome-plated, providing a lustrous and durable finish that accentuated the intricate lug work. Some models featured the distinctive Cromovelato paint finish, achieved by chrome-plating the entire frame and applying a tinted color coat, resulting in a reflective, glossy appearance.

Special Editions

In 1984, to mark its 30th anniversary, Colnago released a limited edition Arabesque equipped with a special Campagnolo Super Record groupset featuring gold-plated components and Colnago club symbols. These models are particularly rare and highly valued by collectors.

Legacy and Modern Revival

The Colnago Arabesque holds a special place in cycling history, symbolizing the blend of art and engineering that defines classic Italian bicycles. Its intricate design and limited production have made it a coveted piece among vintage cycling aficionados. Recognizing its enduring appeal, Colnago reissued the Arabesque in limited numbers, utilizing original lugs discovered in their factory, allowing a new generation of cyclists to experience this iconic model.

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