Super
Brand
ColnagoDescription
The Colnago Super, introduced in 1968, is a landmark model in the history of competitive cycling, renowned for its lightweight construction and responsive handling. Designed by Ernesto Colnago, the Super was tailored to meet the demands of professional racers, contributing to numerous victories and solidifying Colnago's reputation in the cycling world.
Frame Design and Construction
The Super was constructed using Columbus SL steel tubing, known for its excellent balance of strength and weight. The frame featured a classic diamond geometry with several distinctive characteristics:
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Reduced Weight: Strategic thinning of the tubing and meticulous craftsmanship resulted in a frame that was significantly lighter than its contemporaries, enhancing climbing and acceleration performance.
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Lowered Bottom Bracket: This design choice improved stability and handling, allowing riders to maintain higher speeds through corners.
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Shortened Chainstays: Contributed to the bike's agility and responsive ride quality, making it well-suited for the rigors of professional racing.
These design elements collectively provided a competitive edge, aligning with the performance needs of elite cyclists.
Evolution and Variants
Over its production span, the Colnago Super underwent several refinements:
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Super Version 1 (1968–1978): Featured Columbus SL tubing with circular top, down, and seat tubes, crimped chainstays, and cable routing above the bottom bracket.
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Super Version 2 (1978–Late 1980s): Maintained the use of Columbus SL tubing with circular profiles but introduced embossed Colnago lettering on the seat stay caps and a machined chainstay bridge for enhanced rigidity.
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Super Profil (1982–1984): Incorporated fluted tubing profiles and updated seat stay caps, reflecting Colnago's commitment to innovation in frame design.
These iterations demonstrate Colnago's dedication to continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving cycling technologies and rider preferences.
Legacy and Impact
The Colnago Super holds a prestigious place in cycling history, representing a shift towards lighter and more responsive racing bicycles. Its success in professional competitions and widespread popularity among amateur cyclists contributed significantly to Colnago's global reputation for excellence in bicycle manufacturing.
For more detailed information, you can explore the following resources:
These sources provide additional insights into the model's specifications and its place in cycling history.
