Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Colnago Tipo Roma

Colnago Tipo Roma

Yesterday, we were bewildered by the ‘Fauxnago’ Super Commuter by FYXO, which wasn’t all that it was made out to be. To get us back on track, let’s turn to a completely authentic and exceptionally individual Colnago. Here’s a ‘Tipo Roma’ model that was restored by Italy’s premium providore of NOS and rare vintage Italian components, Eroica Cicli.

Andrea and Alessandro, proprietors of Eroica Cicli, have dated the Tipo Roma to 1970, although ‘Aficionagos’ may attest that it was made earlier, due to the lugs that appeared on earlier models. Another distinguishing feature are the circular drillium designs around the chain ring—if you were to turn the bike upside down, you’d find the same design drilled into the bottom bracket shell.

Colnago Tipo Roma
Colnago Tipo Roma

According to Ale and Andrea, the Roma was purchased directly from the Colnago factory—which is how the previous owner managed to acquire a fully-chromed frame. There’s no record of that finish actually being offered in the relevant catalogs. It’s in fantastic condition for its age: the decals have been replaced (but are correct for this model), as well as the brake hoods and cables.

Colnago Tipo Roma
Colnago Tipo Roma

If you need help with a restoration, Eroica Cicli offer a full service—from a complete strip down and new paint with repro decals to simply sourcing color-matched NOS Silva bar tape and toe straps. You can browse their wares in their online store, or contact them for a particular request.

Colnago Tipo Roma
Colnago Tipo Roma