Fatto in Italia

April 20, 2011 · by · in Uncategorized

I think I may have just peed my pants just a little.

A friend of mine (who happens to among the .001% of the world’s population who owns a Ferrari) found out I had a new bike and wondered if it was this one:

It is the Colnago for Ferrari Di2 Bicycle – Limited Edition. How limited you ask? Only 50. And no, I do not have one of them. This sexy beast is SO Italian it comes complete with chest hair and a gorgeous Italian swimsuit model.

I’m not sure what I like more, the bike, or the hilariously poorly translated and/or completely vacuous description on the website:

– Colnago and Ferrari brought their experience and technology together to create this bicycle, representing the highest synthesis of ‘Made in Italy’.
– This bicycle is a proper technological icon with innovations from F1 and an invincible performance.
– The bicycle weighs a mere 6 kg and is, thanks to its opaque livery and minimalist graphics, extremely sober and elegant, without neglecting its sporty soul.
– A technology originated in aeronautics, improving the frame’s rigidity and reducing the weight.
– A further innovation is the employment of the Dura Ace Di2 electronic group, optimising the gears and keeping the bicycle chain tight and straightened, thus eliminating possible mistakes. Gear change speed and precision of these components are the Colnago for Ferrari Di2 racing cycle’s added value.
– The Racing Speed is appreciated in the world of professional cyclists.Thei wide diffusion is due to the wheel’s numerous characteristics and the rims high profile together with its lightness enable its use in different race situations.

Oh my.

This guy has one:

I have no idea who he is, but I’m guessing by the fancy jumpsuit that he probably has a matching race car.

Maybe I’m missing something (certainly wouldn’t be the first time), but… Dura-Ace Di2 components? NOT Campagnolo? Suddenly the $14,000 price tag is a tad high for what is basically an Armani suit with a pair of Reeboks. From Japan. Really, really nice Reeboks, mind you, but still Reeboks. I figure if you’re going Italian, go all the way.

Nonetheless, it is still a pretty hot ride from what I can tell, and compared to $200,000 for the four-wheeled version, I guess it’s a pretty good deal.