Bike Check: Romario’s Colnago Oval CX Pista
I started covering Romario’s collection a few months ago here on Slow Spin Society. With so many impressive bikes that often look pretty much unridable, in a “normal” setting, it’s refreshing to find one with a more traditional look, something I could actually imagine taking for a spin around the block. No disc wheels or wild, stretched-out geometry here. This Colnago still feels somewhat grounded in reality, and maybe that’s why I find it even more desirable than the others: because I can see myself riding it.
Released around 1983, the Oval CX was part of Colnago’s early experimentation with aerodynamics. Featuring ultra-thin aero tubing, finely cast lugs, and internal cable routing on the road version, the Oval CX lineup was expensive and difficult to get your hands on. Especially this track version, which was never officially released…
In true Colnago (and very Italian) fashion, the Oval CX Pista was a made-to-order frame, built exclusively for the brand’s top clients. As far as we know, only three exist today: two in Taiwan, and one here in Hong Kong.
This exact bike used to belong to a private collector in Japan. When Romario visited during a trip, he jokingly asked if it was for sale, fully aware that the previous owner had a deep attachment to it. The bike had originally come from a close friend’s now-closed bike shop, making it a sentimental piece.
Up until that moment, any attempt to buy this Italian gem would’ve been ignored instantly. But somehow, for reasons no one still fully understands, the Japanese collector decided that this was the day to let it go. Romario had it packed and shipped to Hong Kong the very next day.
Upon its arrival in Hong Kong, the bike spent the next decade built up with period-correct components: Nisi rims, a Cinelli cockpit, a matching Concor saddle, you get it, every part chosen with care to reflect how it would have originally been spec’d.
But of course, all of that was eventually thrown out the window for of a more exciting build. Romario decided to spice things up with a mix of carbon and Kevlar components, creating a nice contrast against the deep blue frame, and giving every composite nerd something to drool over.
Detailed Parts List
Frameset
Colnago Oval CX Pista
Chainring and Cog 53T Campagnolo special anodized pista chainring, 17T cog
Crank Campagnolo special anodized pista crank
Seatpost and Saddle
Flite Evo 2 Kevlar saddle
Stem and Handlebar
Colnago 3ttt stem, LP composites carbon kevlar riser bar
Wheels Mavic CXP 25 laced to Mavic Track hubs
Remember when I said I could actually see myself riding this one? Well, aside from the wild amount of Kevlar parts, like the LP riser bar or the Flite Evo 2, most of the build actually fits my riding style. A classy pantographed quill stem, an unusually thin 20mm proprietary seatpost (okay, that one’s a bit scary), and a square-taper crank that looks as solid as it is funky, with that unexpected blue anodizing.
Now, cruising around on a pair of early ’90s carbon rims might not be the smartest idea, and I totally agree. But the CXP 25s aren’t actually full carbon. They’re aluminum rims with a carbon fairing, offering just a subtle touch of aero. A nice nod to the oval tubing on this Colnago, which is supposedly “aero” too.
To me, this Colnago Oval CX, with its unique oval lugs, falls into that very rare category of: “It’s a cool collector’s piece, but I’m not completely terrified to ride it on the street.” You get me?
Not sure I’ll ever be able to get my hands of one of these…
🎞: Kodak Color Plus 200
📷: Leica M6
📍: Hong Kong
