Casati Ellisse Steel Vintage Road Bicycle 1990s – Columbus MAX - Campagnolo Chorus

History:

The Casati workshop in Monza has been part of the inner circle of Italian frame-building since 1920. Founded by Pietro Casati, the family business remains famous for its attention to detail and technological leadership. While many manufacturers shifted to mass production in the 90s, Casati perfected steel frame construction. Each bike was unique, often finished in collaboration with legendary painters like Carlo Dossena. Casati bikes stand for "Passione" and discrete excellence, defined not by loud branding but by technical refinements like internal cable routing and precise pantographs. The Ellisse is the prime example of this philosophy: a bike built for aesthetes who refused to compromise on stiffness and racing performance.

Description:

This Casati Ellisse is a technical revelation. The frame is crafted from the legendary Columbus MAX tubeset. MAX was Columbus's answer to emerging aluminum and carbon frames; its distinctively shaped, ovalized tube cross-sections offer immense stiffness. A standout feature is the integrated race number holder under the top tube, highlighting the pure racing pedigree of this model. The pearl beige paintwork by Carlo Dossena perfectly showcases the chrome lugs at the head tube and the numerous pantographs.

The technical specifications are strictly performance-oriented: The 8-speed Campagnolo Chorus groupset with Ergopower levers marks the technological leap of the 90s. The Cinelli cockpit ensures classic ergonomics, while the Selle San Marco Rolls saddle provides the necessary comfort. The wheelset features Mavic Open Pro rims, considered the epitome of stability and smooth rolling. Every detail, from the internal cable routing to the engraved Casati logo, speaks of handcrafted perfection.

Condition:

Used. This Casati has undergone a complete restoration at Goldensteelcycles. The bike was stripped down to the smallest individual parts. The Columbus MAX frame shows no dents, cracks, or deformations; the original Dossena paintwork was manually polished to a deep gloss and sealed. During the rebuild, all bearings – headset, bottom bracket, and hubs – were completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected for wear, and rebuilt with fresh high-performance grease. This precise mechanical reconstruction guarantees flawless function of all components.

Details: