Inside the Cinelli and Columbus factories

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=45&resize=320%2C416 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=45&resize=480%2C624 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=45&resize=640%2C832 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 375px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=90&resize=190%2C247, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=45&resize=380%2C494 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=45&resize=570%2C741 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=45&resize=760%2C988 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 425px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=90&resize=215%2C279, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=45&resize=430%2C559 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=45&resize=645%2C838 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=45&resize=860%2C1118 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 768px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=90&resize=295%2C383, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=45&resize=590%2C767 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=45&resize=885%2C1150 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=45&resize=1180%2C1534 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 992px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=90&resize=136%2C176, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=45&resize=272%2C353 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=45&resize=408%2C530 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=45&resize=544%2C707 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(min-width: 993px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=90&resize=155%2C201, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=45&resize=310%2C403 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=45&resize=465%2C604 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=45&resize=620%2C806 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <img class="wp-image-333078 size-portrait_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-gallery-grid-src-image" src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C723" width="556" height="723" data-crop-width="" data-crop-height="" alt="Doing the paperwork on the Columbus factory floor" title="1416586942931-sl5mi331sq6l-46992c7" style="width: auto; height: 100%;"> Doing the paperwork on the Columbus factory floor Simon Greenacre / BikeRadar

In the west of Milan, the headquarters of Cinelli and Columbus share a compound. Since Antonio Columbo, whose father started Columbus in 1919, bought Cinelli in 1978, they’ve been part of the same family – and the same sense of artistry runs though both brands, albeit in very different ways.

From the outside, the adjacent buildings blend in with anonymous-looking warehouses, factories and other surrounding enterprises. There are no signs on the gates or walls to indicate the wealth of history, creativity and craftsmanship that lies behind them.

Cinelli: serious, yet joyful artistry We start off in the Cinelli building, which is home to the firm’s design studio and offices. As soon as we get through the door, it’s obvious this is a place designed to nurture expression and creativity. Paintings, photos and pieces of graphic design cover most of the walls – and it’s not just images of bikes.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C338 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1200%2C675 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C338 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=45&resize=1200%2C675 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(max-width: 375px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=355%2C200, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=710%2C399 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1065%2C599 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1420%2C799 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 375px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=90&resize=355%2C200, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=45&resize=710%2C399 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=45&resize=1065%2C599 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=45&resize=1420%2C799 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(max-width: 425px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=405%2C228, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=810%2C456 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1215%2C683 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1620%2C911 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 425px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=90&resize=405%2C228, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=45&resize=810%2C456 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=45&resize=1215%2C683 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=45&resize=1620%2C911 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(max-width: 589px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C312, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1108%2C623 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1662%2C935 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=2216%2C1247 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 589px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C312, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=45&resize=1108%2C623 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=45&resize=1662%2C935 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=45&resize=2216%2C1247 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(min-width: 992px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C349, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1240%2C698 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1860%2C1046 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=2480%2C1395 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(min-width: 992px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C349, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=45&resize=1240%2C698 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=45&resize=1860%2C1046 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=45&resize=2480%2C1395 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(min-width: 768px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=408%2C230, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=816%2C459 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1224%2C689 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1632%2C918 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(min-width: 768px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=90&resize=408%2C230, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=45&resize=816%2C459 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=45&resize=1224%2C689 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=45&resize=1632%2C918 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(min-width: 590px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=556%2C313, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1112%2C626 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1668%2C938 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=2224%2C1251 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(min-width: 590px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C313, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=45&resize=1112%2C626 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=45&resize=1668%2C938 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416586943002-11v9ndnkfpjh2-bfacad3.jpg?quality=45&resize=2224%2C1251 4x" type="image/jpeg"> There’s so much art in the cinelli offices – walking round the place, you’re in no doubt that it’s meant to be a creative place where ideas can be developed: Simon Greenacre / BikeRadar Walking round the Cinelli offices, you’re in no doubt that it’s meant to be a creative space where ideas can be developed

The small design studio is just off the main corridor and is, as you’d expect, one of the focal points of design in the company. It’s here that ideas are germinated: where designs for bikes, frame paint schemes, parts, clothing and everything in between get developed. Bookshelves heave with the weight of countless bicycle design books, which sit alongside magazines, journals and books covering a range of visual culture from fashion to architecture and a whole lot more.

On the one hand, a trip around the Cinelli HQ leaves you in no doubt that this is a company that takes its design very seriously, not just from an engineering standpoint but aesthetically too. The care and thought put into everything from liveries to bar tape and pin badge design is painstakingly evident.

Yet there’s also an undertone of playfulness – a facet that’s a crucial part of Cinelli’s identity, and something that differentiates it from so many bike companies. That seems to have a lot to do with owner Antonio Columbo, whose office we’re invited to look round.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C533, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C1067 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C1600 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1200%2C2133 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C533, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C1067 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C1600 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=45&resize=1200%2C2133 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(max-width: 375px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=355%2C631, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=710%2C1262 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1065%2C1893 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1420%2C2524 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 375px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=90&resize=355%2C631, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=45&resize=710%2C1262 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=45&resize=1065%2C1893 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=45&resize=1420%2C2524 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(max-width: 425px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=405%2C720, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=810%2C1440 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1215%2C2160 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1620%2C2880 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 425px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=90&resize=405%2C720, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=45&resize=810%2C1440 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=45&resize=1215%2C2160 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=45&resize=1620%2C2880 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(max-width: 589px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C985, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1108%2C1970 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1662%2C2955 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 589px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C985, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=45&resize=1108%2C1970 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=45&resize=1662%2C2955 3x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(min-width: 992px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C1102, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1240%2C2204 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1860%2C3307 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(min-width: 992px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C1102, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=45&resize=1240%2C2204 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=45&resize=1860%2C3307 3x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(min-width: 768px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=408%2C725, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=816%2C1451 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1224%2C2176 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1632%2C2901 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(min-width: 768px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=90&resize=408%2C725, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=45&resize=816%2C1451 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=45&resize=1224%2C2176 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=45&resize=1632%2C2901 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(min-width: 590px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=556%2C988, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1112%2C1977 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1668%2C2965 3x" type="image/webp"><source media="(min-width: 590px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C988, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=45&resize=1112%2C1977 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415072-15n0a05xyn2so-b7fa1be.jpg?quality=45&resize=1668%2C2965 3x" type="image/jpeg"> Another painting in antonio columbo’s office: Simon Greenacre / BikeRadar Paintings and the iconic Keith Haring Cinelli Laser in Antonio Columbo’s office

Like the design studio next door, it celebrates cycling, art and design to full effect. And much like the design studio, one wall of the office is taken up by a floor to ceiling bookshelf, filled with volumes on bike design, art, graphic design, graffiti and photography.

But Columbo is a huge fan of art, and something of a collector. There are photos, canvases and drawings hanging on most of the available wall space – this is not your typical sober office, but a joyous space.

Behind Columbo’s desk hangs a huge canvas drawn by the artist Keith Haring, who created the famous Keith Haring Cinelli Laser by painting his iconic figures on the bike’s disc wheels. Columbo comes across as a likeable, fun personality and when taking in his workspace, it’s clear he’s an important, driving figure when it comes to Cinelli’s culture and values, so heavily bound up with creating distinctive, good looking, art-informed items.

Columbus: the noise of true craft In contrast, the Columbus factory is dirty, loud and industrial – exactly what you’d expect from a facility that produces tubesets. There are, however, still visual links between it and the Cinelli building opposite – such as the huge mural on the doors and paintings dotted about the warehouse.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C338 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1200%2C675 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C338 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=45&resize=1200%2C675 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(max-width: 375px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=355%2C200, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=710%2C399 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1065%2C599 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1420%2C799 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 375px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=90&resize=355%2C200, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=45&resize=710%2C399 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=45&resize=1065%2C599 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=45&resize=1420%2C799 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(max-width: 425px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=405%2C228, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=810%2C456 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1215%2C683 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1620%2C911 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 425px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=90&resize=405%2C228, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=45&resize=810%2C456 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=45&resize=1215%2C683 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=45&resize=1620%2C911 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(max-width: 589px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C312, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1108%2C623 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1662%2C935 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=2216%2C1247 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 589px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C312, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=45&resize=1108%2C623 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=45&resize=1662%2C935 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=45&resize=2216%2C1247 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(min-width: 992px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C349, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1240%2C698 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1860%2C1046 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=2480%2C1395 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(min-width: 992px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C349, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=45&resize=1240%2C698 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=45&resize=1860%2C1046 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=45&resize=2480%2C1395 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(min-width: 768px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=408%2C230, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=816%2C459 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1224%2C689 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1632%2C918 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(min-width: 768px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=90&resize=408%2C230, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=45&resize=816%2C459 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=45&resize=1224%2C689 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=45&resize=1632%2C918 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(min-width: 590px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=556%2C313, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1112%2C626 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1668%2C938 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=2224%2C1251 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(min-width: 590px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C313, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=45&resize=1112%2C626 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=45&resize=1668%2C938 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587415088-kc2ft5ubl266-1d022db.jpg?quality=45&resize=2224%2C1251 4x" type="image/jpeg"> Street artist z10 ziegler has painted this figure on the entrance to the columbus factory: Simon Greenacre / BikeRadar Street artist Z10 Ziegler has painted this figure on the entrance to the Columbus factory

As well as being the place where Columbus tubing is produced, the factory is also where rides are painted, assembled and tested. The warehouse area is full of boxed up frames and bikes, ready to be shipped all over the world, and they sit alongside frames in various stages of production.

The factory isn’t particularly big, but it’s busy, and packed full of machinery to check, shape, stretch, bend and polish the steel tubing it’s so famous for. Creativity takes on a different flavour here than at Cinelli, yet it’s certainly still evident.

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C338 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1200%2C675 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 320px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C169, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C338 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C506 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=45&resize=1200%2C675 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(max-width: 375px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=355%2C200, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=710%2C399 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1065%2C599 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1420%2C799 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 375px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=90&resize=355%2C200, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=45&resize=710%2C399 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=45&resize=1065%2C599 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=45&resize=1420%2C799 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(max-width: 425px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=405%2C228, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=810%2C456 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1215%2C683 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1620%2C911 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 425px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=90&resize=405%2C228, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=45&resize=810%2C456 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=45&resize=1215%2C683 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=45&resize=1620%2C911 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(max-width: 589px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C312, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1108%2C623 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1662%2C935 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=2216%2C1247 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(max-width: 589px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C312, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=45&resize=1108%2C623 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=45&resize=1662%2C935 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=45&resize=2216%2C1247 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(min-width: 992px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C349, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1240%2C698 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1860%2C1046 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=2480%2C1395 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(min-width: 992px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C349, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=45&resize=1240%2C698 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=45&resize=1860%2C1046 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=45&resize=2480%2C1395 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(min-width: 768px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=408%2C230, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=816%2C459 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1224%2C689 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1632%2C918 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(min-width: 768px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=90&resize=408%2C230, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=45&resize=816%2C459 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=45&resize=1224%2C689 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=45&resize=1632%2C918 4x" type="image/jpeg"><source media="(min-width: 590px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=556%2C313, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1112%2C626 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1668%2C938 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=2224%2C1251 4x" type="image/webp"><source media="(min-width: 590px)" data-srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C313, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=45&resize=1112%2C626 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=45&resize=1668%2C938 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1416587960155-17j5e5sw60zs4-21db26b.jpg?quality=45&resize=2224%2C1251 4x" type="image/jpeg"> This is donato and he’s holding two different grades of sanding belt, used to polish the tubes. the grade of the tubing depends on how much it gets polished, with the most expensive tubes being passed over each belt before being polished to a mirror finish with a piece of cork: Simon Greenacre / BikeRadar Donato holds up two different grades of sanding belt, used to polish the tubes

There’s no sense of the work being a massive industrial operation. There are no conveyor belts or automated processes knocking out parts. Rather, the operatives on the shop floor work on just one or two machines, developing and honing specific skillsets and infusing the factory with an air of real craftsmanship – and justifiable pride in the work being done there.