RETROFITTING: Authenticity certification for vintage Colnago frames

Authenticity is paramount in the world of cycling. Over time, Colnago bikes have become rich in history and more valuable. That's why Colnago has set up Retrofitting, an innovative system designed to authenticate its vintage frames. This ambitious project enhances the value of historic bikes and offers current and future holders the guarantee of owning an authentic piece of cycling history. 

The service primarily addresses owners of used Colnago bicycles who wish to verify the authenticity of their bike, but future buyers, too. 

To begin the certification process, simply fill in a form and pay the required fee. Owners must then provide a few photos of the bike, and additional elements to prove ownership, such as the serial number on the frame or a purchase invoice. This enables the Colnago team to gather all the information needed to verify the bike's authenticity. These elements are carefully examined by Colnago experts, who give a final verdict, positive or negative, as to the authenticity of the bike's frame kit (the frame and fork, but not the other components). 

Once certification has been obtained, owners of genuine Colnago bikes are entered in an official digital register and join the exclusive club of certified Colnago bike owners. 

In the world of cycling, the Colnago brand has always been synonymous with excellence and quality. As a result, it has been the subject of numerous replicas and counterfeits. Retrofitting not only identifies Colnago bicycles in circulation, but also reinforces the value of the brand by guaranteeing its authenticity, while strengthening owners' sense of belonging and pride. 

Once the validity of the frame kit has been verified, Colnago provides the owner with a certificate of authenticity and a tag to affix to the frame (the same as for today's high-end bikes) enabling the bike to be registered on the Blockchain, a public digital registry that guarantees maximum security and transparency in information management. This tag becomes a distinctive sign of authenticity and offers several practical advantages:

- Frame kit authentication: a certificate of authenticity increases the value of your bike on the second-hand market. With the tag registered on the blockchain, the sales process becomes simpler and more transparent for buyers.

- Certificate of ownership: Registering your bike on the blockchain is a guarantee of ownership, making it easier to resolve any legal disputes.

- Protection in the event of theft: Registering on the blockchain means that theft can be reported quickly, protecting your investment.

What's more, owners who register their Colnago bike on the blockchain have the opportunity to take part in sporting events at prime locations (Colnago Grid in participating GFs, dedicated grid at historic cycling events, ...), and enjoy additional benefits communicated by Colnago via email. 

Retrofitting also helps create a stronger sense of belonging among the Italian brand's customers. Certified Colnago bike owners form an exclusive community that is recognized and valued internationally.

The Retrofitting project is part of Colnago's strategy to protect and enhance its heritage of excellence, built over 70 years. This program, which combines tradition and modernity, sets a new standard in the world of cycling, demonstrating once again that Colnago is synonymous with quality, passion and innovation.

If you haven't already done so, join the Colnago community!