The 2011 range from Olympia Cicli is, as you’d expect from Italy’s second oldest and largest bicycle manufacturer (after Bianchi), the latest technology covered with a bombardment of logos and swooshes. So it’s refreshing to encounter a bike from their classic past: an Olympia Borghi.
For Italy’s second oldest and largest bicycle manufacturer, information on the history is scarce, in English, at least. Olympia Borghi bicycles were built from 1893 until 1959 by a company founded by Carlos Borghi. In 1959 the company was sold to Antonio and Pasquale Fontana and these bicycles were badged Olympia from that date onwards. Orco Cicli, a bike shop and builder located in Milan, orchestrated the restoration, although very little was required. New Brooks saddle and tape, cables and housing, brake pads and toe straps: now this Olympia is L’Eroica ready!
Special thanks to Riccardo Cerrone contributing the photos, and Bike Forums user keidal for the rare tidbits of information on Olympia Borghi’s history.