Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Olympia Carlo Borghi

Olympia Borghi Carlo

Olympia, while one of the less famous Italian marques, has just as an interesting history as Bianchi or Colnago. Indeed, it’s the oldest family-owned Italian brand and is the oldest Italian bicycle brand, after Bianchi. To its credit, it still has an equally impressive range of modern carbon fibre, race-oriented models, including a full series of mountain bikes.

This Olympia harks back to an era when they were as highly sought-after as any Italian bike — in the US at least. Olympia was founded in 1893 by Carlo Borghi, a smart industrialist who, like Bianchi and Ducati, combined their bicycle catalog with motorcycles. Achille Mauzan, the famous illustrator whose work promoted Campari and Cliquot champagne, was contracted to create the advertising.

Like many in its home country, this example was found by the owner in a perfectly capable riding state, even after 30-odd years. It required only a fresh roll of bar tape, a brake check, oil change and a new pair of tires to bring it up to speed. The original components include other Italian legends: Campagnolo, Regina, 3TTT, Selle San Marco, Universal and Miche.

These photos were taken by David Krevs, see more on his Flickr stream.

Olympia Borghi Carlo
Olympia Borghi Carlo
Olympia Borghi Carlo
Olympia Borghi Carlo
Olympia Borghi Carlo
Olympia Borghi Carlo
Olympia Borghi Carlo
Olympia Borghi Carlo
Olympia Borghi Carlo