I have not come across any definitive reference, however it is generally thought that the term ‘condorino’ (meaning ‘little condor’ in English) was in reference to the bird like shape of the straight and narrow handlebars. The ‘bici condorino’ was produced by Atala, Bianchi, Bottecchia, Doniselli, Legnano, Torpado and most Italian makers of the time. However I have yet to come across a ‘condorino’ from a maker outside of Italy and to my knowledge they were not imported to North America or many other parts of the world unless it was a personal effort. The ‘bici condorino’ is truly one of the quintessential ‘typeforms’ of the bicycle that remains timeless to this day. That it was Italian should probably not come as a surprise.
Production of the ‘condorino’ would appear to have begun in the mid to late 50’s with the commercialization and acceptance of the cable activated derailleur for changing gears. Most ‘bici condorino’ produced during the 50’s and 60’s were fitted with either a 3 speed or 4 speed Regina freewheel and the Campagnolo Sport derailleur (introduced in 1953 with a single jockey wheel). In the early 70’s, Legnano were fitting ‘condorino’ models with Campagnolo Valentino derailleurs front and rear to provide 5 and 10 speed gearing. However by the mid 80’s the classic ‘bici condorino’ began to slip out of production as the ‘baby boomers’ grew out of their bike riding years and the industry as a whole experienced a decline in sales.
The frame geometry of the ‘condorino’ was much more upright than a typical city bike and very similar to the race bikes of the day with perhaps and inch or more of extra wheelbase to accommodate the larger profile clincher tires and fenders. The result was a swift and responsive ride that could also tackle changes in elevation beyond the city thanks to its gearing. However the most visibly defining feature of the ‘bici condorino’ are the unique handlebars or ‘manubrio’ as they are called in Italian. There is an elegance to the metalworking of the ‘condorino’ handlebars that truly speaks of an earlier time when hands not machines defined form and finish.
condorino 
Hi, just a thought. I am of Italian origin and have lived and worked in Italy, the word condor(ino) the (ino) part of a word generally indicates something small. The word condor is a bird as you would know. My take on the manubrio is that they resemble a condors wings in flight. I may be completely wrong but you have to admit the shape is very similar, no?
Very perceptive and very clever Luke. Birds, and their wings in particular, are familiar symbols with bicycle manufacturers, Campagnolo being the most famous and familiar ‘winged’ symbol. I am sure you are right. Bravo!
Thanks, it’s all very fascinating to me so I have recently spoken to my native Italian friends and they have all confirmed that the word derives from the shape of the wings of the condor, so I’m sticking to this theory. All the best, Luke 🙂
Thanks again Luke. I need to see if there is some way of awarding ‘stars’ on this blog to top contributors. But don’t go yet, I am about to make a new post as we attempt to unravel the mysteries and meaning of the Legnano serial numbers. This one will be a challenge for sure. Mark
In 1964, on a trip to Europe with my grandparents, I talked my grandmother into buying me a candy apple red Atala Sport condorino at a bicycle shop in Verona. The shop shipped the bicycle home for me; but by the time it arrived in Dallas, the tool kit and pump had been stolen. On my first test ride after unpacking the bike, I was so fixated on the beauty of the condorino handlebars and the chrome stripe running down the front fender that I ran into the back of a parked car and bent the fork. WAAAAAHHH!!!! Got it fixed and rode the bike another 10 years. Kick myself now for having sold it.
Fascinating! Thank you. I had one of these about a dozen years ago. A Frejus. Beautiful blue. The bars were the coolest. Brazed on brake levers by Atala. I found it in a pile in the back of a junky sell-and-trade storefront shop in west Philly. At the time I tried to find out more about it and especially the bars but I got nowhere. Consensus was it was a race bike converted with spare parts. C. Record shifters on the stem seemed for sure an ignorant mod. Very classy parts. But it was much too small for me so I sent it on. Seems like it may have been built that way. Very cool. Thanks.