The Colnago C68 Road Bike
An Introduction
Lauded for their sublime performance and elegant approach to frame design, Colnago reside at the leading edge of road cycling achievement, offering uniquities that appeal to both race and experience focused cyclists.
The model C series focuses on the latter, orienting itself towards the enjoyment of road cycling - an embodiment of the ‘handmade in Italy’ ethos and everything it stands for.
An Evolution
The C68 takes everything that gained the C64 its loyal following and compounds it into an all-new ride. It combines a modern aesthetic with a unique modular structure, innovating without detracting from the bike’s essence and traditional roots, all to provide an unreplicable feel on smooth tarmac, pitted backroads, or far-reaching gravel tracks.
- Three distinct models are available to target a range of rider preferences - Road, All-Road and Gravel
- The refined frame design is lighter, stiffer and more precise than the C64
- Special Edition model features state of the art 3D printed titanium lugs
- Handmade in Italy
- Integrated multi-tool, located in the steerer tube
- Aerodynamically optimised Colnago CC01 Integrated Handlebar
- Manufacturer claimed frame weight of only 930 (+/- 10) grams in a size 51
Unlike the uncompromising performance of the Taiwanese manufactured model V series, the C range is steeped in road cycling tradition, designed for true enthusiasts who value the purest of cycling experiences.
What's New?
A series of refinements allow the C68 to stand out from its predecessor, some visible and others less so. The headline is that the C68 moniker no longer comprises a single product but an entire product family, encompassing the sub-disciplines of road, all-road and gravel.
A nod to the brand’s roots, the Road edition focuses solely on on-road performance, whilst the All-Road model features increased tyre clearance to expand your riding horizons. The Gravel version is purely for off-road exploration, delivering a capable and exhilarating experience that excels far beyond the reach of a classic dropped-bar bike.
The Frame
Alongside this change, the frame moves to a T47 bottom bracket and receives a series of refinements to bolster its prowess. Not only lighter than the C64, a new construction method sees enhanced stiffness for a more rigid frame, especially around the headtube area, augmenting its handling precision. New frame shapes allow for innovative new cable routing, whilst the fork sees improvements to its stiffness and weight.
Effortless Integration
Also new is the removable front derailleur mount, allowing for cleaner integration with 1x drivetrain setups. Within the steerer cap resides a bespoke, 10-function multi-tool, although this is limited to a 4-function model on the smallest two frame sizes.
Unparalleled Technolgy
Located on the downtube is a unique NFC tag, forever intertwined with the frame, allowing access to information within the bike’s digital passport. Once purchased, Colnago will make an inimitable NFT of your bike, dematerialising the paper certificate of sale and going truly digital.
Built to Last
Guaranteed for life, the CeramicSpeed SLT Headset uses Solid Lubrication Technology to upgrade its lifespan. This peerless system is impenetrable to moisture and dirt ingress, eliminating wear and tear upon the bearing.
CC.01 Integrated Handlebar
Included is the all-new CC.01 integrated handlebar, a modern approach compatible with both electronic and externally routed groupsets. A +2cm flare provides a supportive drop position and works in tandem with the increased 80mm reach and narrower hood width to deliver a feeling of complete integration with the bike.
Whilst these changes are seen, there is a continuation of previous themes. Although refined, the lugged design is still visible, which allows for better lamination control and a smarter, more attuned product for the consumer. Apparent at the seat tube and head tube, these lugs are integral to each other on the standard carbon edition but are evident on the titanium alloy edition.
The seatpost shape is identical to that found on the C64, increasing the availability of spares, and overall the design is progressive whilst retaining the traditional Colnago motif.
C68 3D Printed Titanium Special Edition
Truly exclusive, limited numbers of a 3D Printed Titanium Special Edition will be released, an amalgamation of cutting-edge construction techniques and pioneering mechanical engineering.
This grants the possibility of a “made-to-measure” frame, owing to the configurable nature of 3D printed components, raising the ceiling of potential for personalisation and performance.