Continuing the legacy of one of the most important road frames of all time, the new Colnago C68, although made of carbon fibre, has a direct link to the lugged steel frames Ernesto crafted when he started his company in 1954.
The C68 is the latest chapter in the brand's revered C-series lineage, made-in-Italy and like those before it - unique.
Colnago’s C-series began back in 1989 with the statement production frame, the monocoque C35. Never used in competition it was essentially a proof of concept for the entire industry, being one of the first carbon production bikes.
But it was the C40 with it’s lugged construction and winning ways that not only legitimised the use of carbon fibre in the bike industry, but that also cemented the C-Series in cycling lore.
The C-series rides uniquely. It's more robust and planted than the average carbon race bike, while remaining fast, smooth, and refined in manner.
The success and desirability of the C-Series has persisted through 4 major iterations and numerous off-shoots (think Extreme C, C50 CX, EPS….) and for 2022 the legacy is reinvented in the C68.
The C68’s construction may cause consternation among many die-hard C fans, but - to my mind at least - Colnago have been clever in their application of their historic C-series crafting, carefully marrying their tube and lug construction with modern technologies. Arguably, the C68 is the perfect representation of the C series’ identity : iconic yet progressive. Indeed, while the aesthetic has been latched onto as “classic”, the C-Series has always signified a forward thinking approach.
The C68 is the first since the C35 not use tube and lug construction. However, neither is it a monocoque like the V3R-s or C35. The C68 is modular; part tube and lug, part monocoque.
The full carbon C68’s main tube sections are individually moulded with integrated joints (there is a variation with the Ti version…) these sections are then coupled and bonded. The downtube and most of the headtube are one piece, while the top tube incorporates the upper part of the headtube. During assembly, the top tube section slides over the downtube / headtube section. The bulk of the seat stays and chainstays are moulded as a single piece, while the seat tube section incorporates the bottom bracket shell and seat stay and the down tube ‘lugs’.
All of this is designed to improve frame performance by having less redundant material (fewer frame elements - now 6 compared with the C64’s 8) optimised carbon layup and improved manufacturing techniques. It also lends the designers greater control of frame stiffness, handling and comfort characteristics.
There are some notable key changes in the C68 over the outgoing C64.
At the front end (beyond the head tube changes) the Fork has been reimagined to stiffen and lighten it, while moving away from the complex TFS D-shape steerer profile used to accommodate the cabling on the C64.
The C68 uses a patented eccentric headset system that eliminates a bulky 1.5” lower headset bearing. This switch down to a smaller bearing would have been a concern for some had Colnago not decided to offer the CeramicSpeed SLT (Solid Lube Technology) within the price. These bearings are a Lifetime fit-and-forget part that will be a relief to mechanics and C68 riders everywhere - particularly in light of modern full-internal routing.
The fork also features a rib shape to deliver greater comfort, and the combination of these developments makes for improved handling to enhance ride quality.
There’s a nice additional ‘Colnago’ touch too. Since the steerer has returned to a more traditional round shape, Colnago have decided to integrate a small 10 function multi tool into the headset top-cap (4 function on the 2 smallest frame sizes), the carrier for which is also structural so additional weight is minimised while pocket space is improved!
In combination with the headset and fork changes, Colnago have introduced a completely new CC.01 monocoque carbon one-piece bar / stem. Available in 16 sizes for the perfect fit, it is unusual in that it is made in a single piece that delivers greater strength and rigidity while simultaneously lowering weight.
At the bottom of the C68, Colnago have moved from their TF82.5 Bottom Bracket to the more widely available and more accommodating T47 standard. The system conveys the same advantages of oversized threaded cups while opening up crank and premium BB options. Furthermore, a removable front derailleur mount allows for an aerodynamically advantageous and aesthetically pleasing set up when running 1x set-ups. I know. But it is going to (and probably should) happen!
The novel construction has yielded technical improvements for ride quality and power transfer, but it has also helped to increase the flexibility surrounding frame sizing. The C68 comes in seven stock sizes - down from nine on the C64, while covering the same rider base and the new construction method makes it easier to accommodate custom stack and reach requests. This is truer still when factoring the swanky Titanium Lugged option that uses custom 3D-printed titanium joints for the upper head tube, and the seat tube cluster.
While the entire package is undoubtedly technically improved, the construction helps convey a more sleek and modern aesthetic. At the same time, it retains visible lug-like elements that make it uniquely ‘C’.
Weight - while it means little in the context of modern bicycle frames at this level, is marginally heavier than the C64 before it - around 25g in the 485 size while, the Ti lugged frame adds a further 10g. Trifling numbers and more than likely outweighed by the technical advancements around stiffness and handling.
Aside from the above advancements, Colnago have taken the approach to broaden the remit of the C68 for a new era of drop-bar cycling and will launch numerous variants.
The traditional R or Road version - like all C-series before it - is built on the racing paradigm and will accommodate tyres up to 28mm (potentially 30-32 depending on brand) for the dedicated roadie.
For the less race focused there will be options of an all-road version accommodating tyres up to around 35mm; a gravel version (for tyres at least 42mm wide) and a rim brake variant of the road version. Each iteration benefits from dedictaed geometry for its intended purpose: the road having the lowest fit and most aggressive handling, the gravel getting a more upright fit and improved stability.
If the design and geometries were not enough to signal Colnago’s commitment to keeping their approaches progressive and relevant, then surely the use of Blockchain tech to immutably guarantee the authenticity of your C68 should demonstrate it?
Each C68 is embedded with a NFC chip that allows access to the frame’s Digital Passport. This assures authenticity through blockchain data while helping to track specifications, history and ownership. This feature not only limits counterfeits but helps to maintain re-sale value.
Not that you’re going to want to sell it!