Colnago presents its C68, carbon, but also titanium

In 2018 Colnago presented its Colnago C64, so it made sense that in this year 2022 a C68 would take over from the legendary line of C35 and C40, the first carbon bike to win in Paris Roubaix.

C for carbon, 68 for the Italian brand’s 68 years of presence in the cycling world, just that. A C68 that stays in line with previous models. Don’t count on Colnago making a radical break with the C64. A bit like Porsche with its 911, the brand’s CXXs evolve technologically, with subtle accents, but the design remains timeless.

A C68 still handmade in Italy, with fittings (or almost), and which is the first to have an integrated handlebar, the CC.01. A bike that is only offered with disc brakes for now (Colnago promises a skate version later) and is only compatible with electronic transmissions. On the other hand, two versions are offered, the C68 Carbon version and an even more exclusive edition, C68 Titanium.

in the first place

In other words, this presentation will be more than fast, because the relations with Colnago are always complicated for the majority of French journalists. The brand is always there to send the press release on the latest novelty (although very often this message arrives at the moment of lifting the embargo or even after), but when it comes to testing a bike, it is radio silence.

It’s been going on for 10 years… and yet, all the customers who have Colnagos, as well as the shops that sell the brand’s bikes, cheer just at the mention of the name. Everyone praises the qualities of these bikes. And I only ask to believe them. But after more than 30 years of cycling, I have never been able to ride a Colnago. The brand’s stores don’t understand that I don’t have access to a test bike, especially since I’m one of the leaders in France for road bike equipment. Some have tried to help me, but apparently it’s stuck. You have to believe it’s a privilege that has to be earned… and I don’t seem to earn enough.

A boring attitude, which sometimes makes me wonder if it’s worth communicating about the latest brand innovation, since it always goes in one direction. But the brand has the merit of being and of offering new products, so, out of sheer ethics, I have to inform you about that. But excuse me, it’s minimal service for this C68 so you don’t get much more than what’s on the official site†

What’s new about this C68?

The fork is brand new. The previous had a ‘D’-shaped steerer tube with a complex internal rib and a bonded metal threaded bolt the entire length. Colnago returns to a simpler system with a much slimmer, lighter 1″1/8 round steerer tube.

To enable cable routing, the brand has designed a specially patented eccentric headset system, without having to use a bulkier and heavier 1.5″ bearing.

Simplification also on the side of the bottom bracket. Colnago ditches its own TF82.5 for a more “standard” and easy-to-find T47.

The system works the same way, with an oversized bottom bracket shell and internal bearings in threaded alloy cups. So you can mount your C68 with a standard Sram or Campagnolo bottom bracket, while you can use high-end products such as CeramicSpeed, Chris King and many other offerings for compatibility with Shimano 24mm axles.

The number of parts that make up this frame is the same as the previous C-series (C64). Although from an aesthetic point of view the lines and style are more like a monocoque frame, Colnago remains faithful to its construction based on tubes with fittings, but these are no longer glued, but laminated. A construction that makes it possible, for example, to have a lighter and stronger steerer tube.

The new construction allows you to vary the stack and reach while improving stiffness.

Colnago has also offered the luxury of integrating a multi-tool into the headset clamp cap.

Frame weight for a size 485 is approximately 925 grams, unpainted. We are therefore far from a super light frame. The complete version with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 group and Dura-Ace C50 wheels is announced at 7.3 kg without pedals.

In terms of geometry, the latter has been revised. The custom range is complete (but we can still get it as an option), Colnago offers this C68 in seven sizes. The handlebar connections are slightly higher to increase comfort.

The bikes are only offered with 3 groups:

• Campagnolo Super Record EPS with Campagnolo Bora Ultra WTO wheels: €15,772
• Sram Red eTAP AXS with Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels and without power meter: €12,700
• Sram Red eTAP AXS with Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels and with power meter: €14230
• Shimano Dura Ace Di2 Disc 12s with Shimano Dura-Ace C50 wheels and without power meter: €14,065
• Shimano Dura Ace Di2 Disc 12s with Shimano Dura-Ace C50 wheels and with power meter: €14.710

The frame kit reaches 5650 €.

As an option, you can opt for a Shimano Ultegra Di2 Disc 12s with Fulcrum Wind 400 wheels for €10895.

New integrated pendant CC01

A new special Colnago CC.01 integrated handlebar will also be available with the C68. Usually an integrated handlebar is constructed using several pieces of carbon glued together either at the lever mount or on the stem. The Colnago CC.01 is made in one piece, completely monocoque, which is beneficial both in saving weight (it is announced at 310 grams) and in increasing stiffness.

This technical choice was developed during the construction phase thanks to a specific combination of molds that offer 4 options of handlebar widths (37, 39, 41 and 43 cm) and 7 stem lengths (80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130 and 140 mm) for use in total 16 combinations.

C68 titanium

Colnago also offers a second version of the C68, with a titanium top tube (3D printing) and fittings that are also 3D printed in titanium on the seat tube.

This innovation allows Colnago to offer custom geometry and sizes as needed. However, it is difficult to say whether the behavior of this model deviates significantly from the 100% carbon version. But let’s bet this titanium C68 version will be even rarer on the road than the carbon C68!

The frame weighs only 10 grams more (935 grams) in this version.

On the other hand, the price is stratospheric, €6600 for the frame kit!

• Campagnolo Super Record EPS with Campagnolo Bora Ultra WTO wheels: €16,780
• Sram Red eTAP AXS with Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels and without power meter: €13.670
• Shimano Dura Ace Di2 Disc 12s with Shimano Dura-Ace C50 wheels and without power meter: €15590

The titanium C68 will also be offered with the Lightweight Obermayer EVO.

You can still fully customize your C68 by using the Colnago Studio†

Source: press release