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NEW COLNAGO C68 FLAGSHIP ROAD BIKE DEBUTS MADE-IN-ITALY MODULAR CONCEPT

The successor to the venerable C64 abandons tubes and lugs in favor of a modular design that’s stiffer and even more customizable.

According to Colnago, the smaller frame segments allow for different molding techniques that aren’t possible with bigger sections, as well as better quality control and more consistent finished parts. Ride feel is supposedly more tunable as well, and at least compared to the C64, the Colnago C68 is also stiffer for a more responsive feel under power. And because of the way the two head tube sections nest and slide within each other, Colnago says the new Colnago C68 can be built with customizable stack and reach (within a certain range, that is) — an important feature since there are now seven stock sizes instead of nine on the C64.

Perhaps most importantly from a marketing perspective, the new construction method also gives the Colnago C68 a far more modern appearance than any C model that came before it. 

Colnago still pays homage to the Colnago C68’s lugged history with intentionally stepped joints at the head tube and seat cluster, but the other joints are entirely hidden from view. Tube shaping is more pronounced, too. The seat tube and down tube sport a D-profile (presumably for a bit of an aero advantage), the top tube is more trapezoidal and flared as it approaches the head tube, there’s a modest cutout on the back of the seat tube for tire clearance, the rectangular chainstays are tall and boxy for rigidity, and the bridgeless seatstays seem designed more for comfort than aero watts. 

Colnago has fitted the Colnago C68 with fully internal routing, which is unfortunately only compatible with electronic drivetrains and disc brakes (sorry, folks, your dreams of a C68 equipped with a Campagnolo Super Record mechanical rim-brake groupset have been dashed). However, Colnago’s approach to internal routing seems fairly agreeable.

Colnago C64

THE PERFECTION OF MADE IN ITALY.

Colnago C64 frame is fully hand made in Italy and is the result of more than 2 years of research and it represents the continuity of the history of a company that has collected successes and innovations for more than 60 years.

FORK

Completely redesigned, it is more stiff and resistant and weighs 40 grams less.
With an external rib-shape to give the rider more comfort (front stiffness) but also to increase the ride-quality (side stiffness). To increase the stiffness and strength, we’ve created an internal rib in the steerer tube, which also holds the nut for the top cap and eliminates the need for an expander-plug. With the same shape as the disc fork, the rim version houses the pivots for the direct-mount brakes – which offers plenty of tire clearance. The fork length was increased by 5mm to be able to accommodate larger tires yet still have a hollow upper structure. To lower the weight but still retain the same stiffness and performance as the C60 fork. Dropouts are now full carbon – replacing the alloy dropouts used on the C60.

HEAD TUBE

Lighter and stiffer thanks to the reduced thickness, the unidirectional fiber and the special inner rib.
While still retaining the same overall shape as the C60, the C64’s headtube features a new technology which allowed us to reduce the thickness and lower the weight. The shape was also revised to increase side stiffness. As was the entire frame, the headtube was changed from an outer 3k carbon finish to a lighter UD finish.

HEADSET

Based on the experience we had with the Concept’s headset, we wanted to bring that technology to this model as well. We revised the upper cups, which are now made of a special polymer composed of carbon fiber and a special mix of nylon and elastomers. This feature offers the additional capacity to absorb road vibration, improving both handling and rider comfort.

DOWN TUBE

The stellar section and the reduced width increase the torsional rigidity.
Starting with the design of the heavily shaped C60 down tube, we revised the bottom portion, which is now a bit narrower to match better with the rear triangle – for a perfect balance. To increase the torsional stiffness and maximize the integration of components, the down tube features a recessed bottle cage area which creates two long ribs around the middle of the downtube.Recessed bottle cage gives a clear aero advantage over a traditional mounting position. Cable stops for mechanical shifting are now located on the down tube, in a tucked position behind the head tube.

SEAT TUBE

Single piece monocoque, to make the frame more stiff without increasing weight.
Probably the most striking difference between the C60 and the C64 is that the seat tube meets the seat tube lug to form a single piece. This technical feature increased the stiffness of the frame, while keeping the weight low. The monostay is no longer straight either but is conified to create the best possible gluing surface. Of course, this means we now have 14 different seat tubes for all 14 sizes!

SEAT CLAMP

A more elegant line, with the seat post locking system completely hidden.
For a perfectly streamlined seat post area, the C64 now features a hidden integrated clamp. Now instead of a top-loaded, two-piece seat post clamp, the C64 has a co-molded alloy bed, with a single removable part tightened from the bottom. Weight reduction is around 15g compared to the other style. The bottom-pull concept also provides further locking strength as rider weights increase.

SEATPOST

It is based on the shape of the V1-r seatpost and the semi truncated drop shape adds a bit of aero performance, while giving better vertical compliance compared to the previous round 31.6mm seatpost.
In default post has 15mm setback, while optional 0mm and 30mm will be available aftermarket.

BOTTOM BRACKET

Cable guide printed directly in carbon.
It is designed around our proven ThreadFit82.5 which is basically a PressFit with removable base sleeves . The cable guide, which was typically a bolt-on plastic part, is now molded into the lug – to save grams as well as to offer the biggest possible radius for the best shifting performance. And another small detail is the hex shape on the side of the down tube insert which is our datum point to check anything during the bonding of the frame and, later, the QC process. And another striking difference is the asymmetric insertion of the chainstays, with the left one being much wider.

CERAMIC SPEED

A bottom bracket which is designed specifically for our frames.
From the beginning of the ThreadFit 82.5 project the idea was ingenious: keep the reliability of a threaded BB but offer the benefit of a wider shell. It is typical of a PressFit system.
And now we’ve moved further forward with a collaboration with premium bearing brand Ceramic Speed. In conjunction, we’ve created our own threaded, wider bottom bracket, with best-in-class bearings. We will be offering 3 different bottom brackets (Campagnolo, Shimano, SRAM) as aftermarket purchase options.

REAR TRIANGLE

Full carbon dropouts and horizontal chain stays molded in one piece.
And another key area where we completely changed our technology is the chainstay and dropout area. The C64’s dropouts are now fully part of the chainstays. The one-piece construction allowed us to lower the weight, add vertical compliance, and retain the same lateral stiffness. And the rim-brake chainstays area is a bit wider than the disc version. This helps keep the same rear stiffness as there is no thru-axle. As a result is a very light but stiff full carbon rear end. The replaceable derailleur hanger is the very same, internally mounted hanger used on all our current road rim-brake frames.

TIRE CLEARANCE

Up to 700x28c

And lower weight of the new frame has been the key point .But tire clearance is another important factor. and we had to address it while we designed the new C model .