Colnago C68: next-gen classic

It’s the Elvis of handbuilt carbon frames and the latest model is aimed at the connoisseur rider

- Simon Smythe

‘Iconic’ is an overused word, but it’s the only one that can properly describe the Colnago C series. The C40 was the first carbon bike to win Paris-Roubaix in 1995 and ever since then each new C model – there have only been four principal ones – has represented the absolute pinnacle of quality, craftsmanship, luxury and exclusivity as well as celebrating the number of years since Ernesto Colnago founded the brand in 1954.

The C68 looks every bit the worthy successor. It blends tradition – it is handmade in Italy following the tradition of all the C bikes – but incorporates the latest technology. A limited-edition version with 3D printed titanium lugs – a first in a production bike – is to be offered as a made-to-measure option. Additionally, Colnago customers can design their own C68 via an app, creating an NFT (non-fungible token) version of it as well as a physical one. As is befitting of the next generation of modern classic, Colnago will offer a rim brake version alongside the disc model.

Perhaps for the first time in the history of the C series, however, the C68 is not designed for racing at the top level. Some UAE Emirates riders have used the C64, but the double Tour de France-winning V3RS is now the default team bike.

So the C68, Colnago says is “a totally new soul based on performance but also oriented towards riding enjoyment”. The geometry is by no means endurance though. The C68 will be available in Road, Allroad and Gravel versions. It is now a platform rather than a bike.

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