All Roads Lead To Gravel - The Colnago C68 Gravel
Earlier this month, myself and a few other editors were invited to get an up close look at the all-new C68 Gravel from Colnago that officially launches today, Feb 1, 2024. The Italian brand hosted a 3-day event in San Diego where we had the opportunity to test the new Italian gravel bike, while I was also tapped to lead a few rides to give the editors a chance to see just how capable the C68 Gravel is. Here I report what I learned about the company, the bike, and offer a few first ride impressions.
all roads lead to gravel
Colnago is a manufacturer of ultra high-end road bikes founded in Cambiago, Italy, in 1954. With a storied history of making high-quality steel-framed bicycles for pro racing, they have made an impressive pivot in recent years to creating innovative carbon fiber bikes both in Italy and Taiwan. Most recently, Tadej Pogačar won both the 2020 and 2021 Tour de France riding Colnago bikes. The next logical step? Gravel.
The Colnago C68 Gravel is the Italian brand’s latest in its C-Series and first gravel bike that’s handmade in Italy
C Stands For
C stands for Carbon, Colnago, Cambiago, and Class. 68 represents how far Colnago has come since the year in which they were founded, 1954. In 2022 Colnago launch the C68 Road, which was quickly followed by the C68 Allroad. The C68 lineup, including the new Gravel edition, are all handmade in Italy. But what makes the C68 series truly unique is its modular construction, where Colnago has combined the clean lines of contemporary monocoque (where the frame is constructed as one complete section of carbon) with the advantages of lugged construction (where socket-like sleeves are used to attach individual tubes). The result of this innovative modular concept is a frame with enhanced customization and a greater degree of control on how the the frame is constructed, which Colnago says has enabled them to create a more comfortable ride experience. The five pieces that make up the C68 frame include the top tube section, the head tube + down tube section, the bottom bracket + seat tube section, and both seat stays. By comparison, Colnago V-series frames are made in Taiwan and all feature a monocoque construction.
The C68 Gravel is available in this attractive Green (Ben Delaney’s preference) and Black
Gravel Specific C68
The C68 Gravel geometry was tuned for improved compliance and capability on rugged terrain. Compared to its C68 siblings, the Gravel edition offers a shorter reach and higher stack, which translates to improved handling characteristics and confidence, while still maintaining an overall aggressive setting. As for tire clearance, the C68 Gravel accommodates up to 42mm. The frame includes both standard bottle cage mounts inside the frame, and a top tube mount. There are no hidden storage compartments or cage mounts under the down tube.
The Colnago C68 Gravel has clearance for up to 42mm gravel tires
Rear tire clearance with 40mm tires on the Colnago C68 Gravel
C68 G Pricing
As you might have guessed, handmade modular carbon fiber bikes made in Italy are not cheap. The Colnago C68 Gravel Frameset retails for $7,100 USD, while a full high-end build with SRAM Red XPLR, ZIPP 303S wheels, Colnago CC.01 Wide integrated handlebar, Selle San Marco Regal Short Carbon saddle, and Pirelli Cinturato 40mm tires costs $13,200 USD.
The CC.01 Wide cockpit is a new enhanced version of the CC.01 specially designed for gravel, with a wider flare
The C68 Gravel looks monocoque, but it’s modular.
Colnago CC.01 Wide integrated handlebar
Clean lines on the C68 Gravel downtube
The C68 Gravel comes with a revised seat post clamp, with improved tightening and rubber cover
Ride IMPRESSIONS
I had no hesitation to test ride the Colnago C68 Gravel during a beautiful winter week in San Diego on a 36-mile gravel ride that included a variety of surfaces including sand, rocks, mud, gravel, singletrack, fire road and pavement. Compared to my Open WI.DE., the Colnago immediately struck me as light and quick, while also being extremely capable and fun to ride off road. It felt just as fast as I expected, even with the wider 40mm Pirelli Cinturato tires. I attribute this to the lightweight frame and aerodynamic design. It delivered a lively and enjoyable riding experience on singletrack and smooth gravel, combining nimble handling with a comfortable geometry. A lot of new gravel bikes today have tire clearance up to 45 to 50mm, but it quickly became evident why Colnago decided not to go that direction. The C68 Gravel wants to go hard and fast on road and rip through dirt sections. It had no problem handling some of the more technical terrain when pushed hard, but it expects a certain level of strength and finesse to deliver the best ride. This bike is clearly designed around a fast race gravel tire, and that’s where this bike shines. Perhaps most evident given the cost is that it’s for the rider that appreciates the heritage of Colnago who is looking for a premium gravel experience. Colnago's commitment to craftsmanship and innovation is evident in the C68 Gravel, making it a standout option for those seeking a high-performance Italian gravel bike with an iconic design.
Brandt Furgerson, CEO Colnago America
Want to view the gravel route and photo gallery from the C68 Gravel Media Camp here San Diego? You can find it in our follow-up story Colnago C68 x Gravelstoke.
Words and photos by Dave Malwitz
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Results, Video, and Route from the 2024 Belgian Waffle Ride California.