As with the C68 Road the frame is assembled from individual parts. The production technology no longer has anything to do with the lugged construction of its iconic predecessor, as separately manufactured modules are now glued together at the junctions. Nevertheless, the gravel bike picks up on the design language of the classic and is recognisable as an independent construction on the gravel track.
Colnago adapts the frame geometry for off-road use. Compared to the road and all-road versions, you sit slightly more upright. For a gravel bike, the riding position is nevertheless race-like. According to the manufacturer, the STR ratio for the medium frame size 51 is 1.46. Race gravel bikes like the Scott Addict Gravel or Specialised Crux you sit in a similarly stretched position. At the same time, the Italians have given the C68 Gravel a longer wheelbase and slacker steering angle, which should increase riding stability in difficult terrain. The new handlebar/stem combination, which is slightly wider on the lower handlebar than on the road bike, promises more control.
Colnago C68 Gravel: The most important facts
- Special features: Carbon frame in modular design, manufactured by hand
- Weight of complete wheel: not specified
- Stack/Reach/STR: 580/397 millimetres/1.46 (size 51)
- Maximum tyre clearance: 42 millimetres
- Frame sizes: 45, 48, 51, 54, 57
- Price complete wheel: 7250, 8690 or 12010 Euro
- Price frame set: 5935 Euro
Colnago did not provide any information on the weights. For classification: The frame of the C68 Road (size 53) weighed in at 1060 grams on the TOUR scales. Overall, we weighed the bike with Dura-Ace components for our individual test with 7.3 kilograms. Speaking of the frame: After the main sponsor of the Top teams UAE Emirates Since superstar Tadej Pogacar already reduced the range of sizes for the road version and thus gave up a unique selling point popular among fans, the gravel bike is now only available in five frame sizes.
The new C model is also quite sporty when it comes to maximum tyre clearance, as the frame and fork can accommodate tyres up to 42 millimetres wide. Fast 40 mm tyres from Pirelli are fitted ex works. Colnago has dispensed with mounting points for bags, mudguards or pannier racks. The practical mini-tool integrated into the head tube of the C68 Road is no longer included, judging by the product images. The frame can only be ridden with single drivetrains and is compatible with cockpits or suspension forks from third-party suppliers.
Colnago C68 Gravel: Equipment and prices
Colnago offers three versions of the C68 Gravel - at exclusive prices and with unusual equipment. The models with mechanical Shimano GRX or electronic SRAM Force XPLR are fitted with robust aluminium wheelsets from Fulcrum, but the price tags are still high at 7250 and 8690 euros respectively. Only the top version is built with lightweight carbon wheels from Zipp and, at € 12010, is definitely aimed at (design) enthusiasts. The frame set is available for 5935 euros.
C68 Gravel GRX 820
- Drive: Shimano 820 (1x12; 42, 11-51 t.)
- Impellers: Fulcrum Rapid Red 900 (aluminium)
- Tyres: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H TLR (40 mm)
- Price: 7,250 Euro
C68 Gravel Force XPLR
- Drive: SRAM Force XPLR AXS (1x12; 40, 10-44 t.)
- Impellers: Fulcrum Rapird Red 500 (aluminium)
- Tyres: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H TLR (40 mm)
- Price: 8,690 Euro
C68 Gravel Red XPLR
- Drive: SRAM Red XPLR AXS (1x12; 40, 10-44 t.)
- Impellers: Zipp 303S (Carbon)
- Tyres: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H TLR (40 mm)
- Price: 12,010 Euro
Julian Schultz
Editor
