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review

Colnago C68 Super Record 2023

8
£14,999.95

VERDICT:

8
10
Stunning looks, build quality and ride characteristics, for a premium price
Incredible stiffness throughout
Loads of feedback
Very easy to live with
Badge inflation price-wise
Weight: 
7,550g

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The Colnago C68 is not only a stunning bike to look at, it's also stunning to ride. Colnago describes it as the pinnacle of its craftsmanship. The geometry is a balance of endurance and race, with certain parts of the frame feeling pro peloton, others more Sunday club run – in a good way. This is probably as close to a race bike as a non-racer wants. In a nutshell, it's incredibly expensive but also incredibly brilliant to ride.

Don't have £15K to spend on a new ride? Check out our guide to the best road bikes, from £300...

> Buy now: Colnago C68 Road Super Record for €13,336 from CicliCorsa

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - riding 5.jpg

Ride

A few months back I reviewed Colnago's V4RS and loved riding it. Considering its success in the pro peloton, its geometry kind of goes against the norm – it had stunning handling and comfort, but it wasn't as racy as I was expecting considering what it does for a day job.

That was the beauty of it, though, it was so easy to live with. Much easier to tame than many top-flight race bikes.

Colnago obviously has its own way of doing things, and the C68 is no different. In fact it has exactly the same geometry as the V4RS.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - riding 4.jpg

Looking at the setup we have here, with the slammed stem and deep-section wheels, this C68 looks aggressive and purposeful. And twitchy. As though it's going to need to be ridden on the rivet to get the best out of it.

That is so far from the truth. Don't get me wrong, smash the pedals round and this bike is going to impress – the frame is unbelievably stiff everywhere it needs to be, and at just over 7.5kg it feels light and nimble too.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - riding 6.jpg

The steep seat tube also puts you in a forward position to open your legs up and let you get the power down, and when you are out of the saddle you can feel the efficiency through the rear end of the frame, driving that power through the rear wheel.

The front end is quite the contrast, though. The head angle is nudging the numbers I'd expect to see on a gravel bike, and the whole steering feel is much less frantic than you would expect it to be.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - riding 3.jpg

It doesn't affect the handling overly so. It's still a quick bike through the bends – competently so – with direct steering and a precise turn in.

The stiff fork cancels out any understeer, which means you can carry plenty of speed through the corners, and the whole setup feels very stable. And that's the key; by subduing the steering just a touch Colnago has made the C68 a well-balanced bike, which gives security and confidence on a technical descent.

I can see the C68 being a great sportive machine, and I mean the sportives of Italy which, if you've ever ridden one, you'll know are very competitive – they're amateur races in all but name. The Colnago is going to give you the confidence in the middle of the pack and on the descents, while also providing the performance and easy-to-live-with nature required for big mile rides.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - riding 2.jpg

In terms of comfort the C68 does well. It's still a very firm road bike, but the carbon layup and construction minimise harshness. I'd say it feels a little smoother than the V4RS, but we are talking very marginally here.

Overall, the C68 is a stunning bike to ride, both in terms of how it behaves and the ride feel. There is an impressive level of refinement in the ride quality, even on poor UK roads.

Frame & Fork

Compared with earlier iterations such as the C60 and C64, the C68 has very different aesthetics, losing the lugged tube construction look.

Colnago is keen to point out that the number of parts used in this handbuilt-in-Italy frame is the same as the C64; it's built in a different way, with many sections being created in one piece.

This has allowed Colnago to increase stiffness in some areas, like the top of the down tube where it meets the head tube, for instance, and the bottom bracket shell as it is now part of the seat tube.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - head tube.jpg

I prefer the look of the C68 over the C64. This new smooth design where the sections meet looks much more modern, although Colnago has managed to keep some joins noticeable, like where the seat tube meets the top tube, and I do love the split head tube design.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - seat tube junction.jpg

Colnago is also offering the C68 frame with a 3D printed titanium head tube (upper) and seat tube/top tube clusters.

It's not the lightest. The frame is claimed to weigh around 925g for a size 485 with a 535mm top tube (935g if you go for the titanium model). The next size up V4RS, for instance, is a claimed 798g.

Like many other road bikes now, the C68 has all of its wires and hoses running internally, through the handlebar, headset and head tube so that you don't see them at all. It results in a very clean-looking machine.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - head tube badge.jpg

The fork has been completely redesigned as well, with Colnago getting rid of the previous TFS D-shape with internal ribbing, returning to a standard 1 1/8in steerer tube.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - fork.jpg

For the bottom bracket it has adopted the T47 standard, something a lot of brands are doing these days. It allows the use of the oversized dimensions of a press-fit system while retaining the threaded nature of attaching the bearing cups to the frame; the idea is that you can still get the performance gains without having to rely on tight tolerancing between the frame and bearing cup, to avoid creaking from a poor fit or water/dirt ingress.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - bottom bracket.jpg

Looking at the geometry, the C68 is available in seven sizes, with the average stack to reach ratio being around 1.43, which highlights the C68's performance intentions. An endurance style bike is around the 1.5 to 1.55 mark.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record.jpg

This 510 size (which relates to the seat tube measurement) has a 550mm top tube and a 148mm head tube. Its stack and reach figures are 557mm and 388mm respectively.

The seat angle is 74 degrees, while the head angle is a much slacker 71.8 degrees.

Groupset options

The C68 is, as you'd expect, only available in top-end builds or as a frameset. Ours came with Campagnolo's Super Record EPS groupset for a cool £14,995, while other options are SRAM Red eTap AXS, and Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 and Ultegra Di2.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - brake lever hood.jpg

The groupset we have here isn't the latest wireless version of Super Record EPS (which we have a review of in the next couple of weeks), but it is very good nonetheless.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - drivetrain.jpg

Whereas the new version has done away with the thumbshifter, these SR levers still have them, so you get that traditional Campagnolo feel to the ergonomics. I am a massive fan of the hood shape of Campag's levers too.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - thumb lever.jpg

As a groupset the performance is great, with crisp, quick shifting up and down the cassette and across the chainrings.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - crank.jpg

Campagnolo has done a great job of maintaining the feel of its mechanical levers too. Whereas Shimano and SRAM's electronic levers have a very lightweight feel to the gear changes (as their mechanical setups do), Campag EPS still has that reassuring clunk as you drop the chain down the sprockets.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - drop bar and lever.jpg

The braking performance is very good, and I do think that the callipers and rotors look a bit more sculpted than the other two brands.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - rear disc brake.jpg

With the amount of carbon used in its construction, Super Record does look very high end, and its red and white logos blend well with the paintwork of the C68.

Finishing kit

For the cockpit, the C68 comes with Colnago's CC.01 integrated carbon fibre handlebar which is a monocoque design, the bar and stem all one piece. It's smart looking, has impressive stiffness even when you are yanking it hard from side to side when sprinting or climbing, and brings an aero advantage.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - stem.jpg

Hidden underneath the stem cap you'll also find a multi-tool, which is pretty cool.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - stem 2.jpg

The seatpost is full carbon fibre and has a slight aero shape to it rather than being completely round. I like the Colnago logo on it, another classy touch.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - seat stays.jpg

Saddle-wise Colnago has fitted a Prologo Scratch M5 Ti, which has titanium rails. I like Prologo's saddles, and have ridden loads of them over the years; the shape suits me, and I like the firm padding – I'm not a fan of anything too squishy.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - saddle 2.jpg

Wheels & tyres

With a Super Record groupset there isn't really any other option than Campagnolo's Bora WTO wheelset if you want aero and to keep that complete groupset look.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - rim.jpg

At 45mm deep and an amazing 1,420g in weight, they give you a speed boost while also not hampering you on the climbs. Check out our review of them for the full details.

Across all of the builds Colnago has specced Pirelli's P-Zero Race TLR tyres, and I'd say that is a good shout. They'll be expensive to replace (or probably not for someone blowing £15k on a bike), but the performance and fun you'll have out of them while they're wearing out will be worth it, and their rolling resistance and grip will allow you to exploit the characteristics of the C68.

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - rim 2.jpg

Value

It'll come as no surprise that Colnago can price its bikes higher than most because of the badge and the company's heritage. Branding and perceived image are very powerful, and while I'm more of a value-for-money kind of consumer, balanced with quality, performance and so on, if you can get away with it, then why not?

2023 Colnago C68 Super Record - bars 1.jpg

I'm not saying that the C68 isn't a high-end product either, it definitely is. In terms of the overall quality and finish it's excellent. It's just that you can get similar weight, stiffness and performance elsewhere for less.

Even against other Italian superbikes.

The Pinarello Dogma F that Aaron reviewed recently is probably closer in genre to the V4RS, but it is still a top-of-the-range machine with a Super Record EPS groupset and Campag Hyperon wheels, yet it 'only' costs £12,400.

And Basso's Diamante Disc with Super Record Wireless and Campag Shamal Carbon wheels is a relative snip at £9,999.

We actually have one of these in for review at the moment (with Ultegra Di2), so keep your eye out for that one.

Conclusion

Is it worth £15k? Well, that's up to you to decide. Money aside, this is a stunning bike to ride; everything about the ride quality, the geometry, and the handling is spot on. It has character about it which can be hard to create in a carbon frameset.

On top of all that, it is a beauty. This latest design has brought Colnago's C series bang up to date.

Verdict

Stunning looks, build quality and ride characteristics, for a premium price

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Colnago C68 Super Record

Size tested: 510

About the bike

List the components used to build up the bike.

Chain: Campagnolo

Cassette: Campagnolo Super Record, 11/29T

Shifter: Campagnolo Super Record EPS

Rear Derailleur: Campagnolo Super Record EPS

Front Derailleur: Campagnolo Super Record EPS

Bottom Bracket: T47

Crankset: Campagnolo Super Record Carbon (52/36T)

Brakes: Campagnolo Super Record EPS

Wheels: Campagnolo Bora Ultra WTO 45

Seat post: Colnago C68

Saddle: Prologo Scrath M5 Ti

Bar Tape: Colnago Grip

Handlebar: Colnago CC.01

Stem: Colnago CC.01

Headset: Ceramic Speed SLT

Tyres: Pirelli PZero Race

Tell us what the bike is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?

Colnago says, "The new pinnacle of Italian bicycle craftsmanship"

It is stunningly made and very impressive in terms of ride quality and performance.

Where does this model sit in the range? Tell us briefly about the cheaper options and the more expensive options

Colnago lists a few builds on its website: Shimano Ultegra Di2 and Dura-Ace Di2, SRAM Red eTap, and this Campagnolo Super Record EPS.

Frame and fork

Overall rating for frame and fork
 
10/10

Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?

The build quality and finish are exceptional.

Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork?

The frame and fork are full carbon fibre, although Colnago doesn't divulge the grade of the carbon itself, like some brands do.

Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?

The geometry is a blend of race and endurance. You get quite an aggressive pedalling position and low front end, but the handling speed is backed off a touch compared to a full race bike.

How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?

The stack and reach figures are fairly typical for this style of bike at a ratio of around 1.43.

Riding the bike

Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.

It's a firm, stiff bike, but the ride quality is such that it doesn't feel harsh or uncomfortable.

Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?

Stiffness is impressive throughout the C68.

How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?

Thanks to the stiffness and the weight, the C68 feels very efficient.

Was there any toe-clip overlap with the front wheel? If so was it a problem?

No.

How would you describe the steering? Was it lively neutral or unresponsive? On the quick side of neutral.

Tell us some more about the handling. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?

For a bike of this style the handling isn't as quick or twitchy as you'd expect, and by backing things off a touch Colnago has created a bike that can be ridden fast through the bends without it being a handful.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? would you recommend any changes?

The Prologo saddle has a shape that I like and the minimal padding means I didn't find it too soft which can cause pressure points.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's stiffness? would you recommend any changes?

The Bora wheels are very stiff for hard efforts.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's efficiency? would you recommend any changes?

The Bora wheels bring an aero bonus and you can keep the speed high in the bends thanks to the grippiness of the Pirelli tyres.

Rate the bike for efficiency of power transfer:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for acceleration:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for sprinting:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for high speed stability:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for cruising speed stability:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for low speed stability:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for flat cornering:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for cornering on descents:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for climbing:
 
8/10

The drivetrain

Rate the drivetrain for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the drivetrain for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the drivetrain for weight:
 
8/10

Tell us some more about the drivetrain. Anything you particularly did or didn't like? Any components which didn't work well together?

An impressive feeling groupset in terms of shifting and braking performance, and it's great that Campag has managed to maintain its traditional mechanical shift feeling in this electronic version.

Wheels and tyres

Rate the wheels for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the wheels for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the wheels for weight:
 
9/10
Rate the wheels for comfort:
 
8/10

Tell us some more about the wheels.Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the wheels? If so what for?

Incredibly light, stiff, and with great aero gains.

Rate the tyres for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the tyres for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the tyres for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the tyres for comfort:
 
8/10

Tell us some more about the tyres. Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the tyres? If so what for?

Loads of grip and low rolling resistance which suits the C68's characteristics.

Controls

Rate the controls for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the controls for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the controls for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the controls for comfort:
 
8/10

Tell us some more about the controls. Any particularly good or bad components? How would the controls work for larger or smaller riders?

The handlebar is great in terms of hand positions and comfort, although you are limited to specific width/stem lengths dictated by Colnago.

Your summary

Did you enjoy riding the bike? Yes

Would you consider buying the bike? Yes, if money was no object.

Would you recommend the bike to a friend? Yes

How does the price compare to that of similar bikes in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

You are paying a premium price here, even against other Italian superbikes.

Rate the bike overall for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the bike overall for value:
 
4/10

Use this box to explain your overall score

If money is no object then you'll probably score the C68 higher than the 8 I've rated it, but I have to take that into account. Is it three grand better than a top-end Specialized SL8?

Price aside, though, this is one of the best all-round road bikes I have ridden.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 44  Height: 180cm  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: This month's test bike  My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,

As part of the Tech Hub here at F-At Digital, our senior product reviewer Stu uses the knowledge gained from putting well over a 1,000 products through their paces (including hundreds of bikes) to write in-depth reviews of a huge range of kit. After first throwing his leg over a race bike back in 2000, Stu's ridden more than 160,000 miles on road, time-trial, track, and gravel bikes, and while he's put his racing days behind him he still likes to smash the pedals rather than take things easy. Although, as he spends a fair bit of his time reviewing ebikes these days he's becoming an expert in letting the motor take the strain. He's also waiting for 23mm race tyres to make a comeback!

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2 comments

Avatar
Secret_squirrel | 4 months ago
0 likes

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I think it borders on the bland myself.  Certainly doesnt scream £15k bike from the frame although the wheels would probably give it away.  Quiet wealth may work for some ppl of course...

Intruiged by the Ti version, cast Ti lugs at head and seat tubes, would be interested to ride the 2 models back to back.

Avatar
Off the back replied to Secret_squirrel | 4 months ago
0 likes

I have always been puzzled by the Colnago brands 'C' range. There is no denying they are well made bikes that are top quality and ride superbly. But when you see every other major brand pushing their bikes as being lighter, more aero and more race tuned - hence why they are demanding a 5 figure sum for the privelege, the Colnago flagship model has always seemed to me to be just a middle of the road not quite anything in particular bike yet it costs a fortune. Sure it might be hand made in Italy but is that the only reason? 

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