Is Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Worth Buying? [2022 Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike Review]

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2022 Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike Review

• Price: $15999
• Frame: Sleeve Carbon
• Tires: 700c×25 Carbon
• Gear: 2×12 Electronic

What we like about it: The exquisite handmade frame, and the historical and cultural heritage of the royal brand.

What we don’t like about it: The relatively modest price/performance ratio.

Rating (4.9/5)

Just like the C40 debuted in 1994, the Colnago C Series is also made up of a bunch of smaller frame sections glued together. But this time it’s different, as the Colnago C68 decided to abandon the traditional aesthetics of its predecessors in favor of a construction method where multiple large pieces are stitched together.

This makes most of the seams invisible, and all but two of the larger sticky lines are hidden by the paint. Everything is prepared for a harmonious appearance, which is difficult to see in a handmade frame. This is even though the C64 is a unique presence in its category. But this traditional aesthetic was ultimately no match for technology, and the C68 had to evolve with the times. Even so, the spirit of Colnago’s C series products still shines through.

Below we analyze the Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike regarding road riding, climbing ability, key features, components, specifications, and other versions.

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Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike Road Riding

The Colnago C series is truly the bike for bike fanatics. They are looking for more than just performance. Elegant aesthetics, confident road manners, and the pleasure of owning an authentic Made in Italy product. In short, this is what the Colnago brand believes in.

I had ridden the Colnago V3 before and was very impressed. After riding the C68, it’s very familiar handling, but with significant improvements in every element. This is a great handling bike.

I rode it on the flat, firm roads of Lanzarote and it has an excellent sense of vibration feedback. To be honest it was very comfortable and the handling was very responsive. I could get through the winding roads quickly and into the pre-selected routes with precision. In addition, the frame itself is very stiff and I can feel a very direct power transfer when I pedal. Even the updated D-shaped seat post didn’t reduce the stiffness of the rear of the frame in any way.

The Pirelli P Zero Race is excellent, and the Lanzarote has more than one rough section, though most of it is glassy smooth. The wide exterior allows it to filter out most of the road vibration for me, and Colnago claims the composite headtube reduces it somewhat, but that may take me longer to feel.

The 8-mile ride ended at the bottom of the trail. A long uphill section follows and the Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike can be called excellent up to that point.

Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike Climbing Ability

The C68 has the same heart as its predecessor, but there is no doubt that the new frame must be better. It is extremely responsive and just a slight change of speed will make it go faster, and it will be an even more powerful experience when facing road climbs.

I had to crank up the cassette when facing the long hills ahead. The wide cassette range of 11/32 allows it to handle steep grades and it’s not as vain as people say when it comes to climbing.

The high-strength frame and the lightweight body make it an extremely strong climber. And the low-frame wheelset makes the wheelset very lightweight and not affected by side winds. For this, I can climb with a very easy stance.

I prefer this kind of lightweight road bike with just some slight aero design rather than those aero road bikes with wide tubes.

It’s well known that an integrated road bike is easier to ride over a variety of different terrains. However, unless you are riding at a crazy speed of 50km/h, you are not going to lose power in such a difference. In addition, the finer carbon tubing filters vibration well. Maybe it’s because climbing is what I love to do after all. After finishing my bike ride, I easily booked accommodation on IHG Hotels & Resorts. I can finally relax and rest well.

Main Features

Frame Group

To keep up with the times, the Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike features the same lightweight design as modern road bikes, eschewing some of the traditional casing designs. This operation makes it look like there are just two seams, the rest is well hidden by the bright paint job. I have to say, it is very rare for a fully handmade carbon frame to achieve such fine workmanship.

What is not easily noticed is that the inside of the frame of the Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike is also very smooth. This is something that most carbon frames struggle to do.

And the frame is completely internally routed, including its integrated handlebars. You can barely see the cables on the outside of the frame, which also greatly reduces the maintenance cost of the bike.

Geometry

First of all, I’m glad that the Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike offers us a whopping 16 size combinations, which gives him a very wide range of sizing. The corresponding geometry varies greatly, with head tube angles ranging from 70.6° for the smallest R420 to 73.1° for the largest R570. The seat angle also becomes more generous throughout the size range, from 75.5° in the smallest size to 73° in the largest.

Overall, the riding geometry is long and low. I ride a size R550, which is close to the typical value of 58cm. I feel like it has a fairly forward stance when riding, which means it is low and aggressive. So looking at the data I found it has a lower Stack (593mm) as well as a longer Reach (403mm).

Components and Specifications

Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 2×12 Drivetrain

The drivetrain uses Shimano’s top component Dura-Ace electronic shifting and uses a 52/36 cog and an 11/30 cassette sport combination. In addition, instead of using the larger 34T gears of the climbing bikes, it uses a method of adding one in the middle of the 11-30 gears to make the shifting dense overall.

This is a great combination for fast road bike riding, giving it a more comprehensive performance.

I found the drivetrain to be very high quality during my climbs. Even when I was out of the saddle and slamming on the pedals, the shifts could remain quick and smooth.

Shimano Dura-Ace 9270 Hydraulic Disc

Shimano’s new hydraulic caliper is their most compact yet. And MONO-BODY’s one-piece construction makes it lightweight and durable at the same time.

And the design widens the brake pad clearance by 10%, which allows me to ride without rubbing the discs even during cranking. My last bike was plagued with scuffing before that.

Pirelli P Zero Race 700x28c Tire

This time, the tires are designed with 28C wide tires, which are not often used on climbing bikes or even road bikes, so the benefits of this design can filter out the smallest vibrations from the road to the greatest extent. And when facing some bumpy roads, you can also ride with peace of mind.

Inflate the tire pressure to a high 82/80 psi on the high side and it is very smooth on all surfaces. The louder rattle shifts to a dull thud except on very bumpy roads, which doesn’t weigh down your shoulders and arms and gives a solid feel to the ride. It’s composed and comfortable, not at all fragile or unstable like its much lighter counterparts.

Other versions of Colnago C

In this review, we have reviewed the Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike, a royal road bike brand with a long history. They have always insisted on hand-made frames, so they can only produce a mere 12 frames per day. However, the delicate frame makes it look like a work of art

I like the shape and the balanced enough performance. For this reason, I also found its titanium version, the 2022 Colnago C68 Ti Disc Kaizen Pro Bike, a carbon, and titanium version of this frame that uses titanium lugs for a customizable geometry. Titanium is the material of choice for this process, as it weighs about the same as carbon. It also has better durability and can be 3D printed, and by adjusting the lugs you can change the length of your top tube and the amount of forward reach.

If you want to follow more versions of the Colnago C series, feel free to follow us.

What we like about it

1. Exquisite handmade frame.
2. Electronic shifting as well as disc braking system, which was not equipped in the previous generation.
3. The lug structure has been reduced to reduce weight and increase rigidity.
4. Comfortable riding geometry.
5. A long cultural heritage.

What we don’t like about it

1, may not be relatively high-cost performance.

FAQs

1、 What type of rider is the Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike suitable for?

The Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike is for riders seeking culture as well as refinement. The Colnago’s long-standing royal brand culture and hand-crafted frame are very appealing.

2、 What kind of tires does the Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike use?

With Pirelli P Zero Race 700×28 tires.

3、 Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike is suitable for which height people?

The Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike is available in up to 16 sizes and can be custom sized for buyers. They say the Colnago fits riders of all heights.

Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike Specs

Build

Frame	Carbon
Fork	Carbon
Headset	CeramicSpeed SLT
Stem	Colnago CC.01 Integrated Bar and Stem
Handlebar	Colnago CC.01 Integrated Bar and Stem
Saddle	Prologo Scratch M5 CPC Tirox
Seatpost	Colnago C68
Pedals	Not Included

Groupset

Rear Derailleur	Shimano Dura-Ace 9250 Di2
Front Derailleur	Shimano Dura-Ace 9250 Di2
Crank	Shimano Dura-Ace 9200
Shifters	Shimano Dura-Ace 9270 Di2
Cassette	Shimano Dura-Ace 9200
Chain	Shimano M9100 12-speed
Brakes	Shimano Dura-Ace 9270 Hydraulic Disc

Wheels

Rims	Fulcrum Speed 40 Elite
Tires	Pirelli P Zero Race 700×28
Disk Rotors	Shimano

Video

Comparison Table

Bicycles	Price	Drivetrain	Components	Tires	Click view
2022 Scott Addict RC Ultimate	$15999	2×12	Sram Red eTap	Schwalbe PRO ONE Microskin 700×28c	Click View
2022 Colnago C64 Disc Daytona Pro Bike	$12200	2×12	Sram Red eTap	Schwalbe Pro One EVO V-Guard Addix Race Super Race 700×28c	Click View
2022 Liv Langma Advanced, SL Disc RED	$12000	2×12	Sram Red eTap	CADEX Road Race 700×25c	Click View
2022 Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Disc Dura-Ace Di2	$13050	2×12	Dura-Ace Di2	Vittoria Corsa, 700 × 25c	Click View

2022 Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike VS 2022 Scott Addict RC Ultimate

Both bikes have the same price, but there doesn’t seem to be much difference in the configuration. The drivetrain uses the top electronic shifting components of both Shimano and Sram, and there will be a difference in feel in actual use. But there is no doubt that they are impeccable.

Geometrically, the Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike has a higher Stack and less Reach, which gives it a more comfortable riding position. The Scott Addict RC Ultimate, on the other hand, is more aggressive and better suited for racing. If you prefer to get a handsomely painted road bike Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike is a better choice, while the latter is a dedicated race bike.

2022 Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike VS 2022 Colnago C64 Disc Daytona Pro Bike

The Colnago C64 Disc Corsa Pro Bike is its predecessor and the 64th anniversary model of the Colnago brand. It features the same exquisite workmanship and shape, with the difference being the use of the Sram Red eTap drivetrain. It is the same top of the line, and also uses the same wireless design.

The new Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike also features fewer lugs, which enhances the rigidity of the frame while reducing overall weight.

Some very many people like both kits and can choose according to their preferences.

Learn More: 2022 Colnago C64 Disc Corsa Pro Bike Review–Fine Italian Climbing Artist

2022 Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike VS 2022 Liv Langma Advanced, SL Disc RED

Liv is a bike brand for women. It is also a top-of-the-line road bike with excellent geometry designed for women. But unfortunately, its maximum size is very small. If you are taller than 180cm, I don’t recommend you to ride this bike. However, if you are a woman, it could not be more suitable.

And the Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike offers a very large selection of sizing, up to 16. This allows riders of every height to get the right frame, which is very appealing. They also feature the same top-notch drivetrain and various sub-accessories, but the right height varies.

Learn more ：Is Liv Avail Advanced 2 Worth Buying? – [Liv Avail Advanced 2 Review]

2022 Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike VS 2022 Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Disc Dura-Ace Di2

Cannondale SuperSix EVO, which is a very wide road bike. It has a very wide overall frame, giving the rider a more comfortable ride and keeping it stable while riding. Also, the dropped rear upper fork illustrates this very well. Despite having a very high standover height, the wide selection of 8 sizes also allows you to choose the right size. Also, the frame does most of the aerodynamics to give it a more airy look.

The Colnago C68 Disc Dura-Ace Di2 Bike pays more attention to the fine craftsmanship of the frame, and the pure handmade lug design always makes people admire it after seeing it. The Italian royal bloodline also makes it shine even more.

In addition, they use the same top-of-the-line Shimano electronic shifting.

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learn more:Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE Review [2022]- High-End Gravel Bike