New Colnago C68 Gravel: Born to race

Colnago launches the C68 Gravel on the market, betting on gravel competition. The model has inherited some key points from the C68 road bikes, but a tire width of up to 42 mm, a unique geometry, and the new integrated handlebar give it its own identity. The range is handcrafted in Italy and starts at 7,250 euros.

Colnago C68 Gravel: the spirit of the C series is ready to conquer the gravel

After embracing gravel with the G3-X, Colnago now raises its ambitions in the category with the C68 Gravel. The iconic Italian firm has launched a model that is part of the C series; this concept with which Colnago seeks to combine in the same machine performance and comfort. The same soul that gives life to the C68 Road and the C68 Allroad also permeates the tubes of the brand's new creation from today.

Colnago has intended to make the C68 Gravel a fun bike in which, they claim, the project revolves around clean design, integration, and modernity. As with the rest of the series, the range is handcrafted in Italy.

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Why is the stiffness of a frame so important?

The frame has the same modular construction of several pieces as the C68 Road and the C68 Allroad; that is, it is formed by the union of several carbon tubes. Even so, Colnago explains that the gravel model has a unique tube profile, as they have slightly widened them to make the frame more resistant. On the other hand, the weight is 1,150 grams.

The geometry is one of the factors on which the authenticity of the model pivots. The C68 Gravel breaks with the measurements of the G3-X and bets on a longer reach -386 mm- and a higher stack -555 mm- to gain in ergonomics but maintain aggressiveness. In addition, the steering angle is 70.5°.

The C68 Gravel accepts a maximum tire width of 42 mm. The measure falls somewhat short with other market options, although it reinforces the competitive character of the new Italian creation. Similarly, Colnago sells the entire range with rigid fork, although in this case the frame has been designed to accommodate suspension forks and other handlebars different from the standard one.

The integrated handlebar CC.01 Wide is also unique for this gravel. The changes they have adopted involve an increase in flare and a reach -shorter than in the C68 Road and the C68 Allroad- of 72.5 mm, as well as it has a drop of 120 mm.

Colnago has announced that there will be five handlebar-stem options; the stems will be between 80-120 mm in length and all handlebars will have a width of 40 cm in the central part.

The model offers two bottle holders, supports on the top tube to install a bag, T47 bottom bracket and a more powerful seat post clamping system. The range consists of three assemblies, although all share the Selle Italia Regal Short Open Fit CRB saddle and the 40 mm Pirelli Cinturato Gravel TLR tires.

The Colnago C68 Gravel is composed of a range that starts with a version equipped with Shimano GRX RX820 and Fulcrum Rapid Red 900 wheels is available for 7,250 euros. Another level features a SRAM Force XPLR AXS group and Fulcrum Rapid Red 500 wheels, priced at 8,690 euros. Finally, the top of the range comes with SRAM Red XPLR eTap AXS and Zipp 303S wheels priced at 12,010 euros.

You can find more information on the Colnago website.