Colnago’s iconic C series gets the gravel treatment with the C68 Gravel

The traditional lugged Italian framed gravel bike aims to be ‘the best gravel bike’

08:59, Thursday 1st February 2024

Alex Hunt

Junior Tech Writer

The new bike uses the lugs and tubes construction that we have come to expect from the C series from the brand

Colnago has released the C68 Gravel bike. It joins the road and all-road versions that share the C68 name.

The frameset is exclusively handcrafted in Italy and sees Colnago's knowledge and experience in frame construction implemented in the gravel market.

The new bike is the brand's first 'made in Italy' gravel bike that joins the C68 road and all-road models

As we have come to expect from Colnago's C series of bikes, the frame is constructed using carbon fibre tubing and lugs that are then bonded together. An additional layer of carbon fibre wrapping at the joints gives a smoother look, concealing them in a modern take on the brand's traditional manufacturing style.

Read more: One-off Colnago Gioiello Numero 1 sells for £108,000

Even though the bike shares its name with the C68 road bike, it is not simply a case of making the tyre clearances wider and calling it a gravel bike. The C68 Gravel has a very different geometry designed specifically for the demands of its intended environment. As we see across the board with gravel bikes, the C68 Gravel is taller in stack and shorter in reach than the road version. This puts the riders in a more relaxed and upright position, ideal for control as well as all-day rides.

The frame can accept a 42mm gravel tyre and has a higher front end with a shorter reach than the other C68 models

Colnago already has a gravel bike in its stable with the G3-X which aims to be an all-out gravel racing machine. The geometry of the C68 Gravel has been “reviewed with respect to the G3-X” which has, according to Colnago, “the main purpose of improving the stability and allowing the smoothest riding experience across all surfaces.”

In line with current gravel bike trends, the frame has been designed to allow for riders to find their optimal fit with shorter stems. This adds control on loose surfaces and makes rider input more direct for a more responsive ride. The wheelbase of the bike has also grown with a bigger footprint; another design consideration firmly aimed at increasing control when the tarmac runs out.

Read more: What do bike geometry terms really mean?

The C68 Gravel has been designed exclusively around a one-by drivetrain

As standard, the C68 Gravel is designed for one-by drivetrains and comes with a typical rigid fork. Colnago has confirmed that the frame will accommodate a range of suspension forks if the rider wants to up the bike's off-road credentials even further.

As far as tyre clearance is concerned, the C68 finds itself at the more reserved and racy end of the spectrum in comparison to other gravel bikes on the market, with a maximum certified tyre width of 42mm. This is by no means a limiting tyre width, however it is somewhat narrower than the 50mm we are seeing a lot of brands work with.

The frame is made of six individual pieces that are then lugged and bonded together

Pricing and build options

The C68 Gravel will be available in five sizes from 45cm through to 57cm, with 3cm jumps between sizes. Colnago will be releasing three fully built models and a frameset in both a green or black colourway. The C68 frameset will retail for €5,935.

Colnago is offering the C68 Gravel in three complete builds with all of them shipping as standard with 1x12 gearing.

C68 Gravel - SRAM Red XPLR

SRAM Red AXS XPLR groupset
ZIPP 303S Wheelset
$13,199.95 / €12,010.00 / £11,099.99.99

C68 Gravel - SRAM Force XPLR

SRAM Force AXS XPLR groupset
Fulcrum Rapid Red 500 wheelset
$9,599.95 / €8690.00 / £8,099.95

C68 Gravel - Shimano GRX

Shimano GRX 822 1x groupset
Fulcrum Rapid Red 900 wheelset
$7995.95 / €7250.00 / £6,899.95

Colnago will also be offering blockchain registration for the C68 Gravel, which uses an NFC tag that is embedded in the frame and acts as a form of digital passport for the bike. This allows riders to digitally store a certificate of ownership allowing owners to track and maintain the up-to-date history of the bike.

This blockchain registration will also allow riders to access certification of participation in selected and exclusive official events in which the bicycle will take part (starting in the second half of 2024).

What do you make of the latest bike from Colnago? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Colnago

One of the most iconic Italian bike brands, Colnago has supplied bikes to some of the best riders in the world, including Eddy Merckx and Tadej Pogačar.