Colnago C60 :: Eppur Si Muove

It’s not often we build up frames from Italy’s prestigious Colnago, yet here at the end of 2014 we’re going to build three C60 frames. This could be a sign that the oversized C60 will be able to bring Colnago back to the forefront of cycling’s boutique brands where in their prime they made frames for the likes of Eddy Merckx. Handmade in Italy and sporting a variety of modern and proprietary design features the C60 has the potential to be a great bike. The ThreadFit 82.5 bottom bracket seems to be an interesting move for the company and is driven by the desire for oversized tubing, especially for the down tube. Keeping with the tradition and aesthetic of Colnago the C60 is a lugged carbon frame.

“This is our technology, our history,” said Colnago frame designer Davide Fumagalli. “We have some advantages; we can better check the thickness and pressure on all the tubes to ensure uniformity. This is stronger, and repeatable.” (Via BikeRadar)

The very first thing you’ll notice about the C60 and this build is it’s overt dedication to a complete utilitarian goal. The Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 group could end up being the ultimate refinement of mechanical shifting for Shimano. The ENVE 25 clincher rims laced to DT240s provide a reliable climbing platform that’s durable enough to ride everyday for racing and training. The Tune Saddle adds a bit of style to the dark theme of the frame and matches the Italian Deda components provided by Colnago.

Frame / Fork Colnago C60 Italia
Hubs DT Swiss 240 (Front / Rear)
Rims ENVE 25 Clincher
Spokes Sapim CX-Ray
Skewers ENVE
Tyres Continental Gatorskin 25c Folding
Tubes Vredestein Race Lite
Crankset Shimano 9000
Bottom Bracket Colnago ThreadFit 82.5
Chainrings Shimano 9000
Bars Zipp SL
Handlebar Tape Colnago
Levers Shimano 9000
Stem Deda
Headset Colnago 1.125-1.25
Headset Spacers Fairwheel
Saddle Tune Komm-Vor Plus
Seatpost Deda
Seatpost Clamp Colnago
Front Mech Shimano 9000
Rear Mech Shimano 9000
Chain Shimano 9000
Cassette Shimano 9000
Brakes Shimano 9000
Cable Set Shimano 9000
Misc Far and Near Garmin Mount

 

The nomenclature for ThreadFit seems to come from it’s hybrid of threaded and press fit style systems.  The set-up is simple enough to grasp in concept, there’s a thin shell that’s threaded into the frame using two cups. This so far seems reminiscent of a 3 piece BSA bottom bracket without the bearings.  At this point you’re given the option of pressing in any off the shelf BB86 bearings and cups into the alloy threaded cups.  According to Colnago, this eliminates the chance of damaging or deforming a frame with cups that press directly into the frame, at the cost of added weight. There’s no doubt that ThreadFit 82.5 has given Colnago the room to increase their tube size (photo courtesy of BikeRadar) while also giving them a wider platform for crank sets and the option of running a larger diameter spindle.  At the very least according to our crank testing the larger diameter spindle will help provide a stiffer drive train.

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