Fly me high through the starry skies
Maybe to an astral plane – Gary Wright
If you’ve read any of my audiophile posts you might also appreciate this fantasy…
Just what would you buy or put together for the ultimate road bike?
I would start with the Colnago C68 Frame Set. The one with the 3D printed titanium internal lugs; this feature allows for customization in the frame geometry, so I could get something precise. The old boy Ernesto, is still holding on to lugged frames, although in the latest iteration of his flagship ride it’s hard to tell from a casual glance. The C68 is still made of six separate parts. The top tube incorporates the upper head tube section, whilst the lower half of the head tube is integrated with the down tube. The seat tube includes the bottom bracket shell and stubs for the seatstays, chainstays, and down tube. A separate seat lug joins the seat tube and top tube, and the rear end is molded in two sections like the C64. All of these bits and bobs are formed and molded separately, then it’s all bonded together to create the finished frame. Colnago still pays homage to the C68’s lugged history with intentionally stepped joints at the head tube and seat cluster, but the other joints are entirely hidden from view, giving more of a monocoque looking appearance.
Colnago says that the smaller frame segments allow for different molding techniques that aren’t possible with bigger sections, as well as better quality control and more consistent finished parts. The C68 is also stiffer for a more responsive feel under power, than earlier models. Hard to believe, considering how stiff my C60 already is.
Tube shaping is more pronounced, too. The seat tube and down tube sport a D-profile (for a bit of an aero advantage), the top tube is more trapezoidal and flared as it approaches the head tube, there’s a modest cutout on the back of the seat tube for tire clearance, the rectangular chainstays are tall and boxy for rigidity, and the bridgeless seatstays seem designed more for comfort than aero watts. It has the same aero-profile carbon fiber seatpost used on the C64 and V3RS, secured with a tidy wedge-style binder hidden inside the top tube.
This baby hand crafted in Cambiago, Italy will set you back about $8,000.00 USD. Weight is approximately 940gm (painted)
Although it comes in very nice colours, I would opt for the custom paint job at $1,300.00 USD. If you do go for custom geometry and paint, then you will need to be prepared to wait up to 180 days for delivery.
Those who know me, also know what’s coming next, don’t you miei amici? Yes, Campagnolo. Non può essercene altro. The delicate balance of the universe would be upset if any gruppo that is not Italian is put on a Colnago. And since you may as well be hung for stealing a lamb as a sheep, you might as well go for broke. See what I did with the pun there…?
So we are talking about Super Record EPS. Finally available in a 12 speed version, and an 11-34 Cassette. Other great features include: Multi-shift technology, which allows you to shift up or down 11 sprockets at a time, plus allows for actual tactical feedback whilst shifting. The system will automatically ensure the chain is in the right position for the sprocket selected. They boast the most powerful servo’s in the industry. There is also an unlock feature in the rare event of a mechanical issue. All titanium bits are specially coated to help minimize wear, and prolong life. The power unit that drives all of this can fit inside the seat post. Every component has been optimized for lightweight, strength, durability, and low friction. The gruppo weighs in at approximately 2,479gm. A tad over $4,000.00 USD
Wheels. Also Campagnolo. Bora Ultra WTO 33. The gold standard. Consider this… Hidden spoke nipples, that can actually be adjusted with the tire on the rim. Two way fit allowing either traditional clincher tires, or tubeless. Did you wonder what the WTO stands for? Wind Tunnel Optimized. And finally… the hubs are even more impressive than the already legendary prior versions. The precisely engineered ceramic bearings (CULT) are more durable than traditional steel bearings, reduce wear and tear and are more efficient – offering 5 ½ times less friction than their standard sealed steel counterparts.
Spinning from a speed of 78km/h, a Campagnolo wheel using CULT bearings takes a staggering 2 hours and 45 minutes to reach a standstill. Contrast this with a mere 30 minutes for regular sealed bearings and the performance benefits needs no more discussion.
1,385 gm. About $3,500 USD
Handlebars. Deda Superlegerra 185gm , $350.00 USD
Handlebar Stem. Deda Superlegerra 100gm , $220.00 USD
Or… Colnago offers an integrated ‘Cockpit’ which comes in 16 different configurations. It’s heavier than the above separates at 310gm, but looks really slick. I’m unsure of the cost adder, but if you have to ask…
Saddle. Selle Italia SLR C69 120 years of making bicycle saddles allows them the ability to produce this lightweight gem. 61gm, $520.00 USD
Pedals. Look Keo Blade Carbon Ceramic Ti 95gm ea., $350.00 USD These are the exact same pedals I have now on my C60.
Tires. Continental Grand Prix 5000. 280gm ea., $105.00 USD ea.
All in we are talking about $19,000.00 and about 7.0 kg. Certainly not the lightest nor the priciest, but mio Dio, what a ride it would be…
