The frame and other technical features The C68 is made using a modular structure which is at the heart of the project and provides its excellence. Bonding the various parts of the frame, instead of assembling them inside a mould as happens with monocoque frames, still represents a uniqueness that allows for the creation of more sizes as necessary and, if desired, even a "made to measure" frame thanks to the titanium lugs.

The number of parts that constitute the frame is the same as with the previous C series even though, from an aesthetic point of view, its line may be more similar to that of a frame manufactured in one piece. The choice was dictated by the search for a modern look, but always remaining desirable to the traditional Colnago customer, thus widening the range of purchasing possibilities.

From a structural point of view there are some noteworthy differences compared to the predecessor, C64: the bottom bracket, now with the standard T47, has merged with the seat tube while the "top tube" is characterized by the presence of two lugs: one connected with the seat tube, the other with the steering tube. These lugs are integral with each other in the full carbon frame version, but there is the possibility of having these two lugs in titanium alloy.

In addition to being lighter than the C64 in similar sizes, the frame is more rigid, especially in the steering area, giving better precision while riding. The shape refinement process has also made it possible to optimize some parts of the frame including the fork, now more rigid and lighter than the previous one, with an innovative internal cable routing and which, thanks to the shape of the new head tube, can be built without the current and more complex "D" shape.

Remaining in the front section of the frame, note the integration of a ten-function multitool placed directly inside the steering cap (four-function multitool for the two smaller frame sizes). To maintain continuity in terms of spare parts and ease of production, the shape of the seat post is identical to that of the C64 and V3Rs.

Finally, a new option allows for the removal of the front derailleur support for mounting groups with a single-chainring crankset.

FORK

• The fork changes from the previous TFS 'D' shape with the complex internal rib and the full length bonded metal thread bolt for a much simpler, elegant and lighter round 1"1/8 tube.
  
• To run the brake housing inside we have adopted a special patented eccentric headset system, without having to use the larger cumbersome and heavy 1.5" bearing.

BOTTOM BRACKET

• The C68 now boosts a revised bottom bracket, with the switch from our previous TF82.5 to a more "standard" and easy to find T47.
• The system works the same way, with an oversized bb shell and internal bearings housed in alloy threaded cups.
• You can assemble your C68 with a standard BB from Sram and Campagnolo, while you can use premium products such as CeramicSpeed, Chris King and many other offerings for compatibility with Shimano 24mm axles.

FROM LUGS TO PARTS

• The number of parts that complete the frame is the same as with the previous C series (C64).
• Even though from an aesthetics point of view, its lines and styling may be more similar to that of a frame manufactured in one piece.
• There are still some visible joints on the C68 to trace back to our root, while other joints would appear invisible due to the new streamlined design.

HEADTUBE

• The new split headtube is now stronger, lighter and more customizable than ever.
• The new layout allows stack and reach variations, along with improved stiffness for an enhanced riding experience.

INTEGRATED MULTITOOL

• Returning to a round steerer tube allows us to put a touch of "we ride too" into the bike.
• Everyone needs, at some point, a multitool to face every small adjustment that may be required during an epic or not so epic ride (like a flat tire).
• So we integrated that tool into the headset top cap.
• Rotate and pull, that's it.
  

OTHER FEATURES

• The frame weight for a raw size 485 is around 925gr, just 10gr more (935gr) for the titanium version.