COLNAGO C64 Disc
Colnago C64: completely handmade – “tailor-made,” it could be said – in Italy, with revolutionary tubes (larger, lighter, more durable), the C64 is the fruit of more than two years of research. Yet, it was designed based on an almost immeasurable history of cycling innovation and success – one which began in 1954.
The C64’s tubes and lugs are made of the finest carbon fibre, making it a unique frame in the world – one that cannot be compared to anything else. In the C64’s design lies Ernesto Colnago’s knowledge and experience, gained from a lifelong pursuit of cycling perfection.
HEAD TUBE:
While still retaining the same overall shape as the C60, the C64’s headtube features a new technology which allowed us to reduce the thickness and lower the weight. The shape was also revised to increase side stiffness. As was the entire frame, the headtube was changed from an outer 3k carbon finish to a lighter UD finish.
DOWN TUBE:
Starting with the design of the heavily shaped C60 downtube, we revised the bottom portion, which is now a bit narrower to match better with the rear triangle – for a perfect balance. To increase the torsional stiffness and maximise the integration of components, the downtube features a recessed bottle cage area which creates two long ribs around the middle of the downtube. Regardless of the fact that the C64 was not designed to be a purely aerodynamic frame, the recessed bottle cage gives a clear aero advantage over a traditional mounting position. Cable stops for mechanical shifting are now located on the downtube, in a tucked position behind the headtube.
SEAT TUBE:
Probably the most striking difference between the C60 and the C64 is that the seat tube meets the seat tube lug to form a single piece. This technical feature increased the stiffness of the frame, while keeping the weight low. The monostay is no longer straight either, but is conified to create the best possible gluing surface. Of course, this means we now have 14 different seat tubes for all 14 sizes!
SEAT CLAMP:
For a perfectly streamlined seatpost area, the C64 now features a hidden integrated clamp. Instead of a top-loaded, two-piece seatpost clamp, the C64 has a co-moulded alloy bed, with a single removable part tightened from the bottom. The overall look is sleek, and the weight reduction is around 15g compared to the other style. The bottom-pull concept also provides further locking strength as rider weights increase.
BOTTOM BRACKET:
Designed around our proven ThreadFit82.5, which is basically a PressFit with removable base sleeves, the bottom bracket lug is now more complex than ever. The cable guide, which was typically a bolt-on plastic part, is now moulded into the lug – to save grams as well as to offer the biggest possible radius for the best shifting performance. Another small detail is the hex shape on the side of the downtube insert, which is our datum point to check anything during the bonding of the frame and, later, the QC process. Another striking difference is the asymmetric insertion of the chainstays, with the left one being much wider.
REAR TRIANGLE:
Another key area where we completely changed our technology is the chainstay/dropout area. The C64’s dropouts are now fully part of the chainstays. The one-piece construction allowed us to lower the weight, add vertical compliance, and retain the same lateral stiffness. The disc-brake frameset features threaded12mm thru-axles and co-moulded flat-mount brake provisions. The rim-brake chainstays are a bit wider than the disc version, to help keep the same rear stiffness due to the lack of the thru-axle. This results in a very light but stiff full carbon rear end. The replaceable derailleur hanger is the very same, internally mounted hanger used on all our current road rim-brake frames. The lightweight seat stay is designed around very wide tires, and houses the alloy threaded inserts for direct-mount brakes.
TYRE CLEARANCE:
While lower weight has so far been the key point of the new frame, tire clearance is another important factor we had to address while designing the new C64.
The frame has a clearance of a 36.5mm diameter at a 345mm radius, which means you can use all 28mm tires with plenty of room to spare. Brakes are the limiting factor here, so the disc version has a bit more space.
STEM:
Due to the internal routing of the brake cable housing, we had to design a proprietary stem to complement the C/D fork.
The stem is compatible with all handlebars on the market and features bottom port for brake cables.