In their 64th year of consistently designing and manufacturing frames using the highest quality materials and with the finest attention to detail, Italian brand, Colnago, have released the C64 Art Decor Road Semi-Integrated Disc Frameset with high geometry. This is the latest in their flagship road racing 'C' range, renowned for an unmatched ride feel and offering the perfect balance of performance and comfort. Lighter, stiffer and more vertically compliant than its C60 predecessor, this frameset can be built into your dream bike, be it for racing, tackling grueling alpine climbs or more casual long weekend rides.
There have been a number of subtle updates that see this frameset weighing in at around 270 grams less than the C60 disc. Constructed from the finest carbon fibre, the frame has a UD (unidirectional) finish that is lighter than the previous 3K carbon. With a high geometry, the head tube is slightly taller, putting most riders in the optimal position for performance without the need for a stack of spacers under the stem.
The fork has been completely redesigned for increased rigidity as well as enhancing the overall strength with a new external rib shape and an internal rib in the steerer tube. Housing the nut for the top cap eliminates the need for an expander plug and the C/D steerer shape of this disc fork allows the brake housing to neatly run from the stem for clean and sleek aesthetics. Colnago have retained the 12mm thru axle design here and in the rear dropouts, however, both are now threaded for a further reduction in weight.
New technology in the headtube means it has been possible to reduce the amount of material, resulting in thinner, lighter walls that retain all their strength yet have increased rigidity. Technology borrowed from the Concept has been utilised in the headset but the upper cups are now composed of a special carbon-mix polymer to absorb road shock more effectively, resulting in reduced fatigue in the hands and up into the arms.
The downtube has been designed around that of the C60, however, the narrower bottom portion is more aesthetically in line with the rear triangle. A recessed bottle cage area offers improved integration and keeps your bottle out of the wind for aerodynamic efficiency. Further to this, the design creates two long ribs around the middle of the downtube, significantly increasing torsional stiffness. The cable stops have also been positioned on the down tube and behind the head tube to cut drag.
A striking difference between this frame and the C60 lies in the new design of the seat tube. Meeting the seat tube lug, it now forms a lighter single piece that is also far stiffer. Streamlined and in keeping with the rest of the frame, the seat clamp is now integrated and hidden in the seat tube. The co-moulded alloy bed has a single removable part that is tightened from the bottom and an added benefit is a 15-gram reduction in weight over other clamping systems. The seatpost itself has been based on the V2-R post that offers enhanced aerodynamics and improved vertical compliance. Soaking up road buzz, you'll remain comfortable no matter the terrain or distance ahead.
The light and stiff full carbon rear triangle is created using a completely new design. The dropouts are now fully connected to the chainstays in a one-piece construction; reducing weight and retaining rigidity whilst adding comfort through increased vertical compliance. The seatstays are incredibly light and designed around 28mm tyres, while the chainstays are asymmetrical, ensuring all your power is transferred almost instantly and extremely efficiently.
With the ability to run both mechanical and electronic groupsets, this is a versatile option for your next high-end bike build.
Frame: Colnago C64 Art Decor, carbon
Fork: Colnago C64 carbon, 1-1/8" to 1-1/4" steerer