![colnago c40 vs c59 colnago c40 vs c59](https://i.ebayimg.com/thumbs/images/g/NSwAAOSwOydhA2gB/s-l225.jpg)
It climbs really well, and while it's probably never going to be as light as a Trek Emonda or Specialized Tarmac, it can hardly be accused of being portly.Īs the road levelled out for several miles and undulated through the dramatic landscape, a startling visual reminder of its volcanic past, the C64 does what the C Series has always done so well, settles down for the long haul. There’s absolutely no flex from the bottom bracket junction either. Out of the saddle, it’s clear the front of the bike feels sharper and more direct, an extra level of precision compared to the old bike. Onto bigger roads where the group could open the taps a bit more, and a long steady climb gradually steepening through a series of turns allowed the bike to finally show me what’s it made off. I immediately felt at home, the bike smooth and comfortable over the speed-bumps and occasional sunken drain as we made our way into the interior of the island to find some open roads and climbs. Rolling out through the busy streets of the town we were staying in, past the many cafes and bars and well-tanned tourists, it was immediately clear the handling that I liked so much when I tested the C60 had been retained in this new C64. The disc version of the new bike wasn't' available to ride so I was using the rim brake version, with the new direct mount brakes that replace the previous dual pivot calipers. Light too, though with no scales on hand I can only guess that it weighed about 7kg using my well-calibrated arm. A lovely Campagnolo Super Record groupset with Bora 35 carbon wheels and 25mm Vittoria Corsa tyres, a Deda handlebar and stem and Selle Italia saddle made for a very nice build. There was no shortage of top-level equipment on the bike I was given to ride.
![colnago c40 vs c59 colnago c40 vs c59](https://www.ridemedia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/1_Bike-of-MUSEEUW-ridemedia-retroreview.jpg)
And that will happen, but for now here how’s I got on. A longer-term test on my home roads will be needed to fully assess the bike. That time restriction, along with the unfamiliar roads and other variables means that only a first impression can be formed of the new bike. With just two rides on the new bike, 120km on day one and 55km on day two before dashing to the airport to fly home, it’s not enough time to get to know the nuances of the new bike. And the wind seemed to be relentless during the entire time I was there. Ignore the wind though, and the island offers lots of nice rolling roads, a few shorts climbs, and mostly smooth surfaces, good for putting a new bike through its paces. But the one thing you need to know about Lanzarote is that very occasionally it can be windy. It doesn't seem the most natural place for an Italian bike launch, but it was warm and sunny and the roads are smooth. Lanzarote, better known for cheap package holidays, was chosen as the destination for the worldwide launch, simply to guarantee nicer weather than they were not enjoying back home in Italy. There are a host of other changes and interesting developments, so make sure you have a read of that first look article. The frame and fork will now easily accommodate 28mm tyres with Continental GrandPrix 4000 II S tyres used to test clearance, which actually come up quite a bit wider according to Colnago. The other key change and one that will be well received is the clearance for wider tyres. But despite that reluctance to get involved in the weight battle, the new C64 is significantly lighter than its predecessor: the rim brake frameset drops a claimed 205g while the biggest saving is on the disc brake version of the C64, a whopping 270g. It leaves the weight weenie antics to likes of Cervelo, Trek and Specialized who keep taking chunks out of each other with each model launch. Colnago was keen to remind me that chasing low weight has never been a driving force for the company, instead, it has always preferred to focus on handling and reliability. What the C60 wasn’t was one of the lightest bikes on the market. Whilst not the most radical changes, it's this pragmatic approach to continually refining the C Series since its launch in 1994 that has ensured it's as relevant and good today as it was all those years ago. If the C60 was so good, what can the C64 do to offer a worthwhile improvement? Less weight and wider tyre clearance would be a start, and that's exactly what the new bike offers over its predecessor. The C60, as I found when I tested it a few years ago, was practically perfect, a really fine blend of handling balance, stiffness and comfort.
![colnago c40 vs c59 colnago c40 vs c59](https://i.imgur.com/MzXL307.jpg)
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