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Colnago

Colnago Ernesto & C. S.r.l., commonly known as Colnago, is an high-end manufacturer specializing in , , and bikes, renowned for its craftsmanship and association with professional victories. Founded in 1954 by in Cambiago, near , the company began as a small repair shop and evolved into a premier brand synonymous with innovation and performance in competitive . Ernesto Colnago, who started as a worker at the Gloria bicycle factory in Milan, opened his shop at Via Garibaldi 10 in 1954, initially focusing on repairs and custom builds. Key early innovations included the 1956 invention of cold-bending fork tubes, which improved elasticity and resistance without heat treatment, setting a standard for durable steel frames. By the late 1960s, the Colnago Super model marked a shift toward technical racing bikes, and partnerships with legends like Eddy Merckx in the 1970s led to record-breaking designs, such as the 5.75 kg steel bike used for Merckx's 1972 hour record. In 1989, Colnago introduced the Precisa straight steel fork for improved handling. The company pioneered production carbon fiber frames with the C40 model in 1994, achieving the first professional victory on a carbon bike at the 1995 Paris-Roubaix. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Colnago bikes powered dominant teams like and , securing multiple , including Giuseppe Saronni's 1982 rainbow jersey and Oscar Freire's 2001 title. Rominger's 1994 hour record of 55.291 km on a Colnago further highlighted the brand's prowess. In 2020, a majority stake was acquired by Investments LLC, part of Dhabi's , leading to tripled sales exceeding €55 million by 2023 and expanded global production while maintaining roots. Today, Colnago sponsors WorldTour teams like , equipping riders such as , who won the 2024 on a Colnago V4Rs and achieved his 100th career victory—including stage wins at the 2025 —on a custom Y1Rs. The brand's 2025 lineup features advanced models like the V5Rs and Y1Rs, emphasizing aerodynamics and lightweight construction for elite racing, while continuing its legacy of over 70 years in building "bikes of legends" across Monuments and Grand Tours.

History

Founding and Early Years

Ernesto Colnago was born on February 9, 1932, in the small rural town of Cambiago, Italy, into a farming family facing post-World War II hardships. At age 13 in 1945, he began his involvement in the cycling industry by working in a local mechanic shop in Cambiago, where he repaired farmers' tools and bicycles to help support his family. This early hands-on experience ignited his passion for cycling mechanics, leading him to falsify his age to secure formal employment. By 1948, Colnago had joined the bicycle factory in as an apprentice , progressing to assemble components like rims, hubs, and sprockets while also repairing and building frames for cyclists. During his six years there until 1954, he honed skills in custom fabrication, often working from home after a training accident forced him to adapt, where his father built him a from a mulberry tree. This period solidified his expertise in construction and racer-specific modifications. In 1954, at age 22, Colnago established his independent frame-building workshop at Via Garibaldi 10 in Cambiago, marking the official founding of Colnago as a small operation with limited resources, initially subcontracting for while branding his own creations. The workshop focused on crafting custom steel frames for local racers using hand-lugged tubing techniques, which allowed for precise, durable joins and tailored geometry to enhance performance. His first commercial successes came from these bespoke builds and on-site repairs during major events, such as serving as assistant mechanic for the Nivea-Fuchs team at the 1955 , where he fixed crankshaft issues for rider Fiorenzo Magni, contributing to the team's stage wins. Early operations faced typical startup struggles in the competitive market, but Colnago recovered by prioritizing commissions from amateur teams and local enthusiasts, steadily building a reputation for reliable, high-quality frames. This foundational growth laid the groundwork for expansion, with a brief transition toward professional sponsorships emerging in the early .

Key Milestones and Innovations

In the , Colnago advanced its frame construction with the introduction of the model in 1972, a frame featuring innovative oversized lugs and reinforced tubing designed for enhanced durability and stiffness under racing stresses. This model was developed to commemorate Merckx's world set that year in , incorporating a robust that prioritized without sacrificing responsiveness. Building on earlier innovations like the model, which Merckx rode to victory in the 1970 with its characteristic lugged construction for precise assembly, the Mexico represented a refinement in high-performance . These developments stemmed from Colnago's small founded in 1954, evolving into a dedicated production focus on professional-grade bicycles. The decade also saw the debut of the series in 1983, utilizing ovalized Gilco tubing with a distinctive four-sided star profile to boost lateral stiffness and overall stability, marking a significant step in tube shaping for improved power transfer. In , Colnago pioneered the integration of team sponsorship branding directly onto rider jerseys, enhancing visibility and marking the brand's growing role in professional apparel and identity. Business expansion accompanied these technical strides, with factory facilities enlarged in the to meet rising demand from international sponsorships and production scaling. Additionally, Colnago entered the U.S. market in through dedicated distribution channels, broadening its global reach beyond . A pivotal collaboration began in with Ferrari's engineering team, involving wind-tunnel testing to optimize and material performance, which culminated in the 1989 C35, Colnago's first full-carbon tested in professional racing. This laid the groundwork for production carbon frames, revolutionizing lightweight construction by replacing traditional with composite materials for superior vibration damping and reduced weight. The partnership emphasized data-driven , influencing subsequent models with integrated carbon elements. The 1990s brought further material diversification, including the Dream series with welded aluminum frames using Columbus Altec tubing for affordability and stiffness in entry-level racing applications, and the 1995 Bititan, a titanium frame with double downtubes to enhance rigidity while maintaining low weight. Full carbon production expanded with the C40 in 1994, featuring glued carbon tubes and lugs as the first widely adopted carbon bike in pro pelotons, enabling victories such as the 1995 Paris-Roubaix—the first win for a carbon fiber bike in the race. Into the , Colnago shifted toward modular carbon assembly techniques, allowing scalable production of customized frames with consistent quality, as seen in evolutions of the C-series that balanced handmade precision with efficient manufacturing. These innovations solidified Colnago's reputation for blending artisanal craftsmanship with cutting-edge materials.

Modern Developments and Ownership

In the late 2010s, Colnago encountered financial pressures exacerbated by personal challenges for founder , including the loss of his wife and brother, culminating in the sale of a majority stake in the company to Investments LLC, an Abu Dhabi-based firm, in 2020. The acquisition ensured the brand's continuity under new ownership, with production and headquarters remaining in , while was retained in an advisory role as an honorary ambassador to guide the company's heritage. This transition marked a pivotal shift, enabling expanded resources for innovation without abandoning the artisanal roots established since the brand's founding. Under the new ownership, Colnago balanced industrialized scaling with handcrafted traditions to meet growing demand, incorporating advanced manufacturing techniques while preserving craftsmanship in assembly and finishing. A notable example came in 2024 with the launch of the Steelnovo, a limited-edition bike featuring 3D-printed lugs and joints developed with Additiva for enhanced precision and lightweight construction, celebrating the brand's 70th anniversary. Building briefly on its pioneering carbon fiber experiments from the , this model blended historical materials like tubing with modern additive manufacturing to optimize performance. Colnago advanced its sustainability efforts in 2024-2025 through its inaugural report, which detailed emissions tracking under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) and initiatives to reduce environmental impact, such as replacing non-recyclable packaging with paper and cardboard alternatives. The company committed to further governance enhancements via an updated Code of Ethics and ongoing research into low-impact materials and processes, aligning with broader industry goals for eco-friendly production. In 2025, Colnago re-entered after a seven-year absence with the T1Rs, its most aerodynamic model to date, designed for speeds exceeding 60 km/h and optimized for both pursuit and sprint geometries to support competitive racing. The brand maintains its headquarters in Cambiago, , where operations continue to emphasize performance-oriented design. Global sales have surged under new ownership, tripling to over €55 million in revenue by 2023, reflecting robust growth into 2025.

Brand Identity

The Colnago trademark is epitomized by the "Asso di Fiori," or Ace of Clubs, a cloverleaf symbol that has become synonymous with the brand's identity in high-performance cycling. This logo emerged in 1970 following Dancelli's victory in the Milan- classic race aboard a Colnago frame for the Molteni team, marking Italy's first win in the event in over a . Inspired by —the "City of Flowers"—and suggested by journalist Bruno Raschi of , replaced the prior eagle emblem with the Asso di Fiori to commemorate the triumph, adopting it as the official company logo that year. Over time, the logo evolved from a simple engraved motif on steel frames, where it was subtly incorporated into lugs and head tubes for , to more prominent applications such as embroidered patches on professional team kits during sponsorship eras. By the , variations in color—most notably and —appeared on special-edition models to denote exclusivity and , enhancing its visibility in both racing and consumer products. The symbol embodies good fortune, drawing from the lucky connotations of the ace of clubs in Italian card traditions, while underscoring Colnago's deep-rooted Italian craftsmanship near . The Asso di Fiori has been registered as a to protect the brand's . Today, the remains a protected element, prominently featured in limited-edition releases like the 2025 V4Rs model, which honors the rider's championships with custom detailing while preserving its symbolic essence.

Design Philosophy and Craftsmanship

Colnago's design philosophy centers on the seamless integration of artistry and precision, prioritizing while achieving aesthetic elegance. This approach embodies the principle that , where every element of the serves to enhance rider efficiency, comfort, and speed without compromising visual appeal. For instance, the brand has employed timeless innovations, such as sloping top tubes introduced in models like the Extreme Power in 2007, to optimize and accommodate a wider range of rider positions for improved comfort during extended rides. Following the majority stake acquisition by Investments LLC, Colnago has maintained its core Italian design roots amid global expansion. At the core of Colnago's craftsmanship are time-honored techniques refined over decades, combined with modern processes to ensure durability and customization. Traditional steel frames feature hand-lugged joints, a originating from the brand's founding in , where lugs are meticulously brazed to tubes for structural integrity and a classic aesthetic. In contrast, carbon fiber construction utilizes modular tube bonding, with carbon bands applied manually at joints, followed by filing and polishing to create seamless, high-strength connections—all performed by skilled artisans in Cambiago, . Custom sizing adheres to traditional centimeter-based measurements, offering frames from 42 cm to 62 cm to precisely match rider proportions. Colnago balances heritage with innovation through advanced tools like (FEM) analysis, employed to simulate frame behavior under various loads and refine designs for optimal stiffness and weight distribution. This technical rigor complements artisanal methods, as seen in the hand-painting of frames using techniques that add no excess weight while delivering premium finishes. is rigorous, with frames undergoing multiple inspections during and final checks at the Cambiago facility to uphold standards of excellence. The brand offers a three-year warranty on frames when registered within 10 days of purchase, underscoring confidence in their construction.

Racing Heritage

Sponsorship History

Colnago's entry into cycling sponsorship began in 1974 with the Italian SCIC team, captained by Gianbattista Baronchelli, marking the brand's first official full sponsorship of a squad. This partnership lasted until 1980 and involved providing custom frames, including the lightweight model inspired by Eddy Merckx's 1972 bike, which contributed to several stage victories in major races during the era. Throughout the 1970s, Colnago focused primarily on sponsoring Italian squads, building on earlier collaborations like the Molteni team featuring , to establish its reputation in domestic racing circuits. By the and into the , the brand expanded internationally, supporting teams such as the Spanish Clas-Cajastur squad in 1992, where achieved notable successes, including a victory. This period saw Colnago sponsoring over 20 professional teams cumulatively by 2000, often multiple squads per season to broaden its global presence. A highlight was the Mapei-GB team in the , which featured riders like and dominated events such as the and , with the team riding Colnago frames throughout its run from 1993 to 2002. In the 2010s, Colnago shifted toward fewer but elite sponsorships, including the French team led by , which secured stage wins in races like the Giro del Trentino and wore the yellow jersey at the . This era reflected a strategic pivot to high-profile partnerships amid evolving professional dynamics. The sponsorship concluded in 2002 following doping scandals, including a positive test for rider Stefano Garzelli at the , prompting the sponsor to withdraw from the sport.

Notable Riders and Victories

Colnago's racing legacy is epitomized by , who rode custom Colnago frames during his dominant 1970s era with the Molteni team. Merckx secured three victories—in 1971, 1972, and 1974—aboard lightweight steel models such as the Mexico and Master, renowned for their responsive handling and durability on the Grand Tour's demanding stages. In 1972, he further etched Colnago into history by setting the UCI at 49.431 km in on a bespoke steel frame weighing just 5.75 kg, featuring optimized for sustained high-speed efforts. The 1990s and early 2000s saw Colnago powering several one-day and triumphs through teams like and . Johan Museeuw, the "Lion of Flanders," dominated the cobblestone classics on Colnago C40 carbon bikes, winning three times (1996, 1998, 2000) and the three times (1995, 1997, 2000), where the frame's compliance absorbed the brutal pavé while maintaining power transfer. Freire achieved a rare of —in 1999, 2001, and 2004—sprinting to victory on early carbon prototypes like the C40 and C50, which offered aerodynamic efficiency and lightweight responsiveness tailored for explosive finishes. In the modern era, has elevated Colnago to new heights since joining in 2020, riding the V4Rs model to three overall wins in 2020, 2021, and 2024, as well as the 2024 . His 2024 season marked a historic – double, the first by a male rider since in 1998, with six stage victories at the Giro and six at the Tour, all on the V4Rs equipped with custom features like an ENVE integrated cockpit for reduced drag and precise handling. In 2025, Pogačar achieved stage wins at the on a custom Y1Rs, reaching his 100th career victory. As of 2025, Colnago's sponsorship with continues unabated, supporting Pogačar's ambitions. Colnago frames have now contributed to at least 15 overall victories across their history, underscoring the brand's enduring impact in professional .

Current Products

Road Bikes

Colnago's road bikes represent the pinnacle of the brand's racing-oriented lineup, designed for and enthusiast cyclists seeking optimal in competitive environments. These models emphasize aerodynamic , construction, and precise handling, tailored for both sprint finishes and grueling mountain stages in events like the Grand Tours. The flagship offerings incorporate advanced carbon fiber layups that deliver exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratios, enabling riders to transfer power effectively while maintaining compliance for endurance over long distances. The V4Rs stands as Colnago's top-tier aero-road model, introduced with a significant update in to enhance wind-cheating capabilities and overall race performance. Weighing approximately 7.2 kg for a complete build in a medium size, it features disc brakes for superior in varied conditions and full compatibility with electronic shifting systems like Dura-Ace Di2. The frameset is priced at around €5,000, reflecting its handmade carbon construction optimized for WorldTour demands. This bike powered to multiple victories in , including the , underscoring its prowess in high-stakes racing. For climbers and endurance specialists, the C68 serves as an all-carbon bike with a modular that prioritizes vertical and responsive handling on ascents. Its eight-part carbon , bonded with innovative "banding" techniques, provides enhanced rigidity at key junctions while integrating cable routing for a clean, aerodynamic profile. The 2025 Rossa limited edition, unveiled as the official bike for La , features a striking metallic finish with silver accents, celebrating the event's Italian-Spanish heritage and weighing about 820 g for the frame in size 54. This model excels in torque transfer during out-of-saddle efforts, making it ideal for mountain stages. The Y1Rs, launched as a 2025 lightweight road variant, targets Grand Tour optimization with a focus on versatility across flat, rolling, and hilly terrain. At approximately 6.8 kg for a complete setup, it incorporates adjustable geometry elements to fine-tune rider positioning for extended races. Wind-tunnel testing demonstrates a 12% aerodynamic improvement over prior models, reducing drag and enabling sustained high speeds with less effort. This bike's design balances low weight with increased frame stiffness—3.5% higher than predecessors—for efficient power delivery in sprints and breakaways.

Gravel and Allroad Bikes

Colnago's gravel and allroad offerings emphasize versatility for endurance riding on mixed terrains, blending race-inspired performance with comfort for extended adventures beyond paved roads. These models prioritize tire clearance, stable geometry, and durable construction to handle gravel, dirt paths, and light off-road conditions while maintaining efficiency on smoother surfaces. As of 2025, the lineup focuses on carbon frames that draw from the brand's road racing heritage, enabling riders to tackle 100+ km routes with confidence. The G4-X serves as Colnago's 2025 flagship bike, featuring a full carbon frame derived from the V4Rs road model for optimal stiffness and responsiveness. It accommodates tires up to 45mm wide, supporting aggressive racing or applications, with geometry that includes a steeper and longer reach for precise handling on varied surfaces. A complete build with Red AXS groupset, Zipp 303S wheels, and integrated cockpit weighs approximately 8.4 kg, while pricing starts at around €4,500 for mid-spec Shimano GRX configurations, rising to €6,000+ for premium setups. Mounting points for three bottles and a top-tube bag enhance its suitability for long-distance mixed-terrain rides, though it lacks or compatibility to keep weight low. Complementing the G4-X, the C68 Allroad functions as a hybrid road-gravel variant, utilizing Colnago's modular carbon with eight hand-assembled sections for enhanced via specially shaped seatstays and down tube. It supports tires up to 35mm for broader compatibility with light paths, paired with allroad featuring increased and shorter reach to prioritize comfort over pure speed. For , updates include reinforced lower chainstays for better durability on rough terrain, a T47 with larger bearings to reduce friction, and a larger-diameter steerer tube for improved precision during descents. These refinements, along with an integrated in the headset cap, position the C68 Allroad as an accessible entry into adventure riding, with complete builds typically weighing under 8 kg depending on components. Colnago's progression into bikes evolved from its 1980s steel models, such as the Oval CX with its aerodynamic ovalized tubing for stiffer off-road performance, transitioning through early carbon experiments to the modern G3-X and now carbon-focused 2025 lineup. While the brand no longer maintains a dedicated series, the G4-X fills that role with UCI-compliant geometry suitable for both disciplines. This shift reflects Colnago's steel heritage in emphasizing balanced, durable designs adaptable to evolving demands.

Time Trial and Track Bikes

Colnago's time trial offerings center on the TT1, an updated full-carbon frameset introduced for 2025 that emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency and rider integration. The TT1 features disc brakes for enhanced , a more aggressive tube shaping with lowered chainstays and a reduced front tube profile, and an integrated 3D-printed for streamlined hydration. This design allows for clip-on aero bars and supports electronic shifting systems, contributing to its use by professional riders in high-stakes events like the 2025 time trial stage. Priced at approximately €7,200 for the frameset including , seatpost, headset, and , the TT1 maintains a lightweight profile similar to its predecessor, the K.One, with complete builds around 7-8 kg. The TT1's geometry promotes an aggressive positioning optimized for solo efforts, featuring a across sizes to balance stability and speed on varied terrain. This setup, combined with UCI-compliant tube profiles, reduces frontal area while maintaining handling precision at high velocities exceeding 50 km/h. Aerodynamic refinements, validated through testing, prioritize low in the rider's optimal tucked , making it suitable for both time trials and triathlons. For track racing, Colnago unveiled the T1Rs in late 2025, marking the brand's return to velodrome sponsorships after a seven-year hiatus and positioning it as the "most aerodynamic bike ever" produced by the company. This fixed-gear-only model is tailored for Olympic-style pursuit events, with optimizations for disc wheels and speeds over 60 km/h, including narrow hubs (65 mm front, 100 mm rear) and a dual-crown fork to minimize frontal area and pressure drag. Wind tunnel data indicates a lower coefficient of drag area (CdA) at higher speeds—such as 0.036 m² at 50 km/h versus slightly higher at 70 km/h under yaw—demonstrating cleaner airflow as velocity increases. The frameset, priced at €6,500, includes a pursuit handlebar as standard for team events. The T1Rs geometry supports versatile setups for pursuit or sprint disciplines, with a steep angle around 73° in medium size to facilitate low heights (e.g., 494 mm) and extended reach for aerodynamic positioning. Reinforced chainstays and seatstays enhance stiffness for explosive accelerations, while compatibility with up to 72T chainrings and 28 mm tires ensures adaptability without compromising track-specific rigidity. This focus on gains over endurance distinguishes the T1Rs from broader road applications, targeting pure speed in controlled conditions.

Frame Materials and Construction

Steel Frames

Colnago has maintained a commitment to construction since its founding, emphasizing handcrafted techniques that blend traditional artistry with performance-oriented engineering. frames remain a cornerstone of the brand's heritage, offering riders a distinctive combination of , , and timeless , particularly appealing to those seeking a classic riding experience. These frames are built using high-quality tubing, often from manufacturer , which provides the foundation for models that prioritize ride quality over ultralight weight. Classic Colnago employ double-butted tubing to optimize strength and flexibility, where the walls are thinner for reduced and thicker at the ends for joint integrity. This design enhances , allowing the frame to absorb road vibrations effectively while maintaining structural rigidity. Construction typically involves lugged or fillet-brazed methods, with tubes meticulously joined by skilled artisans in the company's Cambiago facility near , ensuring each frame is fully hand-built in . Custom heat treatments applied during tubing production further refine the material's properties, contributing to the renowned longevity and responsive feel of Colnago . The influence of early 1970s models like the Master series underscores Colnago's steel legacy, where innovative tubing profiles set standards for subsequent designs. In contemporary offerings, the Steelnovo exemplifies this evolution, featuring a hybrid construction with a steel frame paired to a carbon fork for balanced handling. The frame utilizes Columbus steel tubing with 3D-printed lugs for head tube, seat tube, and dropouts, achieving precision joins with tolerances under 0.01 mm and hidden welds for a seamless appearance. Weighing approximately 1.9 kg for the unpainted frame (size 485 mm), the Steelnovo was initially released in 2024 as a limited-edition of 70 numbered pieces to celebrate Colnago's 70th anniversary, with production revived in 2025 limited to 400 frames annually in new color options such as light blue and pastel orange (frameset €5,500; complete builds €15,400–€15,900).

Carbon Fiber Frames

Colnago's adoption of carbon fiber for frames marked a significant evolution in its manufacturing, building on early experiments in the through a with Ferrari that introduced high-modulus carbon composites to . This partnership laid the foundation for modern constructions, where carbon fiber now dominates due to its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, enabling frames that balance rigidity for power transfer with for rider comfort. By 2025, carbon fiber frames form the core of Colnago's high-performance lineup, incorporating advanced modular processes using unidirectional carbon sheets to achieve optimized fiber orientation and structural efficiency. The construction begins with precise layering of pre-impregnated unidirectional , tailored via computational modeling to reinforce high-stress zones such as the bottom bracket and chainstays. These laminates are formed into structures or, in models like the C68, assembled from carbon tubes and lugs produced by suppliers before final bonding in Cambiago. The assembly undergoes curing under elevated temperature and pressure—typically around 120°C for 90 minutes in industry-standard processes—to ensure void-free consolidation and maximal mechanical properties. For example, the V4Rs employs specialized carbon laminations in tension-prone areas, resulting in a frame weight of 798 grams for a size 51, while the 2025 V5Rs advances this with refined techniques for a ready-to-paint at 685 grams, a 12.5% lighter kit overall. Key innovations in Colnago's carbon fiber technology include the integration of one-piece carbon s, standardized since 2020 on models like the V3Rs and V4Rs, which route all cables internally to minimize drag and clutter. The CC.01 , for instance, supports wireless compatibility and reduces external cable exposure by fully enclosing hydraulic lines and shift cables, enhancing without compromising adjustability. In 2025, further refinements in systems and fiber placement—potentially incorporating advanced methods—contribute to a 10% weight reduction in select components, as seen in the V5Rs' thinner profiles and reduced frontal area of 250 cm². Durability remains a hallmark, with frames subjected to exhaustive testing protocols aligned with ISO 4210 standards for impact resistance, fatigue, and static strength. This rigorous validation ensures longevity, with carbon fiber accounting for over 90% of current production across road and categories, prioritizing performance without sacrificing reliability.

Aluminum and Frames

Colnago's exploration of aluminum frames began in the late as an alternative to traditional , aiming to offer lighter weight and improved responsiveness while maintaining durability. The model, introduced around 1990, exemplified this approach, utilizing Altec aluminum tubes reinforced with five distinctive ribs along the horizontal and down tubes to enhance structural integrity and vibration damping. This design provided a balance of and , making it suitable for competitive riding, and represented one of Colnago's early efforts to incorporate advanced aluminum alloys like Airplane tubing for exceptional responsiveness without excessive weight. Production of the continued into the mid-1990s, with variants like the featuring detailed paint finishes, but aluminum frames gradually gave way to carbon fiber dominance in Colnago's lineup by the early 2000s. Titanium frames marked Colnago's push toward premium, corrosion-resistant materials in the , prized for their strength-to-weight ratio and longevity. The BiTitan, launched in 1993, was a pioneering all- bike featuring a double-downtube configuration to bolster stiffness without compromising overall frame weight, alongside a diamond-shaped top tube for aerodynamic efficiency. Weighing approximately 1.4 kg for the frame, it utilized high-grade 3AL/2.5V tubes, offering a smooth ride quality that appealed to professional riders, and remained in production through the mid-. Building on this, the CT1 and CT2 models in the late and early 2000s hybridized with carbon fiber; the CT1 employed for the main while integrating carbon forks and rear stays for reduced weight and increased reactivity, resulting in a frame around 1.2 kg. The CT2 refined this further with 6/4 in the front end and carbon components aft, optimizing for high-performance use and emphasizing the complementary qualities of both materials. In contemporary offerings, Colnago integrates selectively to enhance carbon frames, as seen in the 2024 C68 Ti, which combines hand-laid modular carbon with two 3D-printed joints at the head tube-top tube and top tube-seat tube interfaces. These custom-printed dropouts allow for precise adjustments and improved load distribution, contributing to weight under 800 grams while preserving the brand's signature ride feel. This hybrid approach underscores Colnago's evolution from full-material frames to innovative composites, where provides targeted durability and customization in high-end bikes.

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