The name Colnago is as Italian as Ferrari, Gucci and Martini and has built a reputation over the last 65 years for creating hand crafted frames and stunning paint schemes for some of the sport’s biggest stars. For many though owning a Colnago, due to their premium price tag, is an unobtainable dream.
![Colnago C-RS Top Tube](https://dbyvw4eroffpi.cloudfront.net/articles/colnago-c-rs-road-bike-review/top-tube.jpg)
Many have long dismissed Colnago as a brand for only those with sizeable bank balances and in some cases up to now that was the case. Colnago, eager to change this preconception, have created the C-RS to provide the customer with the same panache and prestige as found in their flagship C60, V1-R and Concept frames but at a more affordable price. Keen to see if the Italian brand’s new frameset warrants the famous Colnago headbadge I set off to test the C-RS.
![Colnago C-RS Lifestyle](https://dbyvw4eroffpi.cloudfront.net/articles/colnago-c-rs-road-bike-review/lifestyle.jpg)
First impressions were good, aesthetically this is a sharp looking frameset. Built up to test in Shimano Ultegra 6800 11-speed regalia, the test bike featured Deda Elementi handlebars, a Colnago branded Selle Italia saddle, Vision Trimax wheels and Hutchinson Fusion 5 tyres.
A black and white matte paint scheme and distinguishable Colnago graphics made this mid-priced carbon fibre frameset look like a much more expensive proposition and during two weeks of testing I wasn’t the only one with this view, as I also had many positive comments from fellow riders about the frameset’s sharp looks.
It may look the part but how does it ride? I normally ride a Colnago M10, which is a 48cm sloping size, I am 172cm tall. It is worth noting Colnago sizing comes up 4 centimetres larger than brands such as Specialized or Scott, so if you ride a 56cm Specialized, we would recommend you opt for a 52cm Colnago.
Another area worth considering is the height of the headtube. To compensate for my long arms and aggressive riding position I swapped the Deda stem for a -17 degree 3T stem.
Position dialled it was time to hit the road. The UK Colnago supplier had fitted a FSA PowerBox Alloy Road ABS Power Meter Chainset to the C-RS, a welcome touch, which allowed me to continue training with power while testing the bike and being an Italian brand, was in keeping with the bike.
![FSA PowerBox Alloy Road ABS Power Meter Chainset](https://dbyvw4eroffpi.cloudfront.net/articles/colnago-c-rs-road-bike-review/chainset.jpg)
Setting off on the first ride and I found the C-RS accelerated off the blocks well, helped no doubt by stiffness of the oversized PressFit bottom bracket. One area I have found Colnago’s have always excelled at is handling. The C-RS was no different. The straight bladed, tapered, carbon monocoque fork is light and made the bike feel agile and confident in the corners.
The previous Colnago I had tested, the V1-R, had come with its own specially designed seatpost. This ensures continuity is maintained, although limits you on seatpost choice. I was, therefore, pleased to find the C-RS was supplied with a traditional 27.2mm seatpost.
Keeping drag to a minimum, Colnago has positioned the seat collar on the upper side of the top tube. They have done this to protect it from dirt and improve aesthetics. Although I agree this ensures the C-RS’ flowing lines are not interrupted, I found the positioning of the collar was slightly tricky to access, especially with a multi tool. It is also worth noting, the seat collar is fastened using a Torx bolt..
![Colnago C-RS Road Frameset Seat Clamp](https://dbyvw4eroffpi.cloudfront.net/articles/colnago-c-rs-road-bike-review/seat-clamp.jpg)
Further enhancing the bike’s sleek appearance, the CR-S has internal cable routing, a testament to Colnago’s cutting edge outlook on frame design.
Keen to test the bike over some hillier terrain, I packed up the car and headed down to Dorset, the perfect testing ground, with short sharp climbs, rough terrain and exposed windy roads.
The Purbecks, a hilly range of narrow lanes on the south coast, west of Bournemouth, allowed me to address all the elements on the bike.
![Dorset lifestyle](https://dbyvw4eroffpi.cloudfront.net/articles/colnago-c-rs-road-bike-review/in-dorset.jpg)
Descending fast down a steep 12% hill, the twisty road’s off camber nature was no issue for the C-RS. It tracked well in the corners, getting me to the bottom of the descent safely and without any edge of the saddle moments.
The main downside I did find on faster roads was the work needed to maintain speed. This could have been down to the Hutchinson tyre and Vision wheel pairing. Swapping for a set of super lightweight or aerodynamic carbon fibre wheels would be a beneficial upgrade, especially if you plan to use this bike for racing.
Colnago’s aren’t known for their lightweight characteristics and personally, I find a slightly heavier bike often handles better, with more predictability. I have never found comfort to be an issue when it comes to Colnagos and the C-RS continued this trend of silky smooth comfort, taking potholes and Dorset’s rural lanes in its stride.
![Dorset countryside](https://dbyvw4eroffpi.cloudfront.net/articles/colnago-c-rs-road-bike-review/dorset.jpg)
Some may turn their noses up that a Shimano Ultegra groupset, a distinctly non-Italian brand, adorns this bike. Although not a traditional pairing, I found it worked sublimely with the frame, offering sharp, smooth and reliable shifting. The brakes were powerful and left me in full control.
The Hutchinson Fusion 5 Clincher Tyres, although not the fastest, were dependable, gripped well and seemed to stand up well to being ridden over the rough Dorset roads.
Conclusion
After a tough couple of weeks riding the C-RS I was suitably impressed. No, it’s not the lightest frame out there but for handling, aesthetics and ride quality it really is hard to beat at this price.
Pros:
- Stiff frameset
- Direct and stable when cornering
- Stylish paint scheme
- Traditional seatpost diameter ensures compatibility with a wide range of posts
Cons:
- Seatclamp position may prove fiddly for some
- Not the lightest frameset at this price range