Quick apologies for the audio glitch on the first upload of this video so I've uploaded it again. Hope you enjoy this video as much as I enjoyed making it
I've got a custom-built (in Indiana) road bike from 1989 with lugged Columbus SLX tubing. It feels amazing and was only $350. I actually got to know the builder and every now and then he hints about buying it from me. Apparently it was one of his fastest and lightest steel builds.
I've got one of those, but it's a '92, and I rode it to work today. It has modern components, though, because old components really suck when it comes to shifting and breaking.
@Kurt Agree. I've updated the shifting components. I think mine was also a '92. But, I purchased it in about '93 or '94, a Colorado Cyclist closeout for $350. My only complaint was the lack of durability in the paint....repainted it after about 5 years.
Between the two I’d take the 20yr old bike as I’m old school, I still break out my 1993 Giant Cadex 2 Carbon road bike on occasion, still functions like a brand new bike & super smooth!
I have had my Colnago C40 since 1999 with Campagnolo Record 10 and it rides beautifully! The bike handles like a dream today as it did 24 years ago. It is a true classic!!!
Today's "super" bikes all look the same to me, and I'm not impressed. I'll take the C50 over the C68, all day long. But for sheer cycling panache, I'd prefer a steel Colnago over either one.
To me the most telling part, no signature by the maestro on the top tube anymore. I'm fortunate enough to own some of the classic models, there was always something special about a Colnago, I'm sure if that's still the case, they certainly look a bit bland these days, a bit like everything else. As Oscar Wilde succinctly put it "Fashion Is What I Wear, When Everyone Else Starts Wearing It, It's No Longer Fashion"!
David, your ability to describe the feel of a bike in relation to the contours of your route is just amazing. If I close my eyes I can almost get a sense of how it would be if I were riding the bike myself. I've never watched videos about cycling and bicycles quite like yours. Your brand is truly unique and quite frankly; no one does it better ;-)
I absolutely LOVE my C50 along with my C40, Dream and Master Olympic. Colnago just has a mystique that's second to none. The newer C68 just doesn't do it for me. Looks like any other carbon frame produced these days. I'm sure it's "nicer". But, it just doesn't have the allure at all. The LUX handpainted frames I have will blow any modern bike out of the water in terms of sheer artistry and elegance. I ride my C40 and 50 in all conditions. They did, after all, perform and win the countless editions of the muddiest and gnarliest Paris-Roubaix, L-B-L and the Ronde. Colnagos were built to last and simply ooze class and pedigree. The C50 represents the last generation of Colnago that I'll own.
I bought a new custom order C64 HP in "geo" back around 2002/3 while on a shop team. It's still amazing even though I have a C64 rim to use and a Pinarello F10
Hi David. I’ve opened a C50 for over 12 years and put about 55k miles on it. It’s a great bike. It got an upgrade of ENVE 4.5 wheels with Chris King hubs 6 years ago. I took delivery of my new C68 a week ago. Your review and comparison of these two models is spot on. Loved my C50 but the C68 is such an incredible evolution. Privilege to own both.
I bought a C50 back in 2006 from Dauphines on boxhill in surrey , with Hyperon Ultras full record campagnola group set and in WH02 colour scheme , I've cycled all over the south and london to paris on this bike , its still pristine
Wonderful video comparison. I’ve owned a C50 since new in 2005 and even though I have had newer bikes over the years, I’ve never thought of selling and tend to always prefer it. It’s now on its second group set having recently put on Campy Record 12 with some WTO tubeless wheels. While ride is sublime, I’ll be the first to say that the modern wheels/tires really add to the bike.
I have owned the C40, C50 and now the C60. I have to agree the C50 is a very stable and class all day riding bike. Looking forward to the C70 coming out.
I rode a Colnago C40 B-Stay (I think it's quite similar to that C50) for about 10 years, and also rode many other nice bikes. I tell you what, that C40 was an extremely good all-around bike. Comfortable for long rides. Light, I guess. Stiff enough for sprinting in races well. It had 10 speed Record which felt as good as I thought shifting could get. I sold it a couple years ago because of logistical life reasons. I miss that bike for sure
I purchased a c. 1996 C40 in August last year and was amazed at the ride comfort and especially the downhill handling. Add in an Art Decor paint scheme and it is still a winner nearly three decades on. Technology certainly marches on and I am sure that the C68 is a great bike. When people complain about the cost of high-end bikes today, we need to remember that when bikes like the C40 and C50 came out they were eye-wateringly expensive then too. However, as I am not a competitive racer I don't need to worry much about tech changes promising more stiffness/aero/compliance and the most compliments I have ever received have been on my custom steel Tommasini.
I had a C40 with the same diamond stays and it was hands down the best bike I ever had. I crashed in a mountain bike race and cracked 2 vertebrae and had to quit riding for years and I cried when I sold it.
The C50 looks nicer but I'm unsure of the newer groupset, I know the newer durace is better but a period groupset would be better I think! And as its a Colnago it would have to be Campag!
That c50 is like a diamond 😁i would enjoy that bike on the wall better then a Picasso..... I might get me one... Beauty and function comes from true passion.... In long time and many thougs... Thanks for the clip it was my days highlight.. 🙏🧙♂️
I have a 50th anni - bridges the gap between C40 and 50. It's an 04 model too with 10spd super record. Aeros. Raw clear laquer carbon with wonderful badging. Still looks the dogs' to me eye. I had a c40 in Rabobank - that was a beauty too. I confess i am not keen on the 64 and 68, though am sure they are great bikes - colnago is now owned by a corporate - i am sure this will have some bearing on product. Would still take a Colnago over anything else. And the C remains 100% Italian. Bella.
I wish more manufacturers would still do exposed carbon fiber weave frames, it looks so damn good either matte or gloss. I think FELT is the only brand still doing it today on their higher end FRD/ARD models.
Brilliant, enjoyed that. It is worth noting that 'some' of the later C models can take bigger tyres (its complicated and varies between iterations and even size, or which fork supplied). The Extreme Power and Eps offer a little more, while the C59 was a stunning ride but often limited to 23's on a semi-wide rim. From my experimentations most of that feeling of solidity and comfort you're describing between c50 and C68 is actually coming from the modern wheel/tyre combo rather than frame layups & design - a really good set of wheels can alter ride feel as much if not more, than changing frames.. though this is not a commonly accepted opinion. So there is an extremely smart move to play here in paring a modern rim and 25's on EP/EPS and getting even closer to a C68 ride feel for near a quarter of the price - with a supple frame on rim brakes I don't feel the need to go above 25's on a 19c rim even on rough roads. Aesthetics wise the C40/ C50 are some of the most pleasing frames ever made to these eyes... I'd happily roll one, even on skinny tyres.
Thanks Nelly I've been taking a closer look at all the variations of the C50 and other models very closely. I'd love a C50 but also a C60 would be lovely to own as well
@@davidarthur Reckon you'd like the EPS from your ride descriptions, EP/EPS were stiffer than C50, while still equally smooth -so you'd get most of that more solid feeling with the right wheelset. Both can fit wider tyres than the others, even the later ones until the C64 (C59/C60 can still be tight). The EPS is the one many aficionado's lucky enough to have ridden every version seem to have the most affection for, either that or Extreme Power. C40/C50 are nice in their own way, but in a way that differs from a modern feel, though arguably these type of supple frames are ideal for rough roads and long rides in the mountains, which is what they excelled at in their day. There's something nice about EPS as its the last of the rounder tubed aesthetic before it all went a bit boxy... and an EPS is still not too old a frame to be any major concern as a 2nd hand prospect, they are very solidly built.
@@nellyx1x493 as the owner on an EPS, and prior to that a C50 and Dream, I completely agree with your comments . The EPS is a lovely bike to ride; both stiff and v smooth, and unbelievably undervalued second hand. I was going to sell my Chorus and Shamal equipped bike a few years back on eBay, but it was only going for £1000, and I couldn’t part with it for that. So glad I kept it.
I had a C40 for years. It's a spectacular bike. I wish I had it now. Newer bikes are barely faster. The main difference is looks. The only way I think the C40 could have been better is with some more stiffness related to power transfer.
I've got an Alan. Competition frames and fork with newer carbon tubulars and more modern groupset. It's not as fast as my newer Aero carbon bike but it's definitely a softer ride.
Interesting video to me, because I got my C-50 in December 2009, and I have 160,000+ km on the bike. I wanted one more top end rim brake bike, so I ordered a Colnago V3Rs in October 2021. After Fifteen months without the order being filled, my local bike shop told me that Colnago had a rim brake C64 in their US warehouse. I expect to be riding that bike by the end of this week. The C-50 is equipped with 12 speed Campagnolo Record mechanical and Bora Ultra 50 wheels. The C64 will have Super Record EPS and Bora Ultra 35’s. I should be equipped to do a comparison similar to yours, except with rim brakes on both bikes. I enjoy your videos! Lastly, I wonder how tall you are?
I had a C50 soon after they came out and can attest to how smooth it is, however I sold it after riding a 2006 Giant TCR as I was blown away by how much stiffer and more direct it felt. Because it, like all other Giants I’ve had since, didn’t handle as well as the Colnago I’d had, I bought a Colnago EPS in 2010 which overcame some of the softness of the C50 by having oversized tubing. I still ride it sometimes, and it’s a wonderful bike to ride - incredibly smooth and very stiff as well. Like recent Colnagos like the C60 and C64, if it had clearance for 28mm tires then it’d be almost perfect.
Excellent video. With the lightening fast evolution happening in the bike world, it's worthwhile to do regular look-backs. I recently purchased a Cervelo Caledonia which joins my 2008 Cervelo RS. To be completely candid, I enjoy the Cervelo RS much, much more. Yes, it is a mechanical bike with a narrower gear range (compared to todays wide range set-ups), it has rim brakes and all the cables are external throughout. BUT………….it's incredible light (fantastic acceleration), very stiff where it needs to be and is comfortable enough for an eight hour 100 mile plus ride. By comparison, the Caledonia is wonderfully comfortable but feels sluggish, a bit overweight and requires battery maintenance. It is a bit more comfy when long days in the saddle are required but let's face it, those are not super common among us "civilian riders".
I just watched this on my trainer with my 2003 trek oclv 5500. Sure, its outdated, but I love this bike. It's something like driving a classic ferrari. Sure it's old and perhaps slow by modern standards, but it looks good doing it.
I hear you , I still have a Pinarello Galileo from 2000 that I love to death. Fits me like a glove , pleasant ride and looks good. It will be with me forever.
Haha, what a treat with David in this super video. Still have my 1996 Trek 5200 OCLV. Updated the fork but other than the wheels and some updated parts, it’s still the same 5200 just smoother.
The 5500 is a great bike. Recently rebuilt my 2008 Trek Madone as a 1 X 10 using a 1990 105 downtube shifter in friction mode mounted on the bar with a Pauls thumbie. I love it. Ride it more than anything else. 42 up front 11/42 on back. Enough range for an old bloke like me and gaps don't worry me.
I put 200mi/week on my '03 5200. I can hang in the weekly group ride. My heart might be beating a little faster then all the rest, but that's why I'm out there anyway.
I'm lucky enough to have owned a fair few very high end bikes from Wilier to S-Works. Several have come and gone, but one frame I'll never part with is my C-59 in the rare MTBK colour scheme (it's like a matte grey waxed carbon weave). It's 10 years old now, but every once in a while it's had an upgraded groupset, wheels and bits - currently it's sporting SR EPS and Bora Ultra 35s. It has a truly luxurious ride quality, and going down Alpine descents is the best feeling on a bike ever! Aside from my gravel bike I'm hoarding a tricked out Emonda and the last release of the S-Works Venge. Both are really great bikes to look at and to ride - but the '59 trumps them all.
Ahhh, i feel like you almost got it right! I think the better comparo would have been the Extreme Power/EPS against your C68. I'm biased (I own one), but it is stiffer than the C50 (as it was purportedly designed for sprinters such as Erik Zabel), more precise in steering due to headset changes, allows 25mm tires (which is what I run) and mine has an aero handlebar. Although the gap would have been 15 years as opposed to 20, it would have been an amazing comparo and you're welcome to borrow mine for a part deux.
Would have been far more helpful and less of a puff for recent industry tech had it been stated at the outset ‘ The Q of which is the “better bike” will depend on your intended usage for it, your view of aesthetics and sense of monetary value in a product’. However, seems that’s already apparent to those commenting 🤔 . That aside thanks for making such a vid.
Timing so apt , I’ve been looking at C68 . Currently got a Mapei C64 ( which is sublime bike , rim brake btw ). But C68 just like another new super bike , aka my SWorks aethos. So I’ve just pulled the trigger on a Master Steel Mapei , super record equipped bike . Will source a C50 and have change left over after the 2 bought versus a C68. So weird timing of your video , I was having this internal debate this weekend and made my decision few hours before you aired this comparison. Great video
I've had a carbon fiber frame in a storage since 2005. The bike has no scratches and I bought used back in 2005. A kestrel 200 ems I don't even think that brand exist anymore. I only used it twice back then but is it safe to use it now? Since it's carbon is it unsafe to ride it? I just don't know if it loses it's properties and the last thing i need is for bike frame or fork to break unexpectedly.
You could have brought a C50 sloping bike,it rides much different than the one showed here. The C50 that i see here is more slughish on the climb I had both,the slope C50 is a much better climber bike,they have reinforced rear bottom fork. For anyone out there, if you are thinking in buying a C50 buy the slope one.
I ride an old bike for the excercise, the only time/distance to beat is my own. I never understood the concept of spending thousands on a bike to go faster when you can buy a motorcycle and really get up to speed.
I have a modest Pinarello F4:13 from 2006 which I purchased as a frameset. Clrear coated carbon fiber weave. Updated it with eTap 11 speed, Durace crank, Mavic Ksyerium SLR wheels and miscellaneous carbon components. I'm down to 6.7 kgs with Keo pedals, Garmin mount and water bottle holders. It's still my go to climber.
Love that! Same for my 2012 Colnago CX1 frameset with modern Campa groupset, wheels and components. Mine isn't that light, at around 7,3 kg with cheap Shimano pedals.
I have a Fuji SST 2.0 from 2012, and i always thought that it looked pretty cool. It has a crazy paint job that really makes it stand out. I'm not sure how it holds up nowadays though. It rides great with full Ultegra group set. But that paint job...😂
I have a C40 I've been intending to sell. The frame is good (and it has a beautiful paint scheme), but modern carbon soaks up rough-road vibrations much better. I also have a very old Colnago Conic SLX that I ride to work all the time. It's fun to ride, but it makes my bones shake and teeth chatter on brick streets. Modern carbon is better in almost every regard.
A clarification, please: at roughly 10:00 you state “I finally got to read thd C-50 and it didn’t fail to disappoint.” It seemed you liked the C-50, but this indicates you were disappointed. Did you like it or not?
I am still in love with the original Pinarello Dogma Think 2 , prefer the curves to the angular aggressive functionalism of the F's that have followed , would love to know if the original Dogma still stands it's ground ?!!
@@robertmcfadyen9156 How? The overall shape is nearly the exact same with the exception of a slight change here and there. I mean this bike looks pretty much identical to the cervelo R5 and s-works SL7 (with exception of the dropped rear stays). If you look at their previous ranges they were all very different but now it's all homogenized because they have the data to know what people want. I don't see anyone getting sued.
I have a C50 which was a Rabobank prototype that has the seat stay similar in shape to the Extreme Power and Extreme C (4 lobbed) and it's very light with a very fast steering I don't use it as much as it deserves because of the other cousins and aunts, an Extreme C also with exposed carbon, a lovely light bike, you push you go, a metallic beautiful blue Technos with the chromed steel precisa fork, not as light but very fast and very confidence inspiring, much like the wonderful black, white and red Art Decor Master-X-Light which has a carbon fibre Time Precisa fork in the same colour scheme to the frame which is my main ride. The C50 and the Master have Campagnolo Chorus 11 and 12 respectively in Zero Fulcrums, one carbon and the other aluminium with 25 tires and don't accept more but there is a very noticeable difference in ride from carbon/carbon to steel/aluminium while the Extreme C and the Technos both have Dura-ace 10 in Dura-ace wheels with 23's and I don't feel any difference in riding quality between them. In everyone of them I don't go over 85psi at the rear. I prefer the look of the skinny frames and low profile wheels over new bikes with tall frames and tall wheels and when you stop for buying water or some cake they gather more attention and compliments than the newer ones.
I ride a Time VXRS as my go-to road bike (hills,) with a Look 595-Ultra set up with deep wheels for when I want to ride in the chain gang. I don't care much for the newer bikes. No matter what I've ridden that's modern, nothing comes close to the response and feel of the VXRS.
@@davidarthur I’m sure it would fit you Im 5’ 9 “ and its slightly to big for me. I don’t ride it often so you are very welcome to use it for a review 👍
@@paulbrook2459 Hi Paul, would love to take you up on that offer one day, do you fancy dropping my an email maybe so we can talk? justridebikesvideo@gmail.com
Hi David , I’ve tried to send a email with some pics of the bike you can use, but it keeps bouncing back . Whats the email I should send it to . Cheers . Paul
Don't be shy, have a controlled uphill test and compare climbing times. Is your reluctance to do so because you know the C50 is faster and you don't want to upset the bike companies who supply bikes for you to review? All this nonsense about "stiffness" and "snappinnes." Let's see some data.
why should it be faster? they weight the same. for a steep climb that is basically the only thing that counts. for faster rolling terrain the new one will be quicker due to aerodynamics. simple as that.
In 5 years when Shimano et al no longer make mechanical group sets, and you can’t buy rim brake wheels - what’s going to happen to the millions of bikes like this?
