Colnago have nailed their colours to the mast by unveiling a disc brake-equipped C59 at the Taipei Cycle Show.
The idea of disc brakes on road bikes is gaining genuine momentum in 2012, with the news that SRAM’s updated Red groupset will include hydraulic disc brakes, while we also spotted discs on bikes from new brand Eastway last month.
The C59 Disc features Colnago-branded Formula R1 front and rear discs, with 140mm rotors, which are among the lightest available having previously featured on race-ready mountain bikes. The addition of disc brakes comes with only a 200g weight penalty.
“Colnago have taken a bold step towards the future of road bike evolution with the introduction of the C59 Disc,” say Colnago. “Featuring fully hydraulic front and rear disc brakes it is set to bring a whole new level of performance and safety to the Colnago road bike line.”
The C59 Disc comes with a redesigned fork, while the chainstays and seatstays have also been updated to cope with the increased loading generated by disc brakes at their mounting points.
The bike also showcases Colnago’s Artemis Disc wheels, which have disc-specific hubs and carbon composite rims,with 24 spokes front and rear laced in a two-cross pattern.
The C59 Disc is compatible with both electronic and mechanical groupsets and will be available as part of the Italian company’s 2013 line-up but there’s no word on price yet.
Colnago K.Zero
Colnago have also lifted the lid on the K.Zero time trial bike, which replaces the Flight, with the new machine’s chief technologies aiming to improve airflow around the handlebar/stem area and brakes.
The handlebars and stem come as one integrated unit, with the stem of the same profile as the ‘bar, which Colnago say creates a lightweight and more aero cockpit, while the clip-on sections can be tuned for height and reach. Meanwhile, the brakes are fully integrated, with the front brake sitting behind the fork and the rear brake tucked behind the bottom bracket along the undersides of the chainstays.
The K.Zero will be available in Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo builds, compatible with both electronic and mechanical groupsets.
Colnago Prestige
And finally, back to disc brakes. Colnago have made the existing Prestige cyclo-cross chassis compatible with discs, while a redesigned fork also offers more mud clearance.
Besides from the obvious benefit of increased stopping power in wet and muddy conditions, the addition of disc brakes means “wheel removal and insertion is easier, as there are no brakes to loosen or release during the wheel change. There are also no brake assemblies out by the wheel rim/tyre area, so the wheels can rotate within the frame and the fork in the muddiest of conditions without having brakes that will act as mud-collectors.”
