Colnago Primavera £1,099.95 www.colnago.com Aluminium frame with real pedigree

The moment the bubble wrap was pulled off the latest RCUK test bike, Colnago’s entry-level Primavera, I knew this wasn’t going to be any standard test. The reputation and heritage of the famous marque proceeds it and, even though this may be the company’s least expensive offering, I was keen to discover whether it deserved the much lauded logo.

At just £1,099 the Primavera is off to a winning start, and from a glance at the photos on this page I think you’ll agree it’s a stunner, with a classy paint job and smart decals. But can a 9-speed Shimano Tiagra groupset help the Colnago stand out in a competitive market, where people often want the best value for their cash? Let’s find out.

To get the price down Colnago designed the frame at their Italian HQ but sent the blueprints to Taiwan, where the frame is built. We’ve no problems with this, especially if it helps make ownership of one of the most sought-after brands more affordable.

First, take a moment to take in the beautiful paint finish: red, black and white lines swooping across the frame. Beautiful, isn’t it? It’s easily one of the best looking bikes at this price that RCUK has so far tested, and from a distance you wouldn’t tell it apart from something costing three times as much. You even get the fabled three-leaf clover logo on the head tube and pressed into the forks and dotted at various points across the frame. It’s a great start for the Primavera already, then.

Underneath the glossy paint is a 6000-series aluminium frame, with butted tubes: the downtube receiving three sections of butting as well as rib-reinforcement and a profile in the classic star section, a shape which has come to define Colnagos over the years. The rear chainstays are also shaped into a clover leaf section. In a market where bike companies are increasingly shaping their tubesets to create a unique look, the Colnago manages to be quietly reserved.

Onto the components, and Shimano’s 9-speed Tiagra isn’t what we’re used to at bikes costing a grand or thereabouts. In its defence, though, Tiagra is admirably hard working, shifting is nearly as slick as you get higher up the range and we wouldn’t expect any durability issues on a longer term test. The all Shimano-ness is broken up with an FSA chainset, not the most attractive we’ve ever seen, but one that does offer a compact 50/34 setup to give a nice spread of gears and make climbing a breeze.

FSA also supply the handlebars, which we found to be a highlight of the package, with an agreeable shape. There’s a stack of spacers underneath the FSA stem which will make finding the right position easier. Prologo’s Kappa saddle was pleasingly comfortable too, and actually was one of the few saddles to come on test bikes that wouldn’t be swapped before our first long ride.

Shimano’s R500 wheels may not be the lightest but did stay true during this test and felt springy and responsive, softening the slightly stiff edge of the aluminium frame nicely. Vittoria’s Rubino Pro tyres felt quick and no punctures were reported during testing.

Don’t let the aluminium frame put you off if you’re looking for a bike at this price and are about to be swayed by the many carbon options available. As we found with the Condor Squadra recently there’s still a very valid place for aluminium and the Primavera, upon riding it extensively, is extra proof there’s still life in the metal yet.

It’s rare to be sent aluminium test bikes these days, particularly at this price. But the Primavera was a refreshing change from all the carbon, and the overall package has been well put together by Colnago. They’ve gone to great lengths to ensure, despite the low-spec components, it still manages to be a desirable bike. And that matters.

The ride of the Primavera was satisfyingly pleasant, didn’t even rattle and shake our bones to bits and actually proved rather comfortable on short rides and even longer jaunts. Colnago’s excellent carbon fork (with aluminium steerer) worked well to shrug off a lot of shakes and rattles from the front end and boosted comfort no end. Yes, there is a noticeable degree of road shock that is sent though the rider’s butt, but it’s no less or worse than some cheap carbon bikes RCUK has tested.

The first time the Colnago was taken out for a ride, the slacker than normal head tube angle gave the Primavera a noticeably different handling sensation than we’ve become used to from most of the other major players, but though odd at first you quickly get used to it. The result you’re left with is a wondrous stability that isn’t at all nervous, and inspires confidence in the rider. That is one of the Primavera’s great talents.

Its weight does hold it back a bit, and the heavy wheels stunt the Primavera’s speed noticeably. Once up to speed however, it’s happy. It would be interesting to ride a Primavera with a top drawer spec, since we suspect the frame is handy enough to make a decent racer or fast sportive bike.

As it is, while there are the obvious concessions in the value for money stakes and it takes a few big blows from other £1K contenders, the Colnago offers many highlights. The frame is expertly designed and finished, the finish is of the highest standard and the handling is sublime. Can it challenge the many carbon budget bikes? Probably not, but for those seeking a bike with a little more depth and appreciate a fine frame, the Primavera should be worth considering.

Colnago produce the Primavera in eight sizes with just the one colour (as pictured) available. You can choose from Tiagra 9-speed or 10-speed 105, the latter priced at £1,399.95.