Colnago CLX Potenza

Product description

An attractive frame developed to meet the needs of riders seeking a high performance bike constructed from quality materials and held to the ultimate standard of workmanship that is synonymous with Colnago. The structure is a unique, new monocoque design featuring carbon fiber dropouts.

The CLX is a product that points to the favorable ratio of stiffness to lightness and comfort. Building on their experience with the V1-r, the concept of conceiving the design of the various tubes was a simple step. Using an oblique, oversized tube set that embraces a large bottom bracket area (with the standard Colnago ThreadFit82.5 system as found on the C60) and a conical seat tube for use with lighter and more comfortable 27.2mm diameter seatposts. The Colnago ThreadFit82.5 bottom bracket system, the same used for the C60 and V1-r, is what you’ll find on the new CLX. Ernesto Colnago chose this system based on his assessment of all standards on the market. BSA is great for reliability, but combined with frames that have oversized bottom bracket shells or press-fit systems, none of the available systems met the requirements of reliability and durability needed for truly high-quality bicycles. Unwilling to compromise, Colnago decided to take the best from both technical solutions: the reliability and practicality of a threaded bottom bracket (BSA), along with the width and rigidity that characterize the standard press-fit. This led to ThreadFit82.5. Compatible with all versions of Pressfit 86.5 bottom brackets, it adds two new cups in light alloy that are easily removable if necessary.

The CLX fork is a carbon fiber monocoque design with straight blades. The base measures 1-1/4”, while the top is 1-1/8” for superior control and precise handling. The most impressive detail is the conical crown-race made of carbon fiber, possible through the use of continuous fibre construction – upon which rests the lower bearing of the headset. This design allows you to mount spacers up to a maximum of 28mm stack-height and dramatically reduces the weight while increasing the relative stiffness.

The rear of the frame has also been improved over the predecessor,  the new CLX dropouts are a carbon fiber monocoque design, with a replaceable (internal) derailleur hanger. This offers advantages in terms of robustness, as well as significant weight savings. The drive-side dropout also has provision for the passage of the rear derailleur cable for both mechanical and electronic shifting. This construction improves the stiffness, lowers the weight and enhances the strength.

The 2017 Colnago CLX Potenza features Campagnolo's new 11 speed groupset that is aimed to compete directly with Shimano's Ultegra - and it does so with remarkable ease. The shifts are light and accurate (the groupset is without the crankset, duties here are taken care of with FSA's new Carbon SLK chainset) while braking is improved over previous Campag offerings at the price. It is a fitting addition to this frameset from the Italian craftsmen and the bike is finished with Colnago's usual stunning attention to detail and amazing lustre of finish. The finishing kit is FSA aluminium cockpit and SLK Carbon seatpost. The wheels are the surprise here, the Vision TriMax 30 are a very attractive wheelset in their matt black finish and are an extremely competent wheel at this price. Stiff, light and with super smooth bearings, they react beautifully to your input and add a livliness to the ride.

The CLX Potenza is available in 8 sloping sizes (42s, 45s, 48s, 50s, 52s, 54s, 56s, 58) with full internal cable routing for an enhanced aesthetic. The frame weighs just 950 grams.