u/cycling2coffee

I thought I would share my thoughts on moving from a race focused Specialized Tarmac SL7 Pro to a joy focused Colnago C68 as there was little commentary when I was considering the swap. Here are my thoughts... ask me anything.

Things I Love about the Colnago C68 ❤️

• Geometry: Higher stack and slacker head tube angle makes for a superb ride, especially when descending. I keep pushing to go faster when I cross 40mph where the Tarmac shook like a Nissan Truck with the same wheel/tire combo.
• Ride Quality: The build is rock solid. There's something ethereal when riding over poor pavement. With the C68 you're merely aware of it, with the Tarmac you feel it in every bone.
• Aesthetics: The lugged construction of the C68 is stunning and the HRGG colorway has really grown on me. Build quality is light years ahead of Specialized.
• Stiffness: Despite not being a race bike per se the C68 is a very stiff ride. I notice no difference when sprinting or getting out of the saddle on climbs.

Things I wish were better on the Colnago C68 🤔

• Handlebar: It's light and somewhat aero but not the most comfortable, especially when riding on the bar tops. Considering a swap to the Enve AR cockpit but would love to know what others are using.
• Parts Availability: Sourcing parts (i.e. zero offset seatpost) from Colnago has been a pain less than a year since they launched the C72. Definitely worried how I can source proprietary parts in the future.
• Sizing: Geometrygeeks.com is a godsend when comparing sizes as Colnago uses the seat tube length vs. the top tube length when naming sizes.
• Tire Clearance: Personally, I wish I could run 40c tires but 32c Conti GP 5000s measure 33.8c on Enve 4.5. 40 is the new 30.
• Paint Quality: The HRGG colorway carries a lot of paint and southern California roads have left their mark in 7 months were my Tarmac was nearly flawless after 3+ years.
• Seatpost: Seriously, who designed this saddle rail clamp?!?

Things I miss about my Tarmac SL7 😢

• Race-Feel: Despite the requisite discomfort, there's something about feeling locked in to go fast on the Tarmac. Post-ride is more painful for sure but the ultra fast handling just makes you want to push harder.
• Handlebar: The Roval Cockpit is a beauty compared the Colnago's that I would best describe as boring.
• Service: My local Specialized shop is superb... miss these guys.

There's my two cents for what it's worth. I would make the swap again in a heartbeat.

For the WW out there, the C68 w/ Dura Ace weighs in at 16.2lbs/7.4kg with no pedals, mounts, or cages. I believe my Tarmac with Ultegra was 16.5lbs/7.5kg. Enve 4.5s and Conti GP5000s 32c on both; sizes 485 and 52 respectively.