Colnago CX-1 Review

So, I've been threatening to do a write-up about my Colnago CX-1 since the first day I got it, but having now owned it for a more suitable length of time in which to appraise it (some 8 months), it's time to put down my impressions.

My CX-1 was a frame only purchase, so it's a mix of some new and some previously used equipment. For those wanting to take a browse of the CX-1 full specs, below is the link:

Colnago CX-1 2010 Model.

Mine is the 2009 model, so the colour scheme (.ACRE) is a little different from the 2010 model: the BB area on mine is black where the 2010 is red, and the 'club' logos preceding the Colnago name decals are also black where again, those of the 2010 are red.

General Details

My CX-1 is the 2009 .ACRE model in size 54s (sloping). Definitely a smaller size in terms of designation, but in reality the measurements are in fact slightly longer in the wheelbase and TT than most bikes I've owned. So, if you're interested in going the Colnago way, do some fit research: they are definitely a slightly unique defined sizing.

Equipment

As I said, I purchased the CX-1 as a frame/fork only, and hence it is a mix of previously used parts and newly purchased ones.

Derailleur mechs, brifters and brakes are good old Shimano Dura Ace 7800 – I really love this equipment in terms of functionality, fit and form: just feels really good to me particularly in the hoods area. Rear cluster is an Ultegra 12-23: DA is just a bit too expensive in this area. Chain is the new 7900 DA – wanted the master link: it works fine with the DA/Ultegra mechs and cluster.

Cockpit area is a 3T Ergosum Team shallow drop bar, with the aforementioned DA 7800 brifters, Fizik Microtex tape, and Shimano Flight Deck mated to a Ritchey WCS alu 110 mm stem.

Seat and tube are a Fizik Arione Ti and Ritchey WCS carbon 31.6mm two-bolt respectively.

Chainset is a FSA SL-K double (53-39) on a Hope Ceramic anodised red BB.

Wheels are newly purchased Campy Eurus 2-Way Fit mated to Vittoria Rubino Pro Tyres.

Here's what it looks like overall:



Clearly I'm into red, white and black :)

Frame Structure and Finish

The CX-1 is a front monocoque triangle mated to a lugged rear bonded triangle: front mono and rear assembly is manufactured in Taiwan and bonded in Italy. Not sure what it actually weighs, but then at 90kg, I'm not that much of a weight weenie: can't say I've ever bought a component based on its weight (or lack thereof).

The front triangle tubes are what is termed of a 'polygon' shape: a cross between a square and circular cross section, with the top and bottom sections being flat and the sides being an arc of a circle. The idea is that as a square beam it resists vertical bending, and as a circular based shape it resists twisting. Below are a couple of pics of the DT and TT which sort of illustrates the shape.





It is a fairly hefty architecture, certainly not what I'd term aero: looks like a beefy sprinter's bike. Mated to a massive bottom bracket and a substantial head tube 1 and 1/8 top and bottom with Colnago's HS2 semi-integrated design, Colnago's own carbon fork, and large rectangular chain stays, it all spells Stiff.





The finish is gorgeous: lovely deep colours and tasteful bits of naked carbon show through via all the logos and BB. Only downside is the white paint: one or two small chips show thru' the black carbon of the forks. To ameliorate that I purchased some of that protective vinyl coating used on car fronts and installed it on the front of the forks, the head set and under the downtube.

Rider Interface

The cockpit as set up is simple and basic and well suited to me: always been a fan of Flight Deck. The 3T bar is great, shape and appearance wise, and the compact short drops are perfect for someone a little less flexible. Am a big fan of the Fizik bar tape: grippy with enough cushioning and easy clean.





Have owned an Arione since they first came out, and it's the first seat I've never really had to think about. It basically disappears under me, which is probably the best recommendation for fit one can give. I'm not into huge long rides, but 140km journeys haven't raised any issues at all.



Mechanicals

Not much to say here: the DA 7800 stuff mixed with the FSA chainset and the Ultegra cluster and the 7900 chain just work very well, and that's all.



The Hope Ceramic BB setup is really nice: a straight fit onto the FSA chainset spindle, and certainly feels smooth and free-spinning. I'm not much of a foul weather rider, so exposure isn't an issue. Interesting to see how long it'll spin for.

Ride

The bike as set up is a revelation to me. Absolutely the stiffest bike I've ever owned, the frame and wheelset cope with my 90kg with no issues at all. There is no evidence of twist, slump or bending at all from the head tube, BB or anywhere else, either in or out of saddle. This is a frame that is designed to handle way more than my meager power output – frankly it's overkill for me.

And yet, along with that extreme stiffness comes a degree of vertical comfort and compliance which is a little surprising: I'd seriously expected the bike to have been slightly compromised compared to my other previous carbon bikes in this regard, but it isn't. Obviously, the carbon bar and seat post are helping, but I certainly don't think that's the complete story. The convex rear seat stays are clearly working well here and there is some 'magic' in the frame that provides a level of stiffness with compliance which is just great. I could ride this bike for as long as I wanted over all but the most broken tarmac and not be at all phased.

And even if it wasn't as vertically compliant I doubt I'd complain: the CX-1 is just the most sharp and deftly handling bike I've ever swung a leg over. Its ability to follow a line – any line – is telepathic, and even when the choice of line isn't the greatest it'll eat up whatever you throw at it. It is a quick steerer, but not at all nervous – there are no over-corrections or adjustments required.

Downhill it is an absolute rock: not a twitch, wiggle or millimetre off line. You just look to where you want to go and it does the rest. It just 'flows'. Without a doubt the most stress free ride at 75km/h and plus ever for me.

And it soaks up road imperfections and significant lumps and bumps with outright ease. Not a good thing perhaps, but I've pretty much stopped looking out for stuff to dodge on the roads: only very large imperfections or objects would have me taking active evasive action.

Whilst I'm no mountain goat, the bike throws up no obstacles to my climbing: however good or bad I am on the day, it's all me.

It is the complete bike for me and I'm all the better for riding it. This bike makes me a better rider full stop. And every time I swing my leg off the bike I've felt the best I ever had about a ride – and that says it all.

Thanks Ernesto!



Ride safe!

Happy Xmas and thanks for all the Wheels

Well, it's that time of year again so Happy Xmas and New Year to all.

As is typical with me, I also gave myself a Chrissy present: this time the often lusted after Campagnolo Eurus wheelset.

Here's a linky to the Eurus page on the Campy site, for voyeurs of bike porn:

Eurus Wheelset.

Below two pics of my 'Nago CX-1 complete with the Eurus wheels: perfect fit for the colour scheme!





More later as I write up my experience of the bike and wheels.

Once again, Merry Xmas, Happy New Year, and:

Ride safe!

2009 Great Victorian Bike Ride

So, time to report on the 2009 Great Victorian Bike Ride (GVBR) I participated in from the 28th Nov to the 6th Dec inclusive.

A 9 day ride along Victoria's Southern Coastal region starting from Portland, terminating in Geelong, and amongst other things, traversing the Great Ocean Road, the GVBR was a rolling barrel of fun for 5,000 riders (with a bit of water chucked in)!

Here's a linky for the route and other ride details:

2009 Great Victorian Bike Ride.

I participated as a WARBY (We Are Right Behind You), a volunteer rider assisting paying participants with minor mechanical and minor/major psychologicals whilst they tootled along the route. Yes, I say 'paying' participants because, amazingly enough, WARBYs get to ride the tour for free, in exchange for a bit of work and TLC dispensing! Gotta luv that gig! Obviously, there is work and assistance to provide everyday along the route, but that's an integral part of the fun: and there's also the benefit that people seem to love WARBYs :) (No, not in that way perverts!).

Arrived the Thursday before the start of the ride and was most kindly provided accommodation for the night by two lovely people I'd met on the WA Great Escapade Ride in March: many, many thanks David and Lynn. David was also WARBYing on the GVBR which was cool.

Next morning it was off to the train to get to Melbourne Southern Cross Bus Terminal for the loading of bikes and humans onto the trucks and buses transporting all to the Portland start point. This was the gathering place for the ride officially commencing on Saturday the 28th Nov. On to a synopsis of the ride proper!

Day 1: Portland to Cape Bridgewater to Portland Loop - 53km

The first day was a loop ride along a scenic and rolling road down to a beach point and back. Not that I got to see the beach point: I just followed the loop back to Portland as I was one of the last WARBYs to leave and a series of rider mechanicals (mostly punctures) left me at the back of the bunch. I'd also seen enough water on the road and on me to not have a great deal of interest in seeing the salty variant – it pissed down most of the way. Which was strange – some people reported only getting drizzled on? I'm surmising the main rain front sussed out I hated water more than a manicured cat and parked itself above me on most of the loop! Me wasn't happy! But a t-shirt I saw later in camp summed it all up: it read "Suck It Up, Princess!".

Day 2: Portland to Macarthur - 66km

Don't remember much about Day 2 – I think I was still trying to come to grips with the "Suck It Up, Princess!" ethos and hadn't quite got my head around it yet: the patches of drizzle didn't help. It was genuinely flat I recall, and a little busy with mechanicals again.

Similarly I don't recall seeing the township of Macarthur at all – my enduring memory of the destination was of the campsite.

In March 1942, General Douglas MacArthur landed at Batchelor, near Darwin, in the Northern Territory and during the subsequent rail journey south stopped at Terowrie, South Australia and gave his famous speech which included in part the words "...I will return".

Well, unlike MacArthur, I resolve never to return to this campsite. Not knocking anyone, but a bovine's version of heaven-on-a-stick is diametrically opposed to mine! I believe I spent the night sleeping on a mound which coincided with the exact middle of my tent, and radiated outwards to a sufficient degree that no matter where I placed my mattress and sleeping bag, I ended up likely looking like Homer Simpson in that episode where he falls back on a rock and is arched over in a monstrously agonizing position!

I also remember cow turds...LOTS of cow turds...

Day 3: Macarthur to Port Fairy - 48km

Day 3 saw me slowly uncracking myself and crawling out of the tent into...Rain! Oh FFS! Now, starting out dry and getting wet is one thing, but starting out wet and getting wetter is another! For God's sake, I come from WA! Rain is something that you see on the horizon, and question the authenticity of!

Still, the profile said mostly downwards today. Which would have been good, except for the unrelenting headwind which turned a 48km downward blat into a 80km-like uphill grind for a lot of the riders. An unrelenting headwind which by all local's accounts, was the only recorded headwind ever in known history at this time of year in these parts! It was tough for many, and the motivation was a little low towards the last 10km or so. Which is where WARBYs come in – we are there to motivate people and get their engines revving with renewed vigour. Strangely enough my verbal encouragements of "Suck It Up, Princess" went down like a lead balloon?

NOTE TO GVBR ORGANISERS: This is obviously entirely fictional and written as such to make me appear witty. I personally claim that my good cheer, and fervent and appropriate encouragement got at least half the 5000 to the line! :)

I actually really liked this day: started out wet but dried out, and a lot of people where very grateful for assistance and encouragement WARBYs gave out, which is just what we want to happen.

Arrived at Port Fairy well satisfied, but was soon severely disillusioned when I didn't see any :(

Day 4: Port Fairy to Port Campbell – 100km

First of the big days in the saddle, and it was thoroughly enjoyable, Started with a nice little climb and then onto rolling terrain thru the rest and lunch areas before another final little climb at day's end. Getting onto the Great Ocean Road was fantastic, and many riders enjoyed the coastal scenery, including the Twelve (minus a few) Apostles.

A long day, but many riders commented it wasn't as tough as the day before with its unrelenting headwind. Good cycling weather combined with a relatively trouble-free day and happy riders: perfect!

Day 5: Port Campbell to Apollo Bay – 97km

One of two consecutive highlight days. A day of climbs and magnificent scenery, it was just magical.

Pre-lunch, and it was two climbs. The second of the climbs, Lavers Hill, was an absolute picture: a nice even pitched 15km switchbacked road set amongst the most beautiful forest. The climb was interspersed by three flat sections which afforded rest to riders. A fair climb for moderate riders but also very rewarding – many people spoke to me at days end with obvious pride that they'd done it. If I lived in that area, I'd do it everyday: it really is that gorgeous.

After lunch a LONG downhill of around 15km which was equally fabulous, then a lovely 8km or so with the road winding through flat dairy cattle lands. And then a nasty little surprise for many: an 800 metre climb of around 8-9% gradient to a rest area, followed by the continuation of said climb for another 4kms! At the end of a longer day that was a tough assignment for many riders.

But it was all rewarded by the final 10 or so kms – a downhill into Apollo Bay with the most spectacular views over the Southern coastline and Ocean. The term "Picturesque" was invented for such a view.

What a day – what a ride!

Day 6: Apollo Bay – Rest Day

We Came, We Saw, We Rested.

Lovely place with beautiful views and great promenade. Ate, drank a little, and splashed out on a lovely metalwork dragonfly sculpture which was inordinately expensive but irresistible. Should be arriving soon in Perth for hanging up on the wall!

Day 7: Apollo Bay to Anglesea – 78km

Of all days on this tour, this was the one I'd been waiting for: the Great Ocean Road at its most iconic. This was the day of the tour which motivated me to do the 2009 GVBR – I would've happily paid to be a participant just for this day. Bonus – I was a WARBY!

Sometimes, things come together just so: there are those few special times when expectations are met and exceeded by reality. This was one of those days. The weather was PERFECT, the rider mood was ebullient, and the feeling was one of exhilaration and deep calm all at the same time. Kilometre after kilometre of rolling roads backdropped by the most magnificent, majestic coastline and ocean views. I can't adequately describe what a day it was – the full picture resides only in my memory. All I do know is I won't ever lose that day – it'll be crystal clear for as long as I have memory.

Day 8: Anglesea to Queenscliff – 64km

A nice flat little ride to a lovely old seaside town, and the final night of the tour. Got into town and simply rode for about 30 mins slowly around the place, ostensibly looking for a hardware store, but in reality I just didn't want to get off my bike. I wish I could do this everyday!

Day 9: Queenscliff to Geelong – 41km

Little jaunt along increasingly busy roads into the final end of the journey.

As usual, the ending was bittersweet. Stood at the final gate cheering the remaining riders in – it was lovely to see their happiness and joy coming out :)

My narrative rightfully ends on that high note :)

So, thanks to:

• BV for the event;
  
• the 5000 riders who made it all possible;
• the hundreds of volunteers who kept it going;
• the WARBY team for their presence and team spirit;
• Sue, for being the most charming rider I ever changed a tire for; and
• David and Lynn for their absolute kindness.

Ride safe!