My last road bike

Justonemorebike

Looking for advice or in my case ...validation

Just turned 60 and figure it's seems to be a good time to pamper myself. This will undoubtedly be my last bike and I'm looking at it for a source of self motivation amongst other things. That being said I'm 6'3 and 187lbs (winter weight) with long legs and arms. Currently ride a Bianchi Sempre with Campy Chorus group set and Enve wheels. Live in a valley so lots of hills no matter where I go. Primarily solo riding but like to get some long rides in as well time permitting. Gone thru many reviews and Cervelo R5 looks interesting but Colnago C60/64 seem to be calling my name. I'm looking at it as an investment as well and feel the Colnago will always be an easy sell. I know it's a substantial outlay but ideally I would like to buy the frame set and have a technician do the build for me. That being said any idea on frame sizing for me? I'm currently on a 58 but know Colnago make up to a 60" frame. Appreciate any and all feedback : )

imposter2.0

Justonemorebike wrote:

This will undoubtedly be my last bike

Dude - you're 60 - not 90. Look on the bright side...

cookeeemonster

Colnago for me!

Justonemorebike

Imposter wrote:

Justonemorebike wrote:

This will undoubtedly be my last bike

Dude - you're 60 - not 90. Look on the bright side...

Oh! I know age is all mind over matter. Wait till you get there

clubsport

Colnago sounds good, but how does it fit?

I am younger than you and went for a Cervelo R3 as it has a slightly less "racey" geometry than the R5, so I thought it might suit me for a few years?

I would jump on a few bikes and see if you are comfortable.

Justonemorebike

clubsport wrote:

Colnago sounds good, but how does it fit?

I am younger than you and went for a Cervelo R3 as it has a slightly less "racey" geometry than the R5, so I thought it might suit me for a few years?

I would jump on a few bikes and see if you are comfortable.

Part of my problem is the lack of variety where I'm situated. Unfortunately I will have to travel minimum of 5 hrs to find a Colango dealer and then hope they will have the model in stock or something very similar. Truth be told I would like a bike fit but if I go that route my fear is that I'm now getting committed to custom build thru the retailer rather than ordering the frame set and buying the components myself. I would like to use my Enve 4.5's wheel set as that would save a considerable amount towards the build. I guess when you add it all up I will be paying someone for assembly one way or the other but feel it would Be more cost effective going with the later?

cougie

A bike is an investment ? I can't see that working especially as you'll be keeping it for years.
But yes go for a colnago if it is what you want. Lovely bikes.

lesfirth

Justonemorebike wrote:

Imposter wrote:

Justonemorebike wrote:

This will undoubtedly be my last bike

Dude - you're 60 - not 90. Look on the bright side...

Oh! I know age is all mind over matter. Wait till you get there

I am well past you now. The problem is I can't remember how many bikes I have had since I was 60.

Justonemorebike

lesfirth wrote:

Justonemorebike wrote:

Imposter wrote:

Justonemorebike wrote:

This will undoubtedly be my last bike

Dude - you're 60 - not 90. Look on the bright side...

Oh! I know age is all mind over matter. Wait till you get there

I am well past you now. The problem is I can't remember how many bikes I have had since I was 60.

Encouraging to hear but at the price of Colnago's you just don't want to do it to many times ; ) Truth be told 60 was the toughest B-day I've had. Gotta start looking at the glass 1/2 full than 1/2 empty! Lotta miles to go and I'd love to Take my ride on few exotic biking destinations.

pottssteve

I'm 10 years and also about 20lbs behind you! I don't race my bike and I value comfort over pure speed. If you have reasonable money to "invest" I suggest you look at a titanium frame with a slightly more relaxed geometry. Not as light as carbon but will give a quality ride for years to come!

PhilipPirrip

pottssteve wrote:

I'm 10 years and also about 20lbs behind you! I don't race my bike and I value comfort over pure speed. If you have reasonable money to "invest" I suggest you look at a titanium frame with a slightly more relaxed geometry. Not as light as carbon but will give a quality ride for years to come!

This is the route I would take (have taken) if the OP wants one bike to see them out but it appears the OP likes their brands, namely Colnago.

The problem with following brands is they'll always produce something new which they claim is better than before and you'll always have that curious itch that you'll want to scratch.

A well built or custom titanium takes away that curiosity and alleviates the sickness of n+1 and you can just get on enjoying what you have.

Having said that I know I'll be curious about Allite Super Magnesium when it becomes available.

socrates

If it really really is your last bike, (which somehow I doubt) why not go custom and treat yourself to something that little bit more exclusive.

socrates

Sorry, I should clarify that I do not mean that in a snob way, just to have something different.

thegreatdivide

PhilipPirrip wrote:

The problem with following brands is they'll always produce something new which they claim is better than before and you'll always have that curious itch that you'll want to scratch.

A well built or custom titanium takes away that curiosity and alleviates the sickness of n+1 and you can just get on enjoying what you have.

Having said that I know I'll be curious about Allite Super Magnesium when it becomes available.

I've still got a 2011 Colnago C59 loaded with the latest kit. I've also got a steel Master. I could easily have bought a 60 or 64 but chose to stick to what I have because Colnagos are superbly designed and built machines that remain timeless. Once you have one it's hard to give them up, unlike my other road bikes that are either retired or swapped out for something new.

OP - a C64 might be used in the Pro peloton but it's also very easy to ride no matter your age, flexibility or fitness. It's designed to be ridden by all and ridden comfortably. Buy one. You WILL NOT regret joining the club.

pottssteve

thegreatdivide wrote:

PhilipPirrip wrote:

The problem with following brands is they'll always produce something new which they claim is better than before and you'll always have that curious itch that you'll want to scratch.

A well built or custom titanium takes away that curiosity and alleviates the sickness of n+1 and you can just get on enjoying what you have.

Having said that I know I'll be curious about Allite Super Magnesium when it becomes available.

I've still got a 2011 Colnago C59 loaded with the latest kit. I've also got a steel Master. I could easily have bought a 60 or 64 but chose to stick to what I have because Colnagos are superbly designed and built machines that remain timeless. Once you have one it's hard to give them up, unlike my other road bikes that are either retired or swapped out for something new.

OP - a C64 might be used in the Pro peloton but it's also very easy to ride no matter your age, flexibility or fitness. It's designed to be ridden by all and ridden comfortably. Buy one. You WILL NOT regret joining the club.

Bugg@r - I want one of these now as well!

keef66

Pull yourself together man; 60 is definitely not old.

I thought I was buying my last road bike when I splurged £1200 on one for my 50th birthday. 5 years later I bought a carbon frameset and built up another one. That was 6 years ago and I'm 61 now; I think the next one will be the last. I'm planning a raid on my pension when I retire and I was thinking about something practical like a Mason Resolution with Di2 and dynamo lighting.

I'm absolutely not going to start googling a Colnago C64.

Maybe just a peep.

crescent

No advice on which bike to buy, but just to say, treat it as your next bike, not your last one. If you tell yourself it is the last bike you will buy then it puts a lot of pressure on to get it just right, and that might not be possible - we're cyclists, we always want to tweak something. 60 is not old, and if you've been cycling for a while you will probably be in a lot better nick than the average 60 year old. We have guys in our club in their 70s who still show a lot of younger guys a clean pair of heals, and still own several very nice bikes. Good luck

jgsi

You are e bike fodder, have done with it..

288GTO

I would go with a Bianchi Specialissima. Prettier, better performing, and better history than the Colnago C64. Personally I would buy the Pantani edition with full Campy drivetrain and wheels.

pilot_pete

I have a C60 in 52s geometry (I’m 5’11”) - Colnago have different sizing nomenclature to others. Check out their geometry chart and compare stack and reach to your current ride and you won’t go far wrong. The C60 has a tall(ish) head tube compared to usual out and out race bikes as Ernesto knows who he selling to - us oldies with more disposable income but probably slightly less flexible backs!

Don’t worry about going to a dealer, you can buy online in confidence from a dealer - I bought my frame and forks from Cicli Matteo in Italy when the Euro was 1.4 to the pound and saved over a grand on list price here in the UK. C60 frames can now be bought much cheaper since the C64 came out. Well worth considering. Also, UK dealers said they couldn’t get the Art Deco colour scheme I wanted as it had been discontinued. Cicli Matteo told me they could order any colour scheme that Colnago had ever done on any model for my C60 - would cost a few hundred euros extra for a special order!

I built the bike myself and have absolutely loved riding it. I’ve certainly got the Colnago bug as I built a Concept just over a year ago... ;-)

PP

northpole

I have a C59 and, like the earlier poster, don't have the bug to upgrade to the latest - perfectly happy with what I have.

I'm 53 and won't be setting the world alight with new records and certainly don't need the latest and greatest. Having said that, were I looking for a new frame, I'd certainly have the C64 on my short list.

I am just over 6'1" (if I haven't shrunk!) and just about get away with a 54" sloping frame. I prefer a slightly smaller frame if I can get away with it. My commuter is a 58" Specialized Roubaix which feels slightly oversized by comparison. Depending on your build and preference I suspect you would be choosing between a 54 and 56 sloping frame (I think a size up if non sloping geometry).

After many years of 'bad luck' with campy groupsets (essential kit for Colnago was my opinion!) I recently changed to SRAM eTap and it has been a wonderful exemplar of reliability. I love the logic of the campy gearshifters, but have found them much too fickle for reliable setting up on a number of frames over the years.

Another possibly consideration with Colnago will be not if this is your last bike, more how much longer will Ernesto remain able to continue running the show. When he retires, in my opinion, that will be the last of the line.

Titanium seems very popular at the moment - a friend bought a Seven not so long ago - he simply loves it and may be worth a look?

Good luck with your deliberations!

Peter

Justonemorebike

Pilot Pete wrote:

I have a C60 in 52s geometry (I’m 5’11”) - Colnago have different sizing nomenclature to others. Check out their geometry chart and compare stack and reach to your current ride and you won’t go far wrong. The C60 has a tall(ish) head tube compared to usual out and out race bikes as Ernesto knows who he selling to - us oldies with more disposable income but probably slightly less flexible backs!

Don’t worry about going to a dealer, you can buy online in confidence from a dealer - I bought my frame and forks from Cicli Matteo in Italy when the Euro was 1.4 to the pound and saved over a grand on list price here in the UK. C60 frames can now be bought much cheaper since the C64 came out. Well worth considering. Also, UK dealers said they couldn’t get the Art Deco colour scheme I wanted as it had been discontinued. Cicli Matteo told me they could order any colour scheme that Colnago had ever done on any model for my C60 - would cost a few hundred euros extra for a special order!

I built the bike myself and have absolutely loved riding it. I’ve certainly got the Colnago bug as I built a Concept just over a year ago... ;-)

PP

Thanks for that! I've already looked at going the C60 route and with the release of the C64 the prices of the C60 are certainly more attractive! For the savings it would easily cover a Campy group set! Time to check out Cicli Matteo : )
My Canadian dollar sucks to every currency

stueys

Justonemorebike wrote:

Pilot Pete wrote:

I have a C60 in 52s geometry (I’m 5’11”) - Colnago have different sizing nomenclature to others. Check out their geometry chart and compare stack and reach to your current ride and you won’t go far wrong. The C60 has a tall(ish) head tube compared to usual out and out race bikes as Ernesto knows who he selling to - us oldies with more disposable income but probably slightly less flexible backs!

Don’t worry about going to a dealer, you can buy online in confidence from a dealer - I bought my frame and forks from Cicli Matteo in Italy when the Euro was 1.4 to the pound and saved over a grand on list price here in the UK. C60 frames can now be bought much cheaper since the C64 came out. Well worth considering. Also, UK dealers said they couldn’t get the Art Deco colour scheme I wanted as it had been discontinued. Cicli Matteo told me they could order any colour scheme that Colnago had ever done on any model for my C60 - would cost a few hundred euros extra for a special order!

I built the bike myself and have absolutely loved riding it. I’ve certainly got the Colnago bug as I built a Concept just over a year ago... ;-)

PP

Thanks for that! I've already looked at going the C60 route and with the release of the C64 the prices of the C60 are certainly more attractive! For the savings it would easily cover a Campy group set! Time to check out Cicli Matteo : )
My Canadian dollar sucks to every currency

C60 is a lovely bike to look at and ride but Colnago definitely moved the game on with the C64. You can also fit wider tyres to the newer frame if that's a consideration for you.

Going back to your original point, I don't think any carbon fibre bike is in any shape or form considered an investment. The depreciation on any new bike is savage as the RRP has belted skywards. Having said that you'll probably see a better return on a Colnago than a Cervelo but it's likely to be fairly marginal. The R5 is a lovely bike, Cervelo make one of the few traditional looking bikes that is semi-aero, it doesn't give much away to a full on aero bike but the weight and comfort is also class leading. Well worth a look.

bondurant

If I may - and I don't own any of them - from what I have seen e.g. on WW where substantial £££ is spent on Colnagos, the C64 is seen to an extent as a little disappointing. Finish, paint jobs etc. A C60, if you can get one for decent money, may be a better investment in that respect. C64 is not a game changing frame even if there have been a few minor improvements. And you can't get it in trad geo! At least, I don't think you can.

OnTheRopes

I can't advise you on the bike but last bike at 60? Doubtful. I am 60 and just bought 2 bikes, well a nice complete bike and a frameset to build up to race on this year. It probably will be my last road race bike but I can see a future for a nice touring bike or adventure bike a few years from now.

neeb

I'm 52 and hope to maybe get my last bike at the age of 400 odd, a few years before I upload myself and go entirely virtual. I'll be disappointed if it doesn't have shifting and braking controlled by neural implants and weigh less than 2kg.. Of course I'm holding out for the biological immortality pills being developed in the next few decades.. ;-) Being in denial about ageing is the best way to fend it off IMO.. ;-)

Seriously though, I'm not any slower than I was 10 years ago and hope to keep that going well past 60 if I can (touches several wooden objects in the vicinity...).

proto

Another geriatric Colnago rider here, 65. Had a C40 some time back then lost my way , seduced by a Look 585 and 586.

But still lusted after a Colnago and I bought a C59 when the C60 came out, saved £1000, and in my opinion it’s a better frame for me - fan of a threaded BB, and the C60’s main tubes are a bit too chunky. Mines a 50s. But I digress, just go and buy a Colnago - C60 or C64, it doesnt matter. It will be the start of a love affair with Colnago and in five years time you’ll be planning your next one, C69/C70 or whatever. You’ll keep the old one because it will still be beautiful and you’ll still love it.

So, to conclude, just buy a fecking Colnago.