The Colnago M10 is an evolution of the highly successful CX-1 and is pitched at the higher end of the market aside it’s lugged counterpart the C59. Given as it is an update on a predecessor it is of course both lighter and stiffer and Colnago promise that it will alleviate some of the harshness that was found in the ride of the CX-1.
The Colnago M10 is the second stage of the ‘Colnago Revolution’; the CX-1 being the first. A part of this revolution has been Colnago’s departure from a complete range of bicycles produced from Italian lugs and tubing in Cambiago. Rather Colnago have moved into monocoque frames – partly as a result of a fierce market place and partly due to the broader range of options and ride characteristics that can be engineered into the frames.
You will notice this in the tubing shapes with the M10. At the front of the M10 the headtube is very large and tapers down through the trailing edge into the top and down tubes. Meanwhile you get a 1.125” to 1.25” bearing as is the trend these days, providing a degree of added front end stiffness and as such more direct handling and improved braking efficiency; furthering the already reputable handling of the Colnago range.
The top tube is again shaped in a fashion that would be difficult to recreate in a lugged frame; the upper side of it is almost completely flat whilst the lower portion makes up a triangle of sorts; the slightly flattened point of which runs all the way around the inside of the front section in order to provide strength. The down tube uses a similar profile and is octagonal in shape, especially as it approaches the massive bottom bracket. All these corners provide ribs which are beneficial to the overall stiffness of the frame, as is the oversized bottom bracket area – another area that cannot be reproduced on a lugged frame.
The chunky rectangular chainstays and the Q2 seatstays are designed to provide optimal power transfer whilst keeping the rear wheel tucked in in order to provide the excellent, snappy handling. The composition of the seatstays mean that there is indeed a degree of vertical flex, not in the realms of Pinarello KOBH but more so than the predecessor, the CX-1.
The frame is light too, under a kilo and below the flagship C59 in fact. The lightweight is partly a result of the lack of lugs but more a result of the use of 100% high-modulus carbon fibre. High modulus fibres are baked at higher temperatures for longer periods and this affords them a higher elasticity and break-point and as such less material is required for a particular strength. The M10 is a superb example of power transfer – it explodes up the climbs and will comfortably settle down into a nice rhythm when the gradient increases. Equally, due to the tight geometry the traditional Colnago handling means that it will not leave you shaken on the descent either, rather it scythes through the corners with a delicate precision that is exceptionally confidence inspiring. The ride feel is one that will lend itself extremely well to Criterium racing but with the increased compliance over the CX-1 it is no hardship to be in the saddle for hours on end.
Colnago always deliver on the aesthetics and their painting process is legendary. All Colnago frames are hand-painted and with the exception of the head-tube badge, there are no stick-on decals on a Colnago frame. A primer is applied, baked and then the frame masked and painted several times before being lacquered. The results speak for themselves and Colnago are very proud of their finishing – so much so that if there is a problem with a frame it will not be rectified by a third party but will have to go back to Italy for re-painting. Cables are routed internally which adds to the already beautiful, clean lines of the frame.
To best appreciate the M10 it is certainly recommended that you have a look at one built up – the difference a group and wheels make is nothing but remarkable.
The M10 is available in 8 sloping sizes, takes an English thread BB and a braze-on front mech. It comes supplied with fork and headset.
Please get in touch to discuss sizing and build options.
Note that lead times on some options may vary.