Colnago CLX

Price Paid:  $1800.00 at Ital Techno

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Southern Chester County

Bike Setup:
Campy Chorus-Centaur mix w/Zonda wheels

Summary:
I've put about 1K miles on this frame and have been impressed with my avg speed on a 26 mile hilly course up almost 1 mph. Rides almost as smooth as the Merlin, but is noticably stiffer when hammering. Turns in like a Corvette, but exhibits almost surreal balance and stablity at all speeds. Nice looking machine that even has the guys with C40s/C50s paying compliments.

Strengths:
Telepathic handling, Likes to climb yet compliant ride, subdued graphics (for a Colnago), Looks fast standing still.

Weaknesses:
Proprietary seatpost might be an issue if it needs replacement, Not the lightest or cheapest.

Similar Products Used:
Merlin Extralight, Alum Pinarello, Steel Fondriest

Price Paid:  $3000.00 at Bike Lane, Houston,

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Colnago CLX

Bike Setup:
kyseriun mavic wheel set, ultegra sx groupo, fsa carbon botton bracket, fsa arodymamic handle bars, Mavic computer, continental 4000 grand prix tires, look Keo carbon clipless petals

Summary:
I have always wanted a Colnago but could not justify $5000.00 for a bike. When the CLX came out i was lookingat the cannodale super six and several others, I rode them all 30 bike in Carbon the CLX stole the show, little heavier than some of the competition, the response and quickness and ride soon over shadowed the minute extra weight. the frame is stiff yet absorbs road noise very well. I chose the white with the black accents and I get compliments constantly. other riders want to check the bike out. I went with the durable ultegra lx groupo instead of dura ace, that is a change for me, a FSA carbon bottom bracket and carbon handle bars, with Mavic ksyriums and look carbon clipless petals. I am looking at adding a set of zip 801 clydales to it next year. I adverage 17 to 18 MPH on a 40 plus ride use to adverage 15 to 16 the bike has improved my riding.

Strengths:
the bike is a great climber, swift on the downside of hills very stable, turns on a dime, I have had a hard time finding any weaknesses. The bike is a pure eye catcher and a joy to ride.

Weaknesses:
the weight might be the only weakness that I can note and that has not been a factor for me. The frame finish os good but the gelcoat may sctach very easy

Similar Products Used:
cannodale, giant, lemond, trek, look, scott, pinnarello, specialized all carbon i tested before buying all about in the same price range

Price Paid:  $3700.00 at Big Wheel Hollywood,

Favorite Ride:
Key Biscayne, Miami, Fl, USA

Bike Setup:
Makic Ksyrium SL Premium, Vettoria 2009 Colnago CLX 58 cm Carbon Frame, Seat StemDiamante Pro, Campy Record 11 Skeleton Brakes, FSA Carbon Crank 172.5, Handlebar, Stem, Ultegra SL, Zipp Carbon cages, Prolog saddle

Summary:
My 2009 Colnago CLX Over and above any bike to date I have owned or test rode. Fast, Smooth, and a great bargan for the money...I shopped around...apples 2...Classic Italian styling fused with modern Technology, If you have ever had the opportunity to drive or even ride in a Ferrari there is a feeling of quality and light speed...Its Colnago all the way.

Strengths:
Killer looks, comfort, frame size selections, grupo,

Weaknesses:
To many "Colnago decals" less would be more!

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale, Cervelo, Giant, Serrota,

Price Paid:  $1800.00 at Ital-Tecno

Favorite Ride:
Ronde of Portland

Bike Setup:
SRAM Red; DT Swiss/ PT wheelset;

Summary:
I just realized that this is both the most comfortable and the fastest road bike I ever owned. I guess that makes it a good bike.

Strengths:
The fit is perfect. The power transmission is highly efficient. The steering is precise. And I have gotten more compliments on it than any other bike I have ever owned.

Weaknesses:
I guess the only knock on it is that it is not the top of the line from Colnago--so some people view it as an econo-colnago. But that is more a matter of perception (and an ignorant one) than a flaw with the bike.

Similar Products Used:
Giant TCR w SRAM Force; Lemond Ti w DA; cervelo prodigy; Lemond steel.

Price Paid:  $2400.00 at bannings bikes, full

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
palos verdes

Bike Setup:
Mavic Ksyrium ES wheels, Continental Grand Prix 4000 tires, Ultegra components, Fulcrum RS crankset, Ritchey WCS carbon stem & handlebars, Speedplay pedals, Selle Italia Flite Trans Am saddle.

Summary:
The CLX is a fast carbon bike with a very stiff frame and quick steering. It has very distinctive looks which may not appeal to everyone. I think mine looks great partly because I made many upgrades at purchase time.

Strengths:
The CLX is a fast handling bike with no frame flex at the bottom bracket. It has great ride quality for a bike this stiff. Mine looks great in black, white and red expecially with black Mavic ES wheels and carbon stem/handlebars/crank.

Weaknesses:
A little heavy and much too many Colnago decals on frame, fork, etc.

Similar Products Used:
None. This is my first all carbon bike.