Last year Colnago launched the CX Zero carbon endurance road bike, and this year they’ve followed it up with an aluminium version available with or without disc brakes. With a Shimano 105 11-speed groupset and regular caliper brakes, it will cost £1,499.95.
The CX Zero Alu mirrors the geometry of the carbon CX Zero road.cc tested earlier this year. Colnago describe the geometry as being “designed to meet the needs of gran fondo riders, or for anyone looking for a bit more comfort on longer rides.”
In essence that means the CX Zero has a longer head tube, shorter top tube and longer wheelbase than a race bike, the sort of changes that you can expect to create a more stable handling bike with less of the razor sharp reactions of a race-ready bike and a more upright, less stretched out, position.
And just like the carbon CX Zero being offered with or without disc brakes, the new aluminium CX Zero is also offered with the same choice. Colnago are evidently big fans of disc brakes and making the smart choice to offer the choice on nearly every model in their 2015 range, even including the new C60 and V1-r road bikes. However, UK distributor Windwave currently have no plans to bring the disc version into the country, just the single 105 spec model costing £1,500.
The aluminium frame is really nicely finished and appointed with external cable routing for the brakes and gears. There’s a lot of shaping in the rear stays to produce ample heel and tyre clearance, with space for 25mm tyres. The chainstays have the same distinctive kink near the dropout as well. And it looks great in red too. There just aren't enough red bikes in the world.
The frame takes a 27.2mm seatpost, just like the carbon CX Zero, to provide as much comfort as is possible. Colnago have also given the frame an 86mm wide press-fit bottom bracket.
Colnago are offering the new bike in eight sizes, all sloping, including 42s, 45s, 48s, 50s, 52s, 54s, 56s, and 58s.
There will only be one model available in the UK. Costing £1,499.95 you’ll get a bike with a Shimano 105 11-speed groupset, Colnago branded brake calipers and Artemis R24 wheels with Continental Grand Sport 25mm tyres. A Colnago saddle pairs with a smart Deda stem and handleabr, with color matched white bar tape. This is a bike we really want to swing a leg over, so we'll try and arrange a review as soon as we can.
We reviewed the disc-equipped CX Zero earlier this year, you can read that review here.
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3 comments
A well made Alu is better than a poor carbon, but it does seem a bit high. you would expect a better spec groupset and wheels for this sort of price, especially when considering the competition, but then you are paying for the name. Another big shame that an Italian brand can't kit it out with campagnolo. centaur would have been a good mix.
I know it's a Colnago, but is does seem a little on the pricey side for an alu frame and a 105 groupset that doesn't include the brakes or chainset.
I get that value is subjective and the frame could be very good compared to others at lower price points, but it does seem a little high for a bit too little.
No, they appear to have followed up the CX Zero with the CX Zero EVO, with no indication of what's changed other than the paint jobs. The ALU sits below it.