By Chris Skeldon 
The Colnago C series is the model that embodies the essence of the Cambiago brand, having remained in its catalogue since the brand was founded in 1954. In the latest version available, the C68, the entire Colnago tradition is honoured with a bike that combines sportiness. or traditional manufacture through the Accord or the option of having a custom-made frame. Now also, with shoe brakes to satisfy the most classic riders.
Disc brakes, as was expected when they were introduced on the market, have gradually taken over road bikes. In the high and medium range, all models of the most famous brands are currently made exclusively with this braking system. In the entry-level range, there are still some models with shoe brakes, although they are less and less, and it is necessary to turn to minority or artisan manufacturers if we want a new bike with this traditional braking system.
So, Colnago's decision to offer the option of shoe brakes among its C68 options is surprising. An alternative made possible by the C68 frame, entirely manufactured at its headquarters in Cambiago using the best of Colnago technology, which is made using the traditional system of wires and tubes that connect them, which in turn makes it possible to customize the C68. And this, even with the various developments of the series, more and more parts of the bike are manufactured in monoblock.
The C68 rim brake frame has dual pivot mounts for maximum stopping efficiency with this system. Fortunately, Shimano still has this type of brake in the latest version of its Dura-Ace R9200 groupset. At Campagnolo, the 12-volt Super Record EPS groupset, the previous version still available in the brand’s catalogue, also had the option of shoe brakes. While at SRAM we just have to resort to the old groupsets that may be available at the distributor, as the current groupsets are only produced for disc brakes.
Finally, it's worth noting that the Colnago C68 is only compatible with electronic groupsets, which reduces the choice of groupset to mount it on. The frame includes details such as 3D-printed titanium dropouts and is only available as a frame, fork and seatpost option for €6,750.