Am going to purchase a Colnago and I race mostly crits. I was looking at the Carbon E-1 (good end of the year pricing) vs. aluminum - carbon rear triangle Dream HP. The prices are about the same. Carbon has a great feel and aluminum is very stiff. Is a sloping frame(E1) better or is the regular geometry better ? Advice and experience appreciated.

Am going to purchase a Colnago and I race mostly crits. I was looking at the Carbon E-1 (good end of the year pricing) vs. aluminum - carbon rear triangle Dream HP. The prices are about the same. Carbon has a great feel and aluminum is very stiff. Is a sloping frame(E1) better or is the regular geometry better ? Advice and experience appreciated.

Hey toxdoc,

I'll take a stab at your question. I rode a Specialized S-Works E5 which has a sloping top tube. I've taken my Colnago C50("standard" geometry) out to a few local training crits as well to get a feel for any discernable differences.<p>IMO I prefer a sloping top tube for crits because I found I didn't hit my knees on the top tube. I know some guy's style of riding has them using their knees pressing on the top tube for making changes in position, cornering, etc., I just found that I like the top tube kind of out of the way when sprinting.<p>In terms of frame material, I don't think it matters much other than being a little more worried when you crash a full carbon frame. I doubt that comfort is at the top of your mind when you're redlining!<P>Take a look at the frame geometry tables for each one. While this isn't the be-all-end-all, I would go with the one with the shortest wheelsbase and although most pedal systems give you good ground clearance, I would go with the highest bottom bracket.

One other thing too. Are you going to train on this bike as well or just race only? If you're training on it as well doing long, slow days in the saddle, I would be more inclined to go with the E1.

2wheelsport

Colnago's have more trail than just about any other production frame. This is not a bad thing per say but wouldn't a faster steering frame be better for crits?

You're going to buy a Colnago to race crits? Now, that's disposable income! You know you're going to lay the bike down at some point. So, why set yourself up for heartbreak. Buy some cheapo aluminum rig with a high BB and short chainstay and go to town. Save the 'Nago for the parade rides around the neighborhood.

No way I'd put a Colnago into that fray...if money is no object then I'd go with a sloping C50. If money and fear is a factor to a degree then a CT1/CT2. If I came to my senses and money was no object then a Seven. If money was an issue and I came to my senses then a used Litespeed/Merlin full Ti frame.

No way I'd put a Colnago into that fray...if money is no object then I'd go with a sloping C50. If money and fear is a factor to a degree then a CT1/CT2. If I came to my senses and money was no object then a Seven. If money was an issue and I came to my senses then a used Litespeed/Merlin full Ti frame.

Seriously, the best Colnago Crit Bike is a used Cannondale.

thanks for the info. think I'll go with the E1 - since they are discontinuing it some good prices out there. Do you know of the best prices and place to purchase?

toxdoc

QUOTE=2wheelsport]Hey toxdoc,

I'll take a stab at your question. I rode a Specialized S-Works E5 which has a sloping top tube. I've taken my Colnago C50("standard" geometry) out to a few local training crits as well to get a feel for any discernable differences.<p>IMO I prefer a sloping top tube for crits because I found I didn't hit my knees on the top tube. I know some guy's style of riding has them using their knees pressing on the top tube for making changes in position, cornering, etc., I just found that I like the top tube kind of out of the way when sprinting.<p>In terms of frame material, I don't think it matters much other than being a little more worried when you crash a full carbon frame. I doubt that comfort is at the top of your mind when you're redlining!<P>Take a look at the frame geometry tables for each one. While this isn't the be-all-end-all, I would go with the one with the shortest wheelsbase and although most pedal systems give you good ground clearance, I would go with the highest bottom bracket.

One other thing too. Are you going to train on this bike as well or just race only? If you're training on it as well doing long, slow days in the saddle, I would be more inclined to go with the E1.

2wheelsport[/QUOTE]

Seriously, the best Colnago Crit Bike is a used Cannondale.

No doubt...but if you can find a cheapie used TI frame then that would be a nice way to go. Throwing money at a carbon critter is throwing money away IMO.

Hey Toxdoc,

The only place that I have full confidence in is Cambria Bicycle Emporium-Call the Santa Rosa, Ca store. Ask for Dave or Jeff. (707)579-5400. Between that store and the Auburn, Ca store they might have the size you need. Do your research and find the best price from an authorized dealer and they will match it.

2wheelsport

thanks for the info. think I'll go with the E1 - since they are discontinuing it some good prices out there. Do you know of the best prices and place to purchase?

toxdoc

QUOTE=2wheelsport]Hey toxdoc,

I'll take a stab at your question. I rode a Specialized S-Works E5 which has a sloping top tube. I've taken my Colnago C50("standard" geometry) out to a few local training crits as well to get a feel for any discernable differences.<p>IMO I prefer a sloping top tube for crits because I found I didn't hit my knees on the top tube. I know some guy's style of riding has them using their knees pressing on the top tube for making changes in position, cornering, etc., I just found that I like the top tube kind of out of the way when sprinting.<p>In terms of frame material, I don't think it matters much other than being a little more worried when you crash a full carbon frame. I doubt that comfort is at the top of your mind when you're redlining!<P>Take a look at the frame geometry tables for each one. While this isn't the be-all-end-all, I would go with the one with the shortest wheelsbase and although most pedal systems give you good ground clearance, I would go with the highest bottom bracket.

One other thing too. Are you going to train on this bike as well or just race only? If you're training on it as well doing long, slow days in the saddle, I would be more inclined to go with the E1.

2wheelsport[/QUOTE]

Colnago's have more trail than just about any other production frame. This is not a bad thing per say but wouldn't a faster steering frame be better for crits?

That's what I'd think, too.