Colnago CLX review

A quality bike but at a premium price due to the name, we got to grips with the Colnago CLX

Cycling Weekly Verdict

The CLX definitely has the Colnago heritage stamped on its quality frame and performance bias. It’s a bike that feels more lively and reactive than its geometry and specification might suggest. But at this price, it is a bit let down by its wheelset. Swapping out the Fulcrums for a set of deep-section Edco carbon clinchers brought out the bike’s handling qualities — and also looked much more the part. Anyone opting for the all-white model will need to spend plenty of time keeping it clean too. The frame scrubs up well, but the bar tape and particularly the saddle looked distinctly off-colour after a few hundred miles on UK roads. Although billed as a race machine, in truth the CLX seems more like a bike aimed for the club run and Gran Fondo rider. And it will serve them well and lend the kudos of a famous name along with a comfortable but lively ride

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Enjoyably lively ride

  • +

    Prestige name on the down tube

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Pricy for the spec

  • -

    Wheels are sub-par for a bike at this price

  • -

    Needs a lot of cleaning

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Founded in 1952, Colnago is one of the most famous names in cycling. Ernesto Colnago started off producing his own steel frames and also worked as a race mechanic for the teams of Fiorenzo Magni and Eddy Merckx among others.

The company was an innovator in the design of its bikes and the use of new tube profiles and materials, including carbon-fibre.

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