I went to Tuscany expecting white gravel roads. Instead, Colnago sent me down a loose, rocky descent with a 21-percent grade—and that was just the start of the fun. The new Colnago G5-X is a huge departure from the brand’s previous gravel bikes . Rather than building off its stiffest, fastest, and winningest road-racing pedigree, Colnago has taken a sharp U-turn toward adventure riding.

The completely redesigned frame is longer, lower, and slacker than the G4-X, with clearance for 53mm tires and a new carbon layup that’s more compliant—and far more comfortable—than earlier versions. Add plentiful mounting points for frame bags, in-frame storage, and a round seatpost that, to me, begs for a dropper post, and you’ve got yourself a serious adventure rig.

It’s not the most aero-focused gravel bike out there, but after putting it through its paces on and off the road in Tuscany, I think it might be the most fun.…