Colnago V5Rs

The V5Rs Colnago hits the road with an unrivalled pedigree, succeeding an ultra-successful machine that dominated the WorldTour. Hailed as the ultimate all-round racing bike or the ‘total bike’, it is the weapon of choice for Tadej Pogačar and the UAE Teams, built with a single goal in mind: to win. This exceptional bike is the culmination of a perfect balance between lightness, aerodynamics, stiffness and manoeuvrability, designed to meet the most demanding requirements of modern competition.

Technical mastery: lighter, more aerodynamic, yet still rigid

The Colnago V5Rs is the result of meticulous engineering, drawing on the experience gained from the ultra-aero Y1Rs. Colnago has achieved the feat of producing its lightest frame ever designed. The bare frame (size 485, unpainted) weighs just 685 grams, and the complete frame set (frame and fork) is 146 grams lighter than the V4Rs, weighing in at 1027 grams.

This drastic weight reduction has been made possible by a carbon laminate optimised using FEM (Finite Element Method) analysis and the use of semi-rigid mandrels, ensuring precise alignment of the carbon layers and a lightweight, durable structure without compromising stiffness. The bike maintains a dynamic stiffness (RRS – Real Riding Stiffness) comparable to its predecessor, guaranteeing maximum responsiveness during sprints and climbs.

The aerodynamic gains, whilst subtle to the eye, are significant:

• The V5Rs’ frontal area is reduced by 13 per cent.
• At 50 km/h, the V5Rs requires 9 watts less than the V4Rs.

These improvements stem from a refined head tube, new, slimmer fork blades and a streamlined seatpost.

A notable technical choice is the return to a threaded BSA bottom bracket. This standard is renowned for its ease of maintenance and long-term reliability, whilst ensuring optimum stiffness in the bottom bracket area.

The emotional connection: a bike that anticipates

The V5Rs is more than just an impressive spec sheet; it delivers a riding experience that transforms the ride. From the very first acceleration, the bike proves to be lively, explosive and highly responsive. Power transfer is immediate, with the bike responding to the rider’s input as if it were ‘anticipating their movements’.

Despite its racing focus, the V5Rs offers surprising comfort. The slimmer seat stays, mounted higher up, effectively filter out vibrations, making long hours in the saddle bearable, even on rough roads. This comfort, combined with a slightly more aggressive, forward-leaning geometry, makes it ideal for cyclosportifs and competitive cyclists seeking a performance-oriented position that isn’t punishing.

On descents, the V5Rs ‘ Colnago ’ is praised for its stability and precision. It holds its line with confidence, even at high speeds or through tight sequences of bends, instilling the confidence needed to push yourself further.

The bike is compatible with tyres up to 32 mm wide (and up to 34 mm according to some tests), offering increased versatility and the ability to tackle varied terrain such as cobblestones or Alpine roads.

Tips for choosing your V5Rs Colnago

The V5Rs is available in a range of high-end configurations, from the frame-only kit to the most exclusive complete bikes, all fitted with the Colnago monobloc cockpit CC.01.

For the competitive rider or the obsessive climber (Maximising Lightness)

To fully exploit the Colnago V5Rs’ ultra-light potential, opt for builds fitted with the highest-performance, lightest wheels, such as the ENVE SES 4.5 (on the Dura-Ace Di2 build) or the Campagnolo Bora Ultra WTO (on the Super Record Wireless build). These versions allow you to achieve weights close to the UCI limit of 6.8 kg, offering a decisive advantage on mountain passes.

For the cyclosportif rider or all-rounder (Balance of Performance and Price)

Configurations fitted with the Ultegra Di2 Shimano or the Force AXS SRAM, paired with the SC 45 Vision wheels (starting at around €10,000), represent an excellent entry point to WorldTour-level performance. These wheels offer a good balance for a steady pace, but if you’re looking for more explosive responsiveness when accelerating, upgrading to a lighter, more responsive set of wheels could significantly boost the frame’s potential, particularly on undulating routes.

Points to consider when setting up the bike

The adjusted (more aggressive) geometry and handlebar options are crucial. The V5Rs Colnago is available in seven sizes (420 to 570). The smaller sizes (up to 510) feature a fork with a 47 mm offset, whilst the larger sizes (530–570) use a 43 mm offset, ensuring consistent handling across the range.

If you use a power metre for your training, please note that the standard complete builds do not include them, even in the highest price ranges. This is an additional cost to factor in. Finally, some test reports highlight that the CC.01 handlebars supplied on certain sizes might be considered wide (for example, 42 cm centre-to-centre on a size 550) given the bike’s aerodynamic design – a detail worth checking to optimise your riding position.

The V5Rs Colnago is an exceptional machine, tailored for those who aspire to excellence. It is not just a bike; it is an opportunity for you to write new chapters in your cycling story.