2023 Colnago V4RS Disc Carbon Road Frameset in Red

Aerodynamics

The V4Rs has been designed as an integrated system, i.e. as a complete bicycle in a "ready-to-race" configuration. The technical work focused on reducing the impact of the frontal area, basically the head tube, and the consequent better integration with the fork crown. While being compatible with third party components, V4Rs has been conceived to offer the best aerodynamic performance in combination with the Colnago CC.01 handlebar which is also enriched with a 3D printed support, currently compatible with Wahoo Bolt V2, able to guarantee a further saving of 0.75 watts at 50km/h.

Weight

It hasn’t been easy to improve this aspect in comparison with its predecessor, the V3Rs, that's why Colnago worked on the weight of the overall module (frame, fork, headset and handlebar) instead of on the values ​​of each single component. The final result allowed us to save 47 grams, comparing the V4Rs frame kit with CC.01 handlebar (+ headset) to the V3Rs frame kit with Colnago Sr9 stem and Colnago Hbr41 handlebar (+ headset).

Real Dynamic Stiffness

This concept, introduced by Colnago, is the combined result of stiffness measured in a static (laboratory) and a dynamic way, i.e. on the road in cycling conditions. Obtaining this data was possible thanks to a new testing methodology developed internally by our Research and Development department, which took into account both stress factors and which made it possible to create a perfectly balanced frame in terms of stiffness and rideability in all the extreme conditions that can be faced during competitions.

Sizing and geometries

Based on the input received from professional cyclists, the geometry (especially reach and stack) has been redesigned to be able to obtain even more balanced performance across all different sizes, in comparison to the V3Rs. Now the relationship between seat tube length and reach is almost linear, which means easier and more precise size selection and more possibilities for adjusting the position in the saddle. Additionally, the stack/reach ratio has been optimized and harmonized across all sizes, and the length of the chainstays has been reduced.

Robustness and Reliability

The V4Rs (compared to the V3rs) can boast greater impact resistance of the parts most exposed to shocks in racing conditions. An example is the brand new seat stays, which, in addition to the more aerodynamic shape, significantly increase resistance to bending and impact. On the other hand, sturdiness means being able to reduce the need for maintenance to a minimum. A practical example is the new CeramicSpeed headset with SLT (Solid Lubrication Technology) which, thanks to its exclusive solid polymer and the stainless steel components, prevents two of the most common causes of bearing failure: the absence of lubrication and contamination of the grease due to dirt.

The V4Rs, before the consolidation of its definitive version, underwent a long study phase in collaboration with the UAE Emirates Team, which raced part of the last season with the Colnago Prototipo, a name indicative of the study phase then in progress. Different layups (the overlapping of a specific number of layers of carbon fiber) were tried before reaching the final version and participating in a race as tough and complicated as the Tour de France, for example, allowed us to reach a result of the highest level in terms of quality and robustness.

A brief history of Colnago V series bikes

Colnago introduced the V series in 2014 with the launch of the V1-r, a high-end carbon monocoque developed to satisfy the most demanding cyclists, with attention paidve to the weight-performance ratio. As the V1-r was the latest development in collaboration with Ferrari (a partnership which lasted 30 years, starting in 1987 and signed directly with Enzo Ferrari), the Prancing Horse logo is present on several points of the chassis. The V1-r is one of the first Colnago bikes on which significant aerodynamic studies have been undertaken. All tubes, including the fork and chainstays, have sections shaped in the wind tunnel to reduce air resistance as much as possible. The results of these studies were then used and implemented on the later V2-r and V3Rs models.

V2-r, launched in 2017, has been optimized to achieve greater overall stiffness, better aerodynamic performance and a more pleasing aesthetic appearance. The rear brake, which in the V1-r was positioned behind the bottom bracket shell, has been brought back to its classic position, i.e. in the upper part of the rear chainstays. Also important was the design work that led to new concepts of integration of the parts such as the seat-clamp "drowned" in the horizontal tube, a more substantial and rigid saddle node and an overall increase in rigidity in the bottom bracket area.

In 2019 Colnago launched V3Rs, even lighter and stiffer than the two previous models, maximizing the concept of an "all round" bike, capable of providing excellent technical performance from every point of view, including aerodynamics, and on any type of terrain. This bike has been ridden successfully by UAE Team Emirates riders in all kinds of WorldTour racing. Tadej Pogačar has won two editions of the Tour de France and Classic Monument one day races such as Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Il Lombardia on it.

About Colnago

Colnago Ernesto & C. S.r.l., known as Colnago, is a manufacturer of high-end road-racing bicycles founded near Milano in Cambiago, Italy, in 1954. The company first became known for high quality steel framed bicycles suitable for the demanding environment of professional racing, and later as one of the more creative cycling manufacturers responsible for innovations in design and experimentation with new and diverse materials including carbon fibre, now a mainstay of modern bicycle construction. Among the many Colnago victories – 18 Olympic Gold Medals, 63 World Championships, 23 Grand Tours, 41 Classic Monuments – Tadej Pogačar won both the 2020 and 2021 editions of the Tour de France riding Colnago bikes.