Colnago introduces the V5Rs. A bike built to win. More.

April 16, 2025

- The lightest Colnago frame ever produced, as used by UAE Team Emirates-XRG and UAE Team ADQ. - For over a decade, the V Series has embodied the Colnago racing spirit, setting the pace in the most demanding cycling competitions. Since the V4Rs dominated the scene with UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Team UAE ADQ, we've been relentless in our pursuit to improve on the seemingly perfect. Every great story needs a new chapter, and the V5Rs is ready to write new pages of success. Even lighter and more aerodynamic, the V5Rs is the ultimate all-rounder road-racing bike.

Cambiago (April 16th, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Colnago proudly unveils the latest evolution in the V Series: the Colnago V5Rs, the ultimate all-rounder racing bike. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the V4Rs, this new model refines its winning formula. Notably, enhancements in weight ratio, aerodynamics, and handling ensure peak performance in increasingly complex race environments.

Key Features and Innovations

The V5Rs Frame-kit (in 485 size) is 12.5% lighter than the V4Rs. This weight saving was achieved thanks to a combination of new lamination and manufacturing techniques.

Among the various tests conducted, the FEM Analysis proved to be the most helpful in achieving the final goal. The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a widely used technique that, through mathematical modeling and equation solving, allows the simulation of engineering scenarios and system behaviors, in this case, the structural analysis of bicycle frames.

In particular, Colnago has made progress in production technology and in the study of carbon lamination. The challenge, which has been successfully met, was to improve the precision of the positioning of each layer to achieve an ambitious weight target while maintaining the stiffness properties of the bike that have been so appreciated by the riders using the V4Rs.

Colnago uses special semi-rigid mandrels to construct this frame, which were developed specifically to guarantee a perfect arrangement of the carbon layers. Thus, Colnago has obtained absolute quality control and a perfect match between design objectives and final product performance.

Weight and Carbon Lay-up

New Improved Aerodynamic Tube Shapes

The know-how developed during the studies carried out for the Y1Rs has also been transferred to this lightweight all-rounder.

First, they were studied using the very precise CFD model that Colnago developed during the Y1Rs’ R&D process. CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) is a technology that simulates and analyzes fluid flow using numerical methods and algorithms. Once the most promising tube and joint shapes were finalized, 1:1 scale prototypes were made using 3D printing. Then, they were fully assembled as regular reference bikes and thoroughly tested in multiple wind tunnel test sessions.

The V5Rs features a slimmer head tube and new fork blade profiles that combine lightweight construction, stiffness, and improved aerodynamics. Additionally, the seat post and seat tube profiles are significantly thinner and deeper.

The V5Rs frontal area is now 13% thinner than the V4Rs. The aerodynamic performance of the V5Rs is in line with many World Tour aero bikes.

▲ Overlapping of the frames of the V5Rs (in dark) and the V4Rs (silhouette in gold)

Real Riding Stiffness

Creating lighter frames and more aerodynamic tube profiles often involves a trade-off in frame stiffness. However, with the help of FEM, it was possible to simulate the frame’s behavior under specific loading conditions.

With the introduction of the V4Rs, we already assumed that Real Riding Stiffness (RRS) was the metric to consider when measuring frame stiffness. Indeed, RRS measures frame stiffness under real-world riding conditions, specifically sprinting and seated climbing—the ones faced in any competition.

Through a combination of new lamination techniques and optimized joint shapes, the V5Rs’s Real Riding Stiffness matches that of its predecessor, the V4Rs—our benchmark—despite its more aerodynamic profile and reduced weight.

Updated Racing Geometry

Building on the successful geometry of the V4Rs, which has been validated in major WorldTour races, the V5Rs incorporates only minor updates to make it slightly more aggressive and efficient while better accommodating modern riding positions.

• Trail Adjustment: Updated trail for better responsiveness in direction changes and quick maneuvers.
  • Fork rake: 47 mm for sizes 420-510 and 43 mm for sizes 530-570.
• Aerodynamics and Power Transmission: Slightly steeper head tube (HT) and seat tube (ST) angles for a more forward-oriented position.
• Seatpost Options: Two seatpost setback options: 0 mm and 15 mm.
• Tire Clearance: Nominal tire clearance of up to 32mm.

Wind Tunnel Results – continuous improvement

The V5Rs is more aerodynamically efficient than its predecessor – as validated through extensive wind tunnel testing.

• Power Savings: Compared to the V4Rs, the V5Rs requires 9 watts less power to maintain a speed of 50 kmph in real-world racing setups.
• Wind Tunnel Testing: In tests with a fully-equipped racing mannequin, the V5Rs confirmed to be an enhancement of the V4Rs from an aerodynamic point of view.
• Reduced Drag: The V5Rs’ optimized profiles and minimized frontal area contribute to a reduction in drag compared to its predecessor (at 50 kmph, 490 Watt vs 499 Watt)

Colnago Racing Line – V5Rs vs Y1Rs comparison

For the 2025 season, Colnago has completely revamped its racing lineup, now featuring the V5Rs and Y1Rs. Both bikes are uncompromising in handling and riding precision and designed to perform in the most demanding conditions, such as WorldTour races.

The V5Rs is the ultimate all-rounder, meeting the UCI weight limit with standard and aerodynamic components – such as those used by UAE Team Emirates-XRG. With improved aerodynamics and balanced stiffness, it outperforms its predecessor – already a proven winner in all conditions, from cobblestones and sprints to mountain stages.

For those seeking extreme aerodynamics and maximum responsiveness in a sprint, the Y1Rs is the ideal choice.

Our WorldTour teams use both bikes, with riders selecting based on race conditions and personal riding style. Bike selection is no longer just about elevation gain—it now factors in elements such as expected average speed, wind, weather conditions, and the rider’s role within the team.

Configuration and Availability

The V5Rs is available in multiple configurations to meet diverse rider needs. Prices start at €5,940 for the frame kit, with complete builds up to €16,500. It is $6,250 in the USA for the frame and $900 for the CC.01 handlebars.

The frame kit includes the frame, fork, headset, handlebars, seatpost, and bottle cages.

About Colnago

Colnago Ernesto & C. S.r.l., known as Colnago, is a manufacturer of high-end racing bicycles founded in Cambiago, MI, in 1954. The company grew thanks to its ability to develop new technologies and designs on steel frames with junctions, working closely with the best professional cycling teams in the service of the greatest champions. Colnago soon emerged as one of the most creative and vibrant racing bike manufacturers, innovating and bringing within the cycling world its ideas and experimenting with new and different materials including titanium and carbon fiber, now a mainstay of modern bicycle construction. Among Colnago’s many victories – 16 Grand Tours, 416 stages in the Grand Tours, 45 Monument Classics, 28 World Championships, 18 Olympic Gold Medals – Tadej Pogačar won the 2020, 2021 and 2024 editions of the Tour de France, the 2024 Giro d’Italia, and the 2024 Road World Championships riding a Colnago bike.