Colnago releases the new V1-r aero road bike
Colnago says that it doesn’t manufacture the lightest bicycles in the world, nor does it claim that its bikes are the most aero. However, Colango does claim that its bikes are amongst the most durable, built to last and to always perform like the day they were bought. The company also focuses on rider safety during the design process. Following the recent release of the C60, a classically made, lugged carbon frame, the brand has also been looking to modernize. Enter the Colnago V1-r, designed in collaboration with Ferrari, a partnership that has been in place for 30 years.
According to Colnago, the V1-r was designed in a wind tunnel in order to optimize tube shapes in all wind conditions. Ferrari oversaw this process and helped to ensure that the bicycle was not simply a converted time trial bike but rather a bicycle that is versatile: ideal for riding in as many scenarios as possible. Additionally, safety and strength were also priorities during the development process. At 835 g, the frame is lightweight, although not the lightest. Colnago claims they could have made it even lighter, however, they were not willing to shave weight in lieu of strength.
One feature of the Colnago is its proprietary bottom bracket system that uses an aluminum insert. Unlike some brands, Colnago is against any direct-to-frame bearing systems to save weight. They feel the benefits of such a system are negligible against the performance and durability of a sleeved, metallic system. The V1-r’s seatpost is also proprietary: rounded on the front and square toward the back. Colnago had originally planned to use a classic 27.2-mm round post. However, they opted to use an aero post to better match the aero shapes of the frame.
The rear stays use a one-piece carbon monocoque dropout system, which is uncharacteristic of Colnago. Typically, with their more classic frames, Colnago prefers to use aluminum inserts to strengthen the rear dropouts. However, according to Colnago, with the V1-r’s design, it’s actually stronger to use a full-carbon rear triangle system. Colnago has also redesigned the break-away derailleur hanger on the drive side. This is to ensure that in the event of an accident, the derailleur will actually break away without destroying the entire frame. With the prevalence of 11-speed componentry and electronic shifting, smaller hangers are needed for greater precision and therefore they don’t break off as easily. Colnago has tried to compensate for this situation with its revised rear dropout design on the V1-r. Despite the changes in the rear, the front dropout on the V1-r’s fork still uses an oversized aluminum insert to maintain strength, durability and safety.
The braking system on the V1-r is a direct-mount system – the test bikes were built using Shimano’s Dura Ace 9010 direct-mount brakes. Colnago will have its own branded version made by Hayes, for those who’d like to run SRAM or Campagnolo drivetrains. The V1-r frame will also be available in a disc-brake format – with internal routing for hydraulic disc brakes. One other key feature of the V1-r is that it is compatible with all types of road groupsets, mechanical or electronic. The frame uses internal routing for mechanical cables or the wires needed for an electronic group.
Colnago says its the only ISO certified bicycle brand and they haven’t had a product recall in more than 60 years likely because of their traditional designs. They are not known as a brand to push technological innovation, but rather to embrace it in a context that fits with their premise as a brand. The V1-r is arguably their most modern bike that strikes a balance between the tradition of the C60 and the latest innovations seen throughout the industry.
