Colnago goes to the dark side: new Y1Rs and V5Rs inspired by Pogacar

Colnago has presented the new Y1Rs and V5Rs Dark Series, two limited editions that forgo paint to leave the carbon completely visible. The Cambiago brand opts for a radical and minimalist aesthetic that, beyond the visual aspect, has a clearly competitive background: to reduce weight and showcase the frame's lamination work without artifice.

Colnago presents the Y1Rs and V5Rs Dark Series: visible carbon in a limited edition

Both models will be offered in a run of 300 units per version and will start arriving at Colnago Elite Dealers from early March. The price has not been confirmed.

The Y1Rs Dark Series: the aero bike that approaches UCI limits

The Y1Rs represents Colnago's most aerodynamic interpretation on the road. In its Dark Series version, it maintains the same technical base as the model used by Tadej Poga?ar in the Tour de France, where the Slovenian resorted to a paint-free unit in the decisive mountain stages, including the time trial and the stage finishing at Mont Ventoux.

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In standard configuration, a catalog Y1Rs typically weighs between 7.2 and 7.5 kg depending on the setup. However, the "raw carbon" version used in competition managed to reduce that figure to just over 7 kg, and in specific setups, it has even been seen in the range of 6.9 kg, already at the UCI's regulatory limit.

The key is to eliminate the layers of paint and apply only a minimal transparent coating that protects the carbon without penalizing the weight. Structurally, there are no changes compared to the conventional Y1Rs: it maintains its clearly aero focus, with a tube design optimized in a wind tunnel, a highly refined integration fork, and solutions like the "D" profile seat post and the characteristic handlebar with a "seagull wing" drop.

Colnago has defended on several occasions that the aerodynamic gains of the Y1Rs more than compensate for the slight weight difference compared to its climbing model. It is estimated that there is a saving of 20-25 watts at 50 km/h compared to a less optimized bike in this regard, a figure that explains why even in demanding routes, the UAE team has opted for the aero as the first choice.

V5Rs Dark Series: the climber that approaches the aero

If the Y1Rs is the aerodynamic spearhead, the V5Rs represents the evolution of Colnago's "aerolight" concept. The new generation has been redesigned to reduce weight and improve aerodynamic efficiency compared to the V4Rs, getting closer in performance to the aero model without losing its identity as a climbing bike.

The unpainted frame of the V5Rs weighs 685 grams in size M, which represents a significant reduction compared to its predecessor. The frame and fork set also notably reduces weight thanks to a new laminate optimized through FEM simulations and a more precise manufacturing process in the placement of each fiber layer.

In parallel, aerodynamics have been refined by optimizing the head tube, streamlining the tube sections, and redesigning the fork to improve integration and reduce frontal area. Additionally, it accommodates tires up to 32 mm, aligning with the current trend in the peloton towards larger tires for efficiency and control.

The Dark Series applies the same aesthetic treatment to this technical base as in the Y1Rs: visible carbon, minimal graphics, and chrome details that underline the exclusive character of the set.

"Dark" Philosophy: performance without makeup

Beyond the visual impact, the Dark Series reflects the idea of showcasing the bike in its purest form. The carbon and its fiber pattern become the protagonists, highlighting the structural work of the frame. It is not just a special edition for aesthetics, but a statement of intent aimed at cyclists who prioritize performance and a direct connection with the machine.

With 300 units of each model and production already underway, the Y1Rs and V5Rs Dark Series position themselves as collector's items, but also as fully competitive bikes, identical in technical base to those seen in the WorldTour.