The V1-r is the new frame from Colnago designed for cyclists who are particular about their bike’s weight-to-performance ratio. It is made with the highest quality carbon fiber, selected in cooperation with Ferrari, which is why is we use the Cavallino logo on each frame. The frame is monocoque, with aerodynamic shaped tube sections, and full-carbon rear dropouts.

The V1-r is the best monocoque frame produced in Colnago’s sixty year history.

CREATED BY THE WIND
All the tube shapes on this frame, including the fork legs and the rear triangle, have been tested and studied in the wind tunnel to minimize drag.

From a structural point of view, the best shapes for bicycle frame tubes have been circular or polygonal shaped, as they are able to maximize the flexural and torsional rigidity regardless of frame size. From the aerodynamic point of view, the best sections have a “drop” shape: they minimize wind resistance with the same front footprint, when the apparent wind direction lies in the plane of the center line of the frame. This condition occurs in the absence of side wind or, with good approximation (4-8 ° of rotation), when the speed created by the cyclist is much higher than that of the side wind – for instance, during a time trial race. By design, the tubes of the Colnago K.Zero time trial frame sections are characterized by this “drop” shape. In the case of low speed riding with the presence of side wind, the apparent wind direction is rotated with respect to the centerline plane of the frame. Even uphill, with a strong side wind the apparent wind direction can be rotated by almost 90° with respect to the centerline plane. In these cases, a “drop” profile is no more efficient as you generate a phenomena of stall and turbulence which increases resistance on the front and side of the bike. In such situations, the optimized solution, which maximizes the flexural and torsional rigidity and at the same time minimizes aerodynamic drag and crosswind, is represented by the truncated sections of the tubes. It’s these that are utilized in the Colnago V1-r frame.

• THE AEROSHAPE - All of the V1-R’s tubes, including the fork blades and the seat stays, have a special shape optimized in the wind tunnel to make the V1 even faster.
• FORK - The V1-R’s fork is also a new concept, designed and structured to support the integrated front brake body.
• BRAKES - One of the most striking features of the V1-R is the adoption of a new standard for the braking system.
• CARBON FRAME DROPOUTS - Another major innovation found on the V1-R is represented by the use of carbon fiber monocoque dropouts and an internal replaceable derailleur hanger.
• SEATPOST - For the maximum integration and aerodynamics, we offer the new V1-R with a special, dedicated seatpost.
• BOTTOM BRACKET - To increase the rigidity of this portion of the frame, without increasing the thickness of the tube walls and, consequently, frame weight, the V1-r uses tubes with larger sections.
• FRAME GEOMETRY - Sizes and specifications help you to choose the correct frame.
• UCI APPROVED - This frame is approved by the International Cycling Union and therefore used in all races recognized by the UCI.

THE AEROSHAPE
All of the V1-R’s tubes, including the fork blades and the seat stays, have a special shape optimized in the wind tunnel to make the V1 even faster. The profiles are derived from the NACA (set of foils, and have been heavily revised to be optimized for the speed of a bicycle then truncated to better respond to the demands of the UCI regulations and structural requirements. Unlike the K-Zero, our benchmark for frame aerodynamics, the V1-R has truncated tube profiles, i.e. with a drop-shaped front leading edge and a cut tail. Colnago strongly believes that a bicycle requires a balance between the aerodynamic and structural strength, particularly important is the lateral stiffness of a frame, and this is strongly tied to the thickness dimensions of tube sections. The main characteristic of this cut-off profile is the increased lateral stiffness, compared to the equivalent full profile, thanks to the action of the rear plane. It’s also a considerable weight savings and a lower aerodynamic resistance in the case of side wind, due to the phenomenon of “deadlock” – found more often with complete profile tubes. To better understand the choice of a truncated airfoil profile instead of a traditional teardrop, it is necessary to analyze the speed of standard use of the two types of bicycles and their related components. The phenomenon by which every aerodynamic consideration must start is directly related to the actual speed of the rider. Riding the bike, even on a windless day, it is easy to perceive that some air hits the body (Man Made Wind). If you also add the real wind (True Wind) blowing against the rider’s body and his bike (Resultant Apparent Wind), the resistance to wind would simply be the sum of the two forces mentioned above. In the case of a time trial race, the speed produced by the athlete (MMV) is so high as to rotate the Apparent Wind almost frontally. That’s why TT frames have the characteristic drop-shape design on all tubing. At a slower speed, instead, the rider’s speed is likely to produce a wind rotated more laterally, making useless the traditional drop-profiles. In the study, with the help of acquisition of wind data during a stage race, we discovered a result of the YAW typical angle of 4-8° for a time trial bike and 12-18° for a traditional bicycle (in the flat stage, it can easily be around 90° – as in the case of a climb like Mt. Ventoux where there’s exposure to strong crosswinds at low speeds). This data was crucial to the design elements of the V1-R.

FORK
The V1-R’s fork is also a new concept, designed and structured to support the integrated front brake body. It has a double hole to accommodate the dual pivot system for direct mounting. The brake is thus more rigid, powerful, and aerodynamic. The design also incorporates the shapes of the other tubes with the truncated profiles. The base measures 1 “1/4, while the remainder is 1 1/8”. A valuable detail is the conical carbon fiber head, on which is located the headset bearing. Tolerances allow the mounting of tires up to a maximum size of 28 mm. Also; as with all Colnago forks, the dropouts are made ​​of aluminum.

PLUS

• Better aerodynamics
• Rigidity
• Lighter weight

BRAKES
One of the most striking features of the V1-R is the adoption of a new standard for the braking system. The choice was made to use direct mount brakes, first developed by Shimano for the new Dura-Ace. The main advantage of this brake is a better integration, both structural and aerodynamic, with the frame and fork. In terms of performance, this translates into a system that is stiffer (and therefore more powerful), lighter, and with cleaner aesthetics. Shimano offers these new brakes in the 105, Ultegra and Dura-Ace series. For the customer wishing to use SRAM or Campagnolo components, we have also developed our own brake, which will be available with the frame.

PLUS

• Stiffer
• Better aerodynamics
• More stopping power

CARBON FRAME DROPOUTS
Another major innovation found on the V1-R is represented by the use of carbon fiber monocoque dropouts and an internal replaceable derailleur hanger. The advantage in terms of strength and weight are significant compared to the equivalent solution adopted in the past on the M10. Inside the right dropout there is the hole for the rear derailleur cable, suited for both mechanical and electronic groupset.

PLUS

• Stiffer
• Stronger
• Lighter

SEATPOST
For the maximum integration and aerodynamics, we offer the new V1-R with a special, dedicated seatpost. Using the proven forged aluminium head of the models currently in production, we proceeded to design and build a tube of small diameter (approx. 27.2 mm) for maximum comfort and aerodynamic profile (also a truncated profile) to ensure maximum penetration of the air.

PLUS

• More comfort
• More aerodynamic advantage

BOTTOM BRACKET
To increase the rigidity of this portion of the frame, without increasing the thickness of the tube walls and, consequently, frame weight, the V1-r uses tubes with larger sections. Therefore, the width of the bottom bracket area has also been increased. Colnago assessed all the standards currently on the market prior to this design’s debut. The “BSA” standard is good for reliability, but is too old compared to the technical evolution used to develop the V1-r. None of the PressFit systems available met the needs of reliability and durability required by the V1-r. Reluctant to compromise, Colnago has decided to take the best of both technical solutions – the reliability and practicality of a threaded bottom bracket (BSA), and the width and rigidity which characterizes the standard press-fit. So, Colnago introduced the Threadfit82.5 patented proprietary standard. Compatible with all the Pressfit 86.5 BB versions, the Threadfit 82.5 adds two new cups that are easily removable – significantly adding to the longevity of the frame.

PLUS

• More stiffness
• Better reliability
• Ease of maintenance
• Increased life span of the frame