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© Colnago 2022 All Rights Reserved

 INTRO

The bicycle is an extremely complex system made up of many parts,

subsystems and components, and the numerous required performances
can trade off between each other. When supporting a top-level team there
is no room to neglect any single aspect: in one racing season, or even in one
race or stage, there are several conditions and situations in which the rider
who wants to win must not accept compromises. To develop a bicycle that
The new Colnago V4Rs performs the best in all racing conditions is a tough job, especially when the

was built to do one thing: starting point is the V3Rs, a bike which is already a proven winner in all kind
of competitions: 2 TDF GC, Monument Classics (Liegi, Lombardia), Classics

BUILT TO WIN (Strade Bianche and cobble-stone stages), sprint finishes, etc. The only
possible way to evolve without neglecting any detail is to work directly and
constantly in contact with the best and most demanding riders in the world:
from the initial design inputs, to the final race validation, passing through all
the development phases. The new Colnago V4Rs was built to do one thing:
BUILT TO WIN.

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FROM-RACE-TO-RACE
APPROACH
The new V4Rs has been designed starting from the direct inputs of the
professional riders of UAE Teams. The evolution touched all the areas of the
performance:

a. Aerodynamics
b. Weight
c. Real Dynamic Stiffness
d. Sizing and geometry
e. Design robustness and maintenance

All the new parts and components followed the same strict validation
procedure:

a. Concept and Design

b. Prototype phase
c. Internal testing and design selection
d. Complete system validation in racing conditions

This final step is what really makes the difference, all the sub-systems
come together to deliver the final behavior of the bicycle, and its final
performance is never the sum of the performance of each component
(in engineers’ language, there is no superimposition of effects principle).
Therefore, despite all the innovative testing methodologies and validation,
the best way to check that the improvements are consistent and not simply
the result of a different trade-off position, is to take the whole system to
performance limits (i.e. race conditions) and collect data and feedback.

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 a. AERODYNAMICS

The V4Rs has been conceived as a fully-integrated system. While working on

the aerodynamics in order to reduce the overall drag, the superimposition
of effects simply doesn’t work. All the components must be developed and
tested together in order to prove the overall benefits. That’s why all the
presented data is obtained with the bicycle in race-ready configuration,
which means that it is equipped with head unit and 2 bottle-cages but one
bottle only (as in the crucial race phases).

This process of design and development started from the bike frontal area,
which has a huge impact on the drag, both directly (A factor in the formula)
and through its shape, by affecting the overall Cd factor.

Equation 1: Drag force formula

Integration
FD is the drag force
CD is the drag coefficient The optimization of the frame frontal area involved an evolution of the head
A is the reference area tube geometry. Its shape has been revised and perfectly integrated with
p is the density of the fluid the new lightweight fork (designed to allow an effective tire clearance up to
V is the flow velocity relative to the object 32mm) and with the new cockpit. Although the head set upper bearings are
bigger than those of the V3Rs, allowing the cables to run inside without the
need of the D-Shaped steerer column and enhancing the overall front-end
stability, the overall shape has a better drag. This, of course, required deep
surface modeling to keep the frontal area smaller and a better aerodynamic
shape factor.

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 This aerodynamic evolution was carried out without reducing the cockpit’s
overall stiffness, which is as important as aerodynamics in sprint and
acceleration.

V3Rs cockpit Furthermore, for a perfect match and lower drag, the cockpit is offered also
with the new 3D-printed, cyclo-computer support, compatible with Wahoo
Bolt V2 (with further compatibilities yet to be announced). This detail, on top
to the astonishing and clean aesthetics, also provide a measurable (!) 0.75
W* saving at 50km/h, which is highly relevant, considering the small area of
the component.

*WAD = Weighted Average Drag (i.e. the sum of power at different yaw
angles, weighed by the probability of occurring in such a condition).

V4Rs - The new cockpit CC.01

Although the V4Rs is compatible with third-party cockpits, the overall

platform has been optimized with the new Colnago cockpit CC.01, which
has a drag surface reduced by up to 16% compared to the cockpits mounted
on V3Rs, and at the same time the shape has been designed as a NACA-
derived profile in order to have the minimum impact on the air flow, which
is laminar and clean while impacting the components.

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 Results and Data

All the data has been collected with a wind speed of 50km/h

WHEEL A is a baseline reference wheel, kept constant in the comparison

between V3Rs and V4Rs. The research of the Colnago engineers passed
through the evaluation of many different wheels and the results of the
matching wheels (named WHEEL B) has been presented to show the
advantage of a fully optimized platform.

Bicycle only - Racing-ready configuration

(with head unit, 2 bottle-cages but one bottle)

SCx [m2] Plot 1 Scx stand-alone bicycle with spinning wheels and no pedaling (only positive yaw)

Table 1: Savings stand-alone bicycle with spinning wheels and no pedaling

No wind (0°) V3Rs rim V4Rs V4Rs V4Rs

& WAD, WHEEL A WHEEL A WHEEL B WHEEL B
rider speed rim Std Std Aero
50 km/h HU Support HU Support HU Support

Saving [%]

0° 2% 6% 10% 9%
0 5 10 15 20

yaw [°] WAD 4% 4% 14% 16%

Saving [Watt]
V3Rs disc V3Rs rim
WHEEL A WHEEL A rim
0° 2,2 6,5 11,2 10,6

V4Rs WHEEL A V4Rs WHEEL B V4Rs WHEEL B

Std HU Support Aero HU Support Std HU Support
WAD 4,5 5,2 17,5 19,2

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 Real racing setup No wind (0°)
& WAD,
V3Rs rim
WHEEL A
V4Rs
WHEEL A
V4Rs
WHEEL B
(Bicycle + Pedaling Rider @90 rpm + Head Unit & support + 2 bottle cages with one bottle) rider speed rim Aero Aero
50 km/h HU Support HU Support

In order to test as close as possible to outdoor condition, the Real racing Saving [%]

setup test has been performed with a real rider pedaling at constant rpm. 0° 0% 2% 5%
The presented results are the average of 3 different data acquisitions for
WAD 1% 3% 6%
each setup, performed to reduce and compensate the measurement
Saving [Watt]
variability.
0° 0,8 7,7 20,0
WAD 3,9 13,2 27,7

SCx [m2]

Notes for reading Plot and Table:

0 5 10 15 20 The comparison between V3Rs and V4Rs is the difference between the brown and
orange curves (same WHEEL A)
yaw [°]
The blue curves show the further gain obtained with the best matching wheels
(WHEEL B). Light blue with the standard head-unit support, dark blue with the aero
head-unit support
Plot 2 Scx Real racing setup
V3Rs disc V3Rs rim
WHEEL A WHEEL A rim The ‘Yaw’’ on the horizontal axis is the wing incidence angle. For instance, 0° yaw
Table 2 Savings real racing setup
means that the wind is perfectly in the direction of the bicycle speed, while 45° means
that the wind blows perfectly in lateral direction, at the same speed of the rider..
V4Rs WHEEL A V4Rs WHEEL B
According to scientific literature the most common riding conditions are from 0° to
Aero HU Support Aero HU Support
12.5°, while bigger yaws are less common, due to some strong lateral gusts

WAD (Weighted Average Drag), takes into account the drag at the different yaws,
weighted with the probability to occur in each condition (heavier weight for low angles
and lighter for big angles). It represents an average value (or saving) across different
conditions, which means that the effective saving for each ride (or race) can be lower
or higher, according to the actual wind and track features

All the savings are calculated with respect to the V3Rs disc bicycle, equipped with
WHEEL A

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 b. WEIGHT V3Rs V4Rs

1800g

1715

1668
1600g

1400g

Weight
1200g saving
-47g
1185

1173
1000g

800g c. REAL-DYNAMIC STIFFNESS

APPROACH (RDS)
798
795

600g
During riding, a bicycle is subjected to several different loads, acting on the
whole bicycle at the same time. To replicate and measure in indoor testing
400g
procedures able to stress the frame in many of these conditions at the same
390

375

time, our engineers needed to develop internal testing methodologies

200g
in order to take into account both static and dynamic, and both flexural
and torsional loads. The result is a bicycle within which all the stiffnesses
0g
are fine-tuned and harmonized with each other to offer the maximum
Ready-to-paint Fork weight Total frame-kit Total frame
frame weight module performance and balance in all the racing ultimate conditions.

Table 3 Weight and saving different module components (V3Rs size 50 vs V4Rs size 48.5) A clear example of this approach comes from the comparison between
standard Zedler tests, which involve only one force component, statically
Ready-to-paint frame weight is measured before the painting phases applied: th most common parameters are maintained constantly in the new
without the removable parts V4RS with respect to the previous V3Rs.

Total frame-kit weight is the sum of the ready-to-paint and fork weight
HT Stiffness BB Stiffness
Total frame module:
-V3RS frame-kit + SR9 + HBR41 + Head set V3Rs Reference value Reference value
-V4RS frame-kit + CC.01 + Head set
V4Rs 5-10 % lower* Constant*

*depending on sizes

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 We created internal methodologies to replicate the loading forces of
standing-on-pedals and seated positions, and check the overall frame
deformation and stiffness. We were able then to define what we call RDS
(Real-Dynamic Stiffness), and characterize them in combined multi-load
conditions. In particular, we compared all the prototypes in validated
loading situation:

SP: Sprint position, a combination of loads applied both on the handlebar

and on the bottom bracket, with both component laying on the front triangle
However, the bicycle’s behavior is much more solid and stable as measured
according to internal methodologies – which will not be disclosed – and as plane and normal to the frame plane, aimed to simulate the flexural and
validated by all the professional riders of UAE teams. torsional stresses at oscillating cambers

ST: Seated position, loads are applied only on the same plane of the front
“For sure the Colnago V4Rs is more stiff and more responsive. When you
triangle to replicate all-round riding
stand up you feel a better response, better reacting. For sure this helps in
the peloton in the fast races and when attacking and sprinting. This was
for me the biggest change from the V3Rs.”
TADEJ POGACAR
Table 5 Real Dynamic Stifnees, Sprint position & Seated position

“In preparation for the coming season we conducted several aerodynamic, RDS-SP RDS-ST
(sprint position) (seated position)
weight and stiffness tests on the V4Rs, the V3Rs and the best WorldTour
bikes. The V4Rs is much more aero than the V3Rs, with less weight and even V3Rs Reference value Reference value
more stiffness. We must congratulate Colnago on this: they have designed
the greatest light, aerodynamic and stiff road bike combination in the UCI V4Rs 4% stiffer 5% stiffer
WorldTour.”
DAVID HERRERO LLORENTE
Biomechanics & Head of Equipment
UAE Team Emirates

Since testing machines and methodologies are patent pending, only partial screenshot and
info are disclosed

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 Sprint Seated climb

In the sprint position, the rider imparts a force on the pedals whose directrix In the seated climbing position, the arms are lightly loaded and most of the
is off-axis to that of the bicycle. weight is placed on the rear triangle.
In addition, a lot of power comes from the help of the arms, which pull and This distribution of forces is even more pronounced when the climb is steep
push on the handlebars, putting the frontal area under stress. and you are forced to climb seated.

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 Pavé Innovative and racing-validated lamination

In the case of rough terrain, high-frequency impacts occur on both wheels This result has been achieved thanks to the innovative carbon fiber
from the ground. lamination featured on the V4Rs. For the ultimate racing machine, many
These impacts combine with the stress caused by the forces from the different layups featuring as many different stiffness matrices, have been
cyclist’s body: his weight and the push on the pedals. developed, tested and validated for professional use. The final call was given
to the riders themselves, who were provided for the most complete and
stressful competition of the year (TDF 2022) with “PROTOTIPO” with the
most promising layups, in order to bring the bicycle to real limit conditions
(on cobblestones, in sprints, on climbs and downhills) and provide data and
feedback to our engineers.

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 d. SIZING, HANDLING
AND RACING “FEELING”
Based on professional riders’ inputs, the geometry (especially reach and Furthermore, the stack / reach ratio has been optimized and harmonized
stack) has been revised to have even more balanced performance in all among all the sizes, and the chain stay length has been reduced.
the different sizes with respect to the V3Rs. For the V4Rs the relationship This geometry affords a better balance, power transfer and the same race
between seat tube length and reach is almost linear, which means easier feeling for all the sizes.
and more precise size selection and more possibilities of position tuning for
each rider.

600 640

580
620

560

600

540

580
520

Seat Stack
500 560
Tube [mm]
[mm]
480
540

460

520

440

500
420

400 480
365 370 375 380 385 390 395 400 405 410 415 365 370 375 380 385 390 395 400 405 410 415

Reach [mm] Reach [mm]

Plot 3 Seat Tube length vs Reach V3Rs V4Rs Plot 4 Stack vs Reach V3Rs V4Rs

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 V series

Colnago introduced the “V” series in 2014. It consists of top-end monocoque

carbon frames developed to satisfy the most demanding cyclists, who pay
close attention to the weight-performance ratio. As the V1-r - the first
model of the series - was the last developed in collaboration with Ferrari,
the Prancing Horse logo is present on several parts of the frame.
e. OVERALL ROBUSTNESS:
CRASH WORTH AND MAINTENANCE
The overall design robustness of the bicycle can be crucial in 3-week
competitions, as well as in a classic race. With respect to the V3Rs, the new
V4Rs significantly improves the crash worth of the most exposed parts which

2014
may be subjected to impact in racing conditions. An example is given by the
completely new designed seat stays, which, besides their more aerodynamic
shape, also significantly improve the flexural and impact resistance. The V1-r is one of the first frames on which critical aerodynamic studies were
undertaken. All the tubes, including the fork and rear stays, have sections
robustness of this design also minimizes the need of maintenance in, for
designed in the wind tunnel to minimise drag. These studies were then used
example, the new headset, fully provided by Ceramic Speed, which uses and implemented on subsequent V2-r and V3Rs models.
SLT technology with unique solid polymer and stainless-steel components
to “remedy two of the most common causes behind bearing failure: the
absence of lubrication and grease contamination through dirt ingress”.

2017
The V2-r - launched in 2017 - was further optimized for increased stiffness,
better aerodynamics and a more pleasant look. It featured better carbon
resin, an integrated seat clamp, a more full-bodied, stiffer saddle-node, and
an overall increase in the stiffness of the BB area.

2019
In 2019 Colnago launched the V3Rs, which was even lighter and stiffer. It
was designed to be the perfect all-round bicycle for performance-oriented
riders. This bike was used both on flat and mountain races by WorldTour
riders. Tadej Pogačar won the Tour de France 2020 and 2021 on a V3Rs.

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 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
About Colnago 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.

V4Rs - WHITE PAPER - ABOUT COLNAGO 27

 colnago.com
info@colnago.com