Even before the official presentation of the Y1R, emotions were already running high in numerous internet forums as the first images of the new Colnago emerged following a leak. The reactions made it clear: the aerodynamically optimised racing machine polarises like few bikes at the moment. TOUR now has the facts, categorises the potential of Tadej Pogacar's (UAE Team Emirates) future workhorse and compares it with aero machines from the competition.
Colnago Y1Rs: The most important facts
- Weight of complete wheel: approx. 7.5 kilogrammes
- Frame/fork weight: 965/450 grams (unpainted)
- Aerodynamics: 117 watts (without dummy, 0 to 15 degrees)
- Stack/Reach/STR: 540/386 millimetres/1.40 (size M)
- Max. tyre clearance: 32 millimetres
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Prices complete wheel: 12300 to 16500 Euro
- Price frame set: 6710 Euro
The trigger for the lively discussions on the internet was the spectacular design of the frameset, or more precisely the seat tube, which is offset to the rear. Unlike the classic diamond frame, this does not form a line between the top tube and bottom bracket, but bends at the height of the seat stays. This design, which Colnago calls "Defy", has been possible since the World Cycling Union adapted the rules almost four years ago. According to the UCI, the seat post no longer has to protrude from the seat tube, but "can be attached to the frame at any point on the seat tube and/or top tube".
After recent rather conventional designs, the bike manufacturer from Cambiago is once again showing its innovative side. The Y1Rs inevitably brings back memories of the C35, which was created more than 35 years ago in cooperation with sports car manufacturer Ferrari and fascinated experts with its curved monocoque carbon frame. "Of course, the frame shouldn't just look spectacular," says chief developer Davide Fumagalli to TOUR: "Our bikes should impress with their high ride quality." However, the special design of the seat node means that the seat height can only be adjusted by 1.5 centimetres.
In addition to suspension comfort, the structure is also designed to improve aerodynamics - the decisive criterion for the new Colnago. After all, the two racing teams, UAE Team Emirates around Pogacar and UAE Team ADQ with newcomer Elisa Longo Borghinia fast expert. "The V4Rs is a perfect all-rounder, but for special races we need a dedicated aero bike," says Colnago, reflecting the wishes of the World Tour teams.
20 watts faster than V4Rs?
The traditional brand brought in the expertise of two universities from Milan and Abu Dhabi. "The development of the Y1R was the longest and most complex project in Colnago's history," reports Fumagalli. In addition to the obligatory CFD simulations (Computational Fluid Dynamics), a test procedure was used in which the prototypes were fitted with 70 pressure sensors in the wind tunnel, allowing the flow to be optimised for each component.
And the effort seems to have paid off. According to Colnago, the Y1Rs is "faster than the fastest competitor on the market" in various conditions. When asked by TOUR, the Italians did not want to reveal which reference they were referring to. The figures for the aero performance, however, are: at 50 km/h and an angle range of 0 to 15 degrees, the Y1Rs requires 117 watts; with a rigid full body dummy and smaller angles of attack (0 to 10 degrees), Colnago communicates a performance of 474 watts. In both cases, the Italo bike is therefore slightly less than ten watts faster than its aero competitor. Compared to the V4Rs you need 20 watts less pedalling power at 50 km/h with the Y1Rs.
TOUR calculated an aero power of 221 watts for the race all-rounder, which Pogacar piloted to an extremely impressive 25 victories in 2024. However, our measurement protocol differs from that of the Italians, which is why no conclusions can be drawn about the performance of the Y1R according to TOUR criteria. In the World Tour, the current Canyon Aeroad (204 watts) and Cervélo S5 (205 watts) are among the fastest bikes. The absolute leader Simplon Pride II (199 watts) leads the ranking of the fastest production bikes in the TOUR test. It is closely followed by the Storck Aerfast.5 and Aerfast.4 with 201 watts each (as of December 2024).
Cockpit à la Cervélo
In addition to the flat frame set, which benefits from the cancellation of the 3:1 rule, the new carbon cockpit has a central effect on the wind resistance. Due to the Y-shape of the handlebars, the frontal area is 19 per cent smaller than on the V4Rs, whereby the design, including the fork positioned in front of the head tube, is very reminiscent of the Cervélo S5. In addition, Simplon have screwed the Pride II and Bianchi at Oltre RC similar handlebar designs on the frame.
"Of course, the design is also available from other manufacturers. But the shape works very well aerodynamically," says chief developer Fumagalli. Critics will point out that the down tube is also reminiscent of a popular competition bike: the Pinarello Dogma F uses a similar shape to integrate the bottle cage into the aerodynamic concept. Against a completely proprietary system, such as the Trek with the new Madone According to Colnago, the teams were in favour of using a custom solution: "So-called custom solutions would be faster, but not necessarily more practical in racing."
Pogacar tests on the Poggio
Speaking of racing: The Italians almost casually mention that the Y1Rs was mainly developed for the sprint specialists at both UAE teams. So will we possibly not see Pogacar on the aero racer at all? Fumagalli is keeping a low profile. "Tadej is super interested when it comes to new technologies. He is currently testing the new bike by riding over the Poggio three times a week," says Colnago's chief engineer.
The innovation would certainly suit the spectacular riding style of the current world champion, Tour de France and Giro winner. Just think of his numerous solo rides, where aerodynamic potential plays a decisive role. Especially in the spring classics, the Y1Rs should have advantages over the V4Rs. For the big tours and decisive stages in the high mountains, on the other hand, the race all-rounder should continue to be the preferred workhorse.
Big weight difference to the V4Rs
At around 7.4 kilograms, Pogacar's previous workhorse in race-ready condition and fitted with high-quality tuning parts from Carbon-Ti is no lightweight. In contrast to the aerodynamically optimised Y1Rs, however, it is significantly lighter. According to Fumagalli, the new bike with Shimano Dura-Ace and wheels from Enve weighs in at 7.5 kilograms. In its "naked" state with pedals, computer, bottles and transponder, the bike is heading for eight kilograms. The unpainted frame set weighs around 1400 grams, which is almost 240 grams more than the chassis of the V4R.
It should not go unmentioned that the two racing bikes have different frame geometries. This might not suit every racer. In addition, the Y1Rs is now only available in five sizes, while Colnago continues to offer the V4Rs in seven sizes. The previous 48.5 from Pogacar now corresponds to size M, whereby the stack and reach are identical except for one millimetre and - of course - put the rider in a racing position. The short wheelbase of the new competition racer is striking, which suggests agile handling.
Colnago Y1Rs: Equipment and prices
The fact that the new Colnago is not a bike for everyone, but for the best racers in the world & Co. becomes clear when you look at the price tag. Even for the "basic model" with SRAM Red AXS and Vision wheels, you will have to pay a whopping 12300 euros. With Shimano Dura-Ace and Enve SES 4.5, the equipment variant for UAE Team Emirates, Colnago charges 16,200 euros. The Y1Rs is even more expensive with Campagnolo's Super Record WRL, costing 16500 euros.
Julian Schultz
Editor
