Nils Politt - Colnago V5Rs: Tour de France race bike of the German UAE pro
Julian Schultz
· 02.08.2025
While Nils Politt's team-mates mostly used the aerodynamically optimised Y1Rs from Colnago, Politt opted for the Italian manufacturer's nominal mountain bike: the V5Rs, presented shortly before the Tour of France, is based on the lightest carbon frame in the company's history, according to Colnago. In its unpainted state and small frame size, it is said to weigh 685 grams. Unfortunately, TOUR was unable to put Politt's workhorse on the scales. The rush of fans to the UAE team bus was too great on every stage.
Compared to its predecessor, the V4Rs, there are hardly any visual differences in the frameset. However, minimal adjustments to the fork, seat post, seat stays and head tube should make the new model faster. According to Colnago, by nine watts. However, Politt's racing machine does not come close to the aerodynamic fabulous performance of the Y1R. TOUR calculated an aero performance of 204 watts for the bike that Pogačar rode on all 21 stages.
Like his team-mates, Politt also relies on tuning parts from Carbon-Ti for his drivetrain. For the penultimate stage from Nantua to Pontarlier, the rider from Cologne chose the 55/40 chainring combination, combined with an 11-34 cassette from Shimano. The 1.92 metre tall man also rides a 175 millimetre crank.
Otherwise, the V5Rs of the 2021 Tour stage winner is devoid of any eye-catching details compared to the spectacular Y1Rs. Worth mentioning is the carbon Ahead cap, also an accessory from Carbon-Ti, and the 3D printed saddle from Fizik, which is mounted far to the rear.
Specifications of the Colnago V5R by Nils Politt
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Dura-Ace/Carbon-Ti (2x12; 55/40, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace
- Brake discs: Shimano Dura-Ace (160/140 mm)
- Impellers: Enve Pro
- Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 5000 TT (28 mm)
- Handlebars: Enve
- Computer: Wahoo
- Saddle: Fizik
- Pedals: Shimano
Julian Schultz
Editor
