Colnago V1 R Road Framset 2015

We typically associate the name Colnago with tradition, history, and lugged joints. From the steel Master we fell in love with in our youths to the legendary C40 that made carbon viable in even the most punishing races, lugged construction has long been Colnago's signature. The all new V1 R Road Frameset isn't the first monocoque model that Colnago has given pride of place in its line of bikes, but it does feel like a break in tradition for the Italian manufacturer. That being said, it also represents the renewal of an old tradition. For the V1 R's development, Colnago has officially partnered with Ferrari for the first time since the mid '80s. From aerodynamic refinements to stiffness and hardware innovations, the collaboration and its product are remarkable successes. The V1 R may be the first monocoque frame in Colnago's stable that's light enough to hold its own with other top end monocoque framesets. We weighed a 54cm frame with seat collar and headset at 1,080g, which puts it squarely on the average mark of the other Italian monocoque frames you'll see in the pro peloton. In fact, losing weight is something of a theme for the V1 R. It drops a claimed 150 grams compared to its predecessor, the Colnago M10. In addition to refined tube shaping and the world's best carbon fiber, small details like carbon rear dropouts and direct mount brakes no doubt contribute by eliminating unnecessary hardware. The monocoque frame also allows for more aerodynamic shaping, doing away with bulky lugs to maintain a wind cheating cross section throughout every part of the frameset. The V1 R is meant for riding in variable conditions and at variable speeds, not just time trials, and Colnago calculated that we typically ride at yaw angles of 12 18 degrees. To accommodate these aerodynamic demands, the V1 R's vertical tubes, seatpost, and fork were designed with a rounded leading edge and an abruptly terminating, flat back tail. This results not only in a smaller aerodynamic foot...