Colnago has unveiled the ‘Dark Series’ of its V5Rs and Y1Rs models, showcasing a minimalist raw carbon finish that highlights the frame’s intricate construction. This design choice mirrors the aesthetics of the bikes ridden by Tadej Pogačar during the 2025 Tour de France. (cyclingweekly.com)
Aesthetic and Design
The Dark Series frames feature a transparent coating that protects the carbon fiber without obscuring its weave, allowing the engineering to take center stage. Branding elements, including the Ace of Clubs head badge and down-tube lettering, are rendered in a subtle titanium-toned chrome, maintaining the stealthy appearance. (cyclingweekly.com)
Limited Edition Availability
Production is limited to 300 units of each model worldwide. Dealers are required to order them in paired packages—one V5Rs and one Y1Rs per allocation—to emphasize the shared racing heritage of the two platforms. Given Colnago’s collector appeal and the Pogačar connection, these models are expected to sell out quickly. (cyclingweekly.com)
Model Specifications
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V5Rs: Designed as a lightweight all-rounder, the V5Rs features a traditional race geometry paired with an extremely light frame platform. It is built for riders seeking climbing efficiency without sacrificing stiffness or aerodynamic integration. (colnago.com)
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Y1Rs: Tailored for flat courses and sprints, the Y1Rs is engineered for maximum aerodynamic advantage, designed to maintain high speeds once attained. Its aggressive silhouette is complemented by the raw carbon finish and titanium-chrome accents, exuding a professional race aesthetic. (colnago.com)
Construction and Weight
Both models are constructed using advanced carbon fiber techniques, resulting in frames that are both lightweight and stiff. The V5Rs, for instance, boasts a ready-to-paint frame weighing just 685 grams, making it the lightest Colnago ever built. (colnago.com)
Pricing and Availability
The Dark Series framesets are priced similarly to their standard-color counterparts, with the V5Rs Dark and Y1Rs Dark frame kits ranging from $6,200 to $7,500 USD. Initial shipments began in early March 2026 through Colnago Elite Dealers. (cyclingweekly.com)
For a visual comparison and further insights into the differences between the V5Rs and Y1Rs, you might find the following video informative:
Colnago Y1RS vs V5RS – The differences that ACTUALLY matter
