Colnago VR3s

Ernesto Colnago proudly stated, the V3Rs is not an evolution of the V-2R but was developed from the ground up instead. Lighter, stiffer, more compliance and more tire clearance. These are the key facts of the new high-performance, monocoque carbon road bike. With a long list of new features and improvements, the V3Rs promises to be a do-it-all high performance road bike: you could even ride gravel roads and the Strade Bianche.

The concept behind the V3Rs

Lighter: thanks to the use of new high-end carbon fiber, the size 50 disc frame comes to just 790 g, including all metal hardware. As a comparison: the first generation monocoque V-1R frame came to a total of 835 g, and that was the rim-brake version. The newly developed disc fork has also slimmed down compared to the V-2R, now coming in at 340 g with the steerer tube cut down to a size 50 frame.

Stiffer: despite the significant reduction in weight, the new V3Rs is12% stiffer at the rear and 6% stiffer at the front, thanks to the high-grade carbon fiber and design optimizations. And all that with improved compliance, giving you marginal gains in every respect.

More compliance: both the newly developed frame with the dropped seat stays and the carbon-reinforced headset cups supposedly add a significant amount of compliance. You’ll be familiar with the later from Colnago’s thoroughbred aero-bike, the Colnago Concept.

More tire clearance: with room for up to 30 mm wide tires, Colnago is on-trend, giving the V3Rs significantly more reserves for rough asphalt or the occasional gravel road.

Updated geometry: if you fit 30 mm tires, the bike’s centre of gravity moves upwards, which has a negative effect on the handling. To counteract this, the bottom bracket has been dropped by 2-3 mm, depending on the frame size. The V3Rs are available in eight sizes (from 42 to 58) and thanks to size-specific geometry, everyone should be guaranteed to have a good time on the bike.

New cockpit: the cockpit of the V3R has been completely redesigned, offering internal cable routing for the disc brake model throughout. The brake lines are routed through the stem and inside through the carbon fork. The cables for the electronic drivetrain are also routed internally through the frame. Only those who prefer mechanical drivetrains will have to live with short bits of exposed cable before they enter the down tube. This gives the V3Rs a clean look and also offers significant aerodynamic advantages. For the cockpit, Colnago deliberately refrained from using a one-piece stem and handlebar combination. The separate stem allows you to adjust the handlebar to your liking or to fit a different handlebar entirely.

New seat clamp: integrated seat clamps can be a real nuisance. Either they’re difficult to reach or they don’t clamp the seat post tight enough. Colnago have redesigned the seat clamp, offering improved clamping force and easy access, which they’ve integrated beautifully – right behind Ernesto Colnago’s signature.

Geometry Chart