Colnago V4Rs: simply unmatched
Colnago V4Rs: From Hulk to Technical Specification. All About Pogacar's Ride
"It's my secret, Captain. I'm always angry."
Not angry, just incredibly hungry.
If it could talk, the Hulk sticker on Tadej Pogačar's Colnago V4Rs handlebar would make this small correction to the original quote.
Because Tadej is never angry but always hungry for victories, records, and pushing boundaries.
On the V4Rs frame, the all-rounder model from the Brianzolo brand, the Slovenian has unleashed the full power of his adopted alter ego.
But what are the features of his two-wheeled wings? Let's take a look at some of them.
The front end of the V4Rs has been completely redesigned based on tests conducted in the Wind Tunnel at the Politecnico di Milano. The new fork, which can accommodate tires up to 32mm, has created a head tube with an hourglass shape. The rear stays have also been revamped with new geometries.
Various configurations were examined in the wind tunnel, using stationary pedals and wheels spinning at 50 km/h with varying yaw angles. In addition to comparing it with the V3Rs, two setups were analyzed: the "naked" bike and the race mode, equipped with two bottle cages, a bottle, and a new computer mount. The tests also included two sets of wheels, referred to as "Wheel A" and "Wheel B."
An important takeaway is that, compared to the V3Rs with Wheel A, the average weighted gain in watts (WAD) at 50 km/h reaches 19.2. The simulation results, which included the bike, a rider at 90 rpm, the computer, the mount, two bottle cages, and a bottle, were validated by the UAE Team Emirates at the D2Z wind tunnel in Silverstone. The overlaid data showed an almost imperceptible difference, allowing the team to make component decisions for the 2023 season.
Among the main innovations is the CC.01 one-piece carbon fiber handlebar, which eliminates the D-shaped adapter and allows cables to pass through the front of the head tube. This change has led to a 16% reduction in aerodynamic drag.
The V4Rs frame, ready for painting, weighs 798 grams in size 485, making it 47 grams lighter than the V3Rs. The V4Rs are available in five color variants, with drivetrain options from Campagnolo, Shimano, and Sram.
In a two-hour test, the V4Rs demonstrated excellent comfort and responsiveness, especially during flat accelerations and uphill sprints. On descents, the bike proved agile and stable but requires a confident and decisive approach to fully exploit its features.
Greater rigidity, improved aerodynamics, and weight reduction are the standout features of the Colnago V4Rs.
An incredible ally, as incredible as Pogacar and his favorite superhero, who from the handlebars has enjoyed the peaks, vistas, and finishes of every stage.
"What scares me the most is that when it happens, when I feel overwhelmed and completely lose control... I like it."
Like Hulk, like Tadej.
Pushing beyond limits, extreme efforts, a madness of inconceivable ambitions.
