V4Rs Shimano Ultegra Di2 12s

The Colnago V4Rs is a dedicated WorldTour racing platform, developed as the unbranded Prototipo during the 2022 season before becoming the primary production bike for UAE Team Emirates. Rather than splitting its flagship tier into separate aerodynamic and lightweight models, Colnago designed the V4Rs as a singular, all-around race bike. It represents a direct evolution of the outgoing V3Rs, focusing heavily on structural stiffness, system integration, and high-speed efficiency. This generation introduces a fully integrated front end built around a round steerer tube, moving away from the previous D-shaped design, while expanding tire clearance to a contemporary 32mm.

Positioned at the absolute top of the market, the V4Rs is unapologetically tailored for professional competition and aggressive riding. It suits powerful racers who prioritize immediate power transfer and high-speed stability over relaxed cruising, demanding a fast pace to fully activate its handling characteristics.

$8,500

Image pending

Build

Size

Stack	539mm
Reach	383mm
Top tube	535mm
Headtube length	130mm

Fit and geometry

Colnago revised the geometry for the V4Rs to create a more linear and predictable progression of stack and reach across its seven frame sizes. The fit is distinctly aggressive, placing the rider in a stretched, low-slung posture optimized for aerodynamics and power delivery. This forward weight distribution is further emphasized by the integrated CC.01 cockpit, which features a notably long reach to the hoods.

The handling profile is defined by a slightly slacker head tube angle than is typical for a pure climbing or criterium bike. Paired with a constant 408mm chainstay length across all sizes, this relaxed front end creates a longer trail figure. While this design choice can make low-speed cornering feel less nimble, it pays massive dividends on fast descents and high-speed straights. The geometry stabilizes the steering when the bike is pushed to its limits, allowing riders to hold tight lines through fast, sweeping corners without the twitchiness often associated with steep-angled race frames.

Full specs

Frameset

Frame

Colnago V4Rs Monocoque carbon frame

Fork

Carbon fork for disc brakes, integrated cables, 1"1/8 steerer section

Weight

Size 485 unpainted frame: 798g; overall maximum system weight limit (bike + rider + load): 120 kg

Groupset

Shift levers

Shimano Ultegra Di2 ST-R8170 (12-speed, hydraulic)

Front derailleur

Shimano FD-R8150

Rear derailleur

Shimano Shadow RD-R8150

Cassette

11-30T (default) or 11-34T

Chain

Shimano CN-M8100 12-speed

Crankset

Chainrings options: 52/36T (default) or 50/34T; crank length options: 170mm (sizes 420–485), 172.5mm (sizes 510–530), 175mm (sizes 550–570)

Bottom bracket

T47 Shimano with steel bearings

Front brake

Shimano Ultegra R8170 hydraulic disc (flat mount)

Rear brake

Shimano Ultegra R8170 hydraulic disc (flat mount)

Front rotor

160mm (RT-CL900 or RT-CL800 listed)

Rear rotor

140mm (RT-CL900 or RT-CL800 listed)

Wheelset

Front wheel

Wheel options: Fulcrum Racing Wind 420 DB (carbon) or Fulcrum Racing 600 DB (aluminium)

Rear wheel

Wheel options: Fulcrum Racing Wind 420 DB (carbon) or Fulcrum Racing 600 DB (aluminium)

Front tire

Pirelli P Zero Race 700x28 (with Fulcrum Wind 420 DB) or Pirelli P7 Sport 700x28 (with Fulcrum Racing 600 DB)

Rear tire

Pirelli P Zero Race 700x28 (with Fulcrum Wind 420 DB) or Pirelli P7 Sport 700x28 (with Fulcrum Racing 600 DB)

Cockpit

Stem

Colnago CC.01 integrated cockpit (regular geometry)

Handlebars

Colnago CC.01 integrated cockpit (regular geometry)

Saddle

Prologo Scratch M5 Tirox or Selle Italia Novus Boost EVO TI316 Superflow (subject to stock availability)

Seatpost

Carbon seatpost, 0.15 offset, D-shape section

Grips

Handlebar tape: Colnago Grip Black or Colnago WT23 (WT24 color scheme only)

Builds

The V4Rs is offered exclusively with premium electronic groupsets, reflecting its position at the top of the market. The build ladder spans from Shimano Ultegra Di2 and SRAM Force eTap AXS up to flagship options featuring Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, SRAM Red eTap AXS, and Campagnolo Super Record WRL.

Across the range, Colnago specifies the frame with a threaded T47 bottom bracket to simplify maintenance and a CeramicSpeed SLT headset designed to extend service intervals for the fully internal cable routing. Wheelsets vary significantly depending on the chosen tier. Top-end builds roll on deep-section carbon options like Campagnolo Bora Ultra WTO 45s or Shimano Dura-Ace C50s, while the Ultegra tier steps down to Fulcrum Racing Wind 420 carbon or Racing 600 aluminum hoops.

Value is a difficult metric for the V4Rs, as the pricing sits at the absolute ceiling of the sport. While the Dura-Ace build tested by some reviewers notably included a power meter crankset—a welcome addition at this tier—the overall component specification is standard for the category. Buyers are ultimately paying a premium for the brand heritage and the exact frameset raced at the WorldTour level.

Sram Force eTAP AXS

$7,000

Shimano Ultegra Di2 12s

$8,500

Selected

Sram Red eTAP AXS

$10,000

Shimano Dura Ace Di2 Disc 12s

$12,000

Campagnolo Super Record WRL

$12,500

Reviews

Reviewers consistently characterize the Colnago V4Rs as an immensely stiff and reactive machine that demands aggressive input to reveal its true character. At lower speeds, the steering can feel somewhat sluggish, but testers found that pushing the pace transforms the ride. One reviewer noted that "unless you are going to ride it fast and hard, it’s not going to be an overly rewarding experience" (Cycling News). Once up to racing speeds, the frame’s rigidity translates into exceptional power transfer, with another tester calling it "probably the most responsive race bike I've tried in a long time" (YouTube).

Despite this unyielding stiffness under power, the chassis manages to filter out significant road chatter. Testers were frequently surprised by the underlying compliance, observing that the frame "supplies exactly the right amount of feedback from the road without being harsh" (Cycling Weekly).

The primary tradeoff noted across reviews is the sheer cost. Testers universally acknowledge the premium pricing, pointing out that riders seeking a relaxed endurance pace or high value might be better served elsewhere. However, for those who can exploit its WorldTour pedigree, the consensus points to a highly capable, descending-friendly race weapon that excels under heavy pedaling loads.