Colnago V4 Road Frame

As one of the most desirable bicycle brands in the world, Colnago has developed a reputation for excellence without sacrificing what makes their products special and unique. High performance with unmistakable Italian style typically comes at a price. But with the Colnago V4, you can ride a carbon racing bike that uses many of the same design innovations as the top-of-the-line V4Rs, but with more modest build kits to make it more accessible to non-WorldTour budgets.

The Legacy of Ernesto Colnago

Though the Italian cycling world has lost founding fathers like Giovanni Pinarello and Ugo De Rosa in recent years, we can all heave a sigh of relief that Ernesto Colnago is still very much with us and influencing the brand he founded in the early 1950s. Colnago has long straddled the line between cutting-edge innovation and heritage brand, which has not only helped it keep its legacy customers happy, but win several Grand Tours and Monuments. The Colnago V4 is a worthy representative of that innovative side, thanks to the use of advanced carbon and a ride-tuned lay-up.

Design Innovations in the Colnago V4

When you look closely at the frame and compare it to the carbon monocoque Colnago V4Rs, you can see that the engineers have borrowed many of the same design cues that match aero-sculpted tube shapes with intelligent integration that keeps the clean look and efficient aerodynamics. The design doesn’t tie you to an integrated barstem, but rather uses the Colnago SR10 stem that can route the wires through the stem directly to the fork. It keeps the cables hidden while still offering a separate stem and handlebar option to make getting the right setup much easier.

Enhanced Handling and Aerodynamics in the Colnago V4

The fork in the Colnago C4 also looks unmistakably Colnago, with its straight legs and clean lines. The legs have been lengthened compared to previous models while the head tube has been shortened, which will improve handling and help the rider get as aero as possible. Since there is no rim brake option for the Colnago V4, everything has been designed for disc brakes from the ground up. It also means that the frame and fork can accommodate 32 mm tires (width as measured), which is quite good for a bike that is really meant for pure roadies.

Available in a build that highlights the price-performance ratio, the Colnago V4 complete bike costs as much as some manufacturer’s framesets. Yet it will offer a high quality performance that will help you hang with the fastest of the most expensive in the pack.