Colnago launches the Dark Series, a limited edition of the two top models Y1Rs and V5Rs in an unpainted carbon finish. 300 pieces per model will be produced, 600 in total. The bikes are available immediately through Colnago Elite Dealers.
The immediate cause: the stripped-back road bike with which Tadej Pogačar rode mountain stages during the 2025 Tour de France to get closer to the UCI weight limit of 6.8 kg to come. That bike was auctioned at Sotheby's in December 2025 for $190.500.
What exactly is the Dark Series?
In the Dark Series, a transparent protective lacquer layer replaces the usual paint finish. The result: the carbon layup of the frame is visible. Colnago Combines that with chrome decals in a “titanium tone” and the familiar Ace of Clubs on the steering head.
The official line: “The Dark version lets the texture of the carbon fibre take centre stage.” In practice, it means less paint, less weight (though it's about grams, not miracles) and a distinct aesthetic close to the pro machines.
The price is at the same level as the standard painted versions. Expect to pay around £11,999 to £15,000, depending on the build. The price is the same as the standard models, despite the limited edition of 300 pieces.
Y1Rs Dark Series: aero, also uphill
The Y1Rs is Colnago's most aerodynamic platform, with signature “seagull wing” handlebars and a D-profile seatpost. The claim: 20 to 25 watt savings at 50 km/h compared to non-aero models.
At the 2025 Tour, Pogačar opted instead for raw carbon Y1Rs on the mountain stages to Mont Ventoux and the climbing time trial. The reason was pragmatic: the standard painted frame weighed around 7.5 kg complete, and removing the paint brought it closer to the UCI limit. That UAE Team Emirates-XRG opts for the aero platform even in the high mountains says something about the current “aerolight” philosophy: aerodynamics outweigh pure grams, on almost any terrain.
V5Rs Dark Series: 685 gram frame
The V5Rs, launched in April 2025 as the successor to the V4Rs, is Colnago's lightest frame ever. Unpainted, the frame weighs 685 grams in size 485/M, a saving of 113g compared to the V4Rs. The fork comes out at 342 grams, bringing the total frame kit weight to 1,027 grams lands.
In addition, Colnago claims a 13% smaller frontal area and 9 watts gain at 50 km/h compared to its predecessor. Technically, the design shifted from a T47 to a BSA threaded bottom bracket, and fork blades and seatpost were slimmer. The frame uses a high modulus carbon main structure instead of the high-strength carbon of the V4Rs.
“Setting aside the Y1Rs, this is the most aerodynamic bike we have ever made,” said Davide Fumagalli, head of R&D at Colnago, at the introduction of the V5Rs.
Specs and availability
- Circulation: 300 x Y1Rs, 300 x V5Rs
- Finish: visible carbon layup with transparent protective layer
- Decals: chrome-coloured, titanium tone“
- Sales channel: Colnago Elite Dealers
- Price: equal to standard painted versions (approx. £11.999-£15.000 depending on construction)
Raw carbon: beautiful, but also fragile
A side note. Raw carbon without a thick coat of paint shows signs of use faster. Those who want a showroom bike that still looks virgin after 5,000 kilometres should realise this. For those for whom the pro look is more important than perfection: this is the purest version of both platforms.
More info at colnago.com.
