{"id":2598,"date":"2026-03-09T13:47:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T12:47:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingreview.nl\/?p=2598"},"modified":"2026-03-09T13:47:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T12:47:08","slug":"colnago-dark-series-y1rs-v5rs-limited-edition-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingreview.nl\/en\/colnago-dark-series-y1rs-v5rs-limited-edition-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Colnago Dark Series: Y1Rs and V5Rs in raw carbon, limited to 600 pieces"},"content":{"rendered":"

Colnago<\/strong> launches the Dark Series<\/strong>, a limited edition of the two top models Y1Rs<\/strong> and V5Rs<\/strong> in an unpainted carbon finish. 300 pieces per model will be produced, 600 in total. The bikes are available immediately through Colnago Elite Dealers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The immediate cause: the stripped-back road bike with which Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/strong> rode mountain stages during the 2025 Tour de France to get closer to the UCI weight limit of 6.8 kg<\/strong> to come. That bike was auctioned at Sotheby's in December 2025 for $190.500<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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(c) Colnago<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What exactly is the Dark Series?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong> Combines that with chrome decals in a \u201ctitanium tone\u201d and the familiar Ace of Clubs on the steering head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The official line: \u201cThe Dark version lets the texture of the carbon fibre take centre stage.\u201d In practice, it means less paint, less weight (though it's about grams, not miracles) and a distinct aesthetic close to the pro machines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The price is at the same level as the standard painted versions. Expect to pay around \u00a311,999 to \u00a315,000<\/strong>, depending on the build. The price is the same as the standard models, despite the limited edition of 300 pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Y1Rs Dark Series: aero, also uphill<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Y1Rs<\/strong> is Colnago's most aerodynamic platform, with signature \u201cseagull wing\u201d handlebars and a D-profile seatpost. The claim: 20 to 25 watt savings at 50 km\/h compared to non-aero models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the 2025 Tour, Poga\u010dar 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<\/strong> opts for the aero platform even in the high mountains says something about the current \u201caerolight\u201d philosophy: aerodynamics outweigh pure grams, on almost any terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

V5Rs Dark Series: 685 gram frame<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The V5Rs<\/strong>, launched in April 2025 as the successor to the V4Rs, is Colnago's lightest frame ever. Unpainted, the frame weighs 685 grams<\/strong> in size 485\/M, a saving of 113g compared to the V4Rs. The fork comes out at 342 grams<\/strong>, bringing the total frame kit weight to 1,027 grams<\/strong> lands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>, and fork blades and seatpost were slimmer. The frame uses a high modulus carbon<\/strong> main structure instead of the high-strength carbon of the V4Rs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSetting aside the Y1Rs, this is the most aerodynamic bike we have ever made,\u201d said Davide Fumagalli<\/strong>, head of R&D at Colnago, at the introduction of the V5Rs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specs and availability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n