Colnago Bikes - A Brief History
Colnago's story began in 1954 when Ernesto Colnago founded the company in Cambiago, Italy with nothing more than a passion for cycling and exceptional craftsmanship. What started as a small workshop has evolved into one of the most prestigious names in cycling, synonymous with Italian artistry, innovation, and racing excellence.
From the beginning, Ernesto Colnago understood that a bicycle was more than just transportation—it was a work of art. His meticulous attention to detail and innovative spirit led to groundbreaking developments in frame construction, including the revolutionary use of carbon fiber in the 1980s and the iconic lugged construction that became Colnago's signature.
Over the decades, Colnago bikes have carried legendary riders to countless victories. From Eddy Merckx's historic achievements to modern-day champions like Tadej Pogacar, Colnago has been present at every major cycling milestone. The brand's commitment to excellence has made it the choice of professional teams and discerning enthusiasts who demand nothing but the best.
Today, Colnago continues to blend traditional Italian craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, creating bikes that are not just fast and efficient, but beautiful expressions of cycling art. Each Colnago bike carries forward nearly 70 years of innovation, passion, and an unwavering commitment to perfection.
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Colnago Sizing Philosophy
Colnago uses traditional European sizing conventions, with frame sizes based on seat tube length rather than modern "reach-based" sizing. The current lineup comes in seven sizes across most models, ensuring proper fit for riders from 5'2" to 6'6".
Key sizing considerations:
- Colnago tends to run slightly smaller than some modern brands
- The geometry emphasizes proper proportional fit
- Professional fitting is highly recommended
- Each model may have slightly different sizing characteristics
See the Colnago size chart below for Colnago's current sizing recommendations based on rider height and inseam for the V5Rs, C68 Road, V4Rs, and V4.
Colnago's latest Y1Rs road bike sizing is a bit more involved - click here for a size chart on the Colnago Y1Rs specifically.
If you have further questions regarding sizing of a specific Colnago for sale at TPC, don't hesitate to reach out to our Ride Guides.
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Colnago Size Chart
| Your Height (ft/in) | Your Height (cm) | Colnago Size | Other Brands Size |
| 5 feet 1 inches | 155 cm | 42 | 45 |
| 5 feet 2 inches | 157 cm | 42 | 45-47 |
| 5 feet 3 inches | 160 cm | 42 | 45-47 |
| 5 feet 4 inches | 163 cm | 42 | 45-47 |
| 5 feet 5 inches | 165 cm | 45 | 48-49 |
| 5 feet 6 inches | 168 cm | 45 | 48-49 |
| 5 feet 7 inches | 170 cm | 48 | 51-52 |
| 5 feet 8 inches | 173 cm | 48 | 51-52 |
| 5 feet 9 inches | 175 cm | 50 | 53-54 |
| 5 feet 10 inches | 178 cm | 50 | 53-54 |
| 5 feet 11 inches | 180 cm | 52 | 55-56 |
| 6 feet 0 inches | 183 cm | 52 | 55-56 |
| 6 feet 1 inches | 185 cm | 54 | 57-58 |
| 6 feet 2 inches | 188 cm | 54 | 57-58 |
| 6 feet 3 inches | 191 cm | 56 | 59-61 |
| 6 feet 4 inches | 193 cm | 56 | 59-61 |
| 6 feet 5 inches | 196 cm | 58 | 62-64 |
| 6 feet 6 inches | 199 cm | 58 | 62-64 |
Colnago Bikes - Naming Guide
Understanding Colnago's naming system helps decode their sophisticated lineup of bikes and specifications:
Frame Construction Types:
C68 = Colnago's premium handmade carbon frame, crafted in Italy using traditional lugged construction. This represents the pinnacle of Colnago's artisanal craftsmanship, where each frame is individually assembled by master craftsmen. The C68 combines heritage techniques with modern carbon technology.
V-Series (V4Rs, V3Rs, V5Rs) = Colnago's monocoque carbon racing frames, manufactured in Taiwan to exacting specifications. These frames utilize advanced carbon layup techniques and aerodynamic optimization. The "V" stands for "Victory," representing Colnago's race-winning heritage.
Y1Rs = The latest evolution in Colnago's racing lineup, featuring the most advanced aerodynamics and weight optimization.
Master = Colnago's iconic steel frame series, representing the company's roots and traditional craftsmanship. These frames are built using premium steel tubing and showcase classic Italian styling.
G-Series = Colnago's gravel bike platform, designed for off-road adventures while maintaining the brand's performance DNA.
Model Designations:
"Rs" Suffix = Racing Specification - indicates the most performance-oriented version of each model, optimized for competitive cycling with aggressive geometry and lightweight construction.
Disc = Disc brake compatibility, offering superior stopping power and performance in all weather conditions.
Allroad = Versatile bikes designed to handle both smooth tarmac and light off-road terrain, featuring wider tire clearance and more relaxed geometry.
TT = Time Trial specification, featuring aerodynamic frame shapes and aggressive positioning for against-the-clock racing.
The Lineup
Colnago - Road & Time Trial Bikes
V5Rs, V4Rs, Y1Rs, C68, Master, TT1
Colnago V5Rs:
Category: Road // Subcategory: Lightweight Road / Racing
Designed with the intention of continuing WorldTour domination, the V5Rs is the latest evolution of the Colnago V Series. It was designed with heavy influence from Tadej Pogacar and the UAE Team Emirates XRG crew. It finds the perfect balance of lightness, aerodynamics, responsiveness, and handling to achieve a single objective: winning.
Borrowing techniques learned from developing the Y1Rs, the V5Rs uses thin, high-performance profiles giving it a wind-tunnel tested aerodynamic performance close to the best aero-optimized frames in the world.
A newly designed fork delivers precise steering and 32mm of tire clearance for better handling and control on rough surface.
Often compared with: Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8, Trek Madone SLR, BMC Teammachine SLR, Canyon Ultimate CFR, Pinarello Dogma F
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Colnago V4Rs:
Category: Road // Subcategory: Lightweight Road / Racing
The V4Rs represents Colnago's most advanced aerodynamic racing machine. Refined in the wind tunnel, the V4Rs is stiffer and more aerodynamic than its predecessor (the V3Rs), crafted to meet the demands of professional athletes while adhering to UCI regulations. This is pure racing DNA distilled into carbon fiber—a bike designed for riders who prioritize speed above all else.
Often compared with: Pinarello Dogma F, Specialized Tarmac SL8, Trek Madone, Cervelo R5, Canyon Ultimate CFR, BMC Teammachine SLR
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Colnago Y1Rs:
Category: Road // Subcategory: Aero Road / Racing
*photo credit: Colnago
The Y1Rs represents the latest evolution in Colnago's racing lineup, incorporating lessons learned from the V4Rs with further refinements in aerodynamics and rider integration. This model pushes the boundaries of what's possible in modern racing bike design.
Often compared with: Specialized Tarmac SL8, Pinarello Dogma X, Trek Madone Gen 8
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Colnago C68:
Category: Road // Subcategory: Artisan Racing/Endurance
The C68 is a hand-made-in-Italy marvel that blends tradition with cutting-edge technology, representing Colnago's unwavering commitment to delivering bikes that offer unparalleled ride quality, supreme handling. This is where Colnago's heritage truly shines—each frame is individually crafted by master artisans in Italy using the company's signature lugged construction.
Despite sharing nearly identical geometry with the V4Rs, many riders report having more fun on the C68, with just 6mm longer chainstays and 6mm longer front end creating a subtly different ride character. The C68 represents the soul of cycling—where performance meets artistry.
Often compared with: Specialized Roubaix, Trek Domane, Canyon Endurace, BMC Roadmachine, Pinarello X1, Pinarello Gan, Cannondale Synapse
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Colnago Master:
Category: Road // Subcategory: Classic Steel
The Master represents Colnago's roots—a celebration of traditional steel frame construction that built the company's reputation. These bikes offer the classic ride quality that only premium steel can provide, combined with timeless Italian styling that never goes out of fashion.
Often compared with: Bianchi Specialissima Steel, Cinelli Supercorsa, De Rosa Neo Primato, Columbus SLX builds
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Colnago TT1:
Category: Time Trial // Subcategory: Triathlon
*photo credit: Colnago
Purpose-built for time trials and triathlon, the TT1 represents Colnago's dedication to aerodynamic efficiency. Every tube shape, angle, and integration point is optimized to cut through the air with minimal resistance.
Often compared with: Pinarello Bolide, Specialized Shiv, Trek Speed Concept, Cervelo P5, Canyon Speedmax, BMC Timemachine
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Colnago Gravel Bikes
C68 Gravel, G4X
Colnago C68 Gravel:
Category: Gravel // Subcategory: Premium Adventure
*photo credit: Colnago
The C68 Gravel represents the purest expression of Colnago's gravel philosophy with a modular frame design unlike any other. This bike brings the same handcrafted Italian artistry found in the road C68 to the world of gravel riding, offering uncompromising quality for off-road adventures.
The C68 Gravel maintains Colnago's signature lugged construction while incorporating modern gravel-specific features like increased tire clearance, versatile mounting points, and geometry optimized for long-distance comfort and off-road capability.
Often compared with: Pinarello Grevil, Specialized Diverge, Trek Checkmate, Trek Checkpoint SLR, Cervelo Aspero, Canyon Grail CFR, Cannondale Topstone
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Colnago G4-X:
Category: Gravel // Subcategory: All-Road Adventure
*photo credit: Colnago
The G4-X offers a modular approach to gravel riding, designed for riders who want versatility without compromising on performance. This bike bridges the gap between pure road riding and serious off-road exploration. A perfect bike for the rider wanting 1 drop-bar bike for both road and gravel.
Often compared with: Specialized CruX, Cannondale SuperSix EVO SE, Santa Cruz Stigmata, Cervelo Aspero, BMC Kaius
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Colnago All-Road Bikes
Colnago C68 Allroad:
Category: All-Road // Subcategory: Versatile Performance
The C68 Allroad takes the exceptional craftsmanship of the standard C68 and adapts it for riders who want one bike to handle everything from smooth tarmac to light gravel roads. With slightly relaxed geometry and increased tire clearance, it's the perfect bike for riders who refuse to be limited by road surface.
Often compared with: Pinarello X-Series, Specialized Roubaix, Trek Domane, Cervelo Caledonia-5, Allied Echo,
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Understanding Colnago's Philosophy
The Italian Difference
What sets Colnago apart isn't just the bikes themselves—it's the philosophy behind them. While many manufacturers focus purely on measurable performance metrics, Colnago believes that a bike should engage all the senses. The way it looks, feels, and responds to rider input are equally important as pure speed or efficiency.
Handcrafted vs. Molded Construction
C68 Series (Handcrafted):
- Individual frame assembly by master craftsmen
- Lugged construction allowing for precise tuning
- Each frame is unique with slight variations
- Premium pricing reflecting artisanal construction
- Unparalleled ride quality and character
V-Series (Molded):
- Precision monocoque construction
- Consistent frame-to-frame performance
- Advanced aerodynamic optimization
- More accessible pricing
- Pure performance focus
Choosing Your Colnago
Choose the V4Rs/Y1Rs if:
- Racing is your primary focus
- You prioritize measurable performance gains
- Aerodynamics and stiffness are crucial
- You prefer modern, aggressive positioning
Choose the C68 if:
- You appreciate traditional craftsmanship
- Ride quality and comfort matter as much as speed
- You want a bike that's as much art as transportation
- You value exclusivity and heritage
Choose the Master if:
- You love classic steel ride quality
- Traditional aesthetics appeal to you
- You prefer repairable, long-lasting construction
- You want to own a piece of cycling history
Choose Gravel Models if:
- You want to explore beyond paved roads
- Versatility is more important than specialization
- You enjoy long-distance adventure riding
- You need one bike for multiple riding styles
Colnago Sizing Philosophy Re-Visited
It's important to remember that Colnago uses traditional European sizing conventions, with frame sizes based on seat tube length rather than modern "reach-based" sizing. The current lineup comes in seven sizes across most models, ensuring proper fit for riders from 5'2" to 6'6".
Key sizing considerations:
- Colnago tends to run slightly smaller than some modern brands
- The geometry emphasizes proper proportional fit
- Professional fitting is highly recommended
- Each model may have slightly different sizing characteristics
*See the chart at the top of this Buyer's Guide for sizing references*
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The Colnago Experience
Owning a Colnago isn't just about having a high-performance bicycle—it's about joining a legacy that spans nearly 70 years of cycling excellence. From weekend warriors to World Tour professionals, Colnago riders share a common appreciation for the marriage of Italian artistry and uncompromising performance.
Whether you choose the cutting-edge technology of the V4Rs, the artisanal beauty of the C68, or the timeless appeal of the Master, you're not just buying a bike—you're investing in a piece of cycling history that will deliver exceptional performance and riding pleasure for years to come.
