Beautiful Bicycle: Colnago V5Rs
Like Tadej. If I could be like Tadej.
Sure, it might not roll off the tongue or have the cultural cache of the iconic "Be Like Mike" Gatorade commercials of the early 90's, but the intent behind our latest Beautiful Bicycle is exactly the same: if you can't ride like Tadej, you can at least throw a leg over the very same rig ridden by the multi-time Tour de France winner, Mr. Pogačar himself.
That vision—closing the gap between pro-level aspiration and real-world riding—is what drew this customer to this two-toned, stunningly beautiful Colnago V5Rs. Bottom line, this is one of the most refined race platforms on the planet, built for riders who want zero excuses, state of the art technology, and maximum motivation every time they clip in.
Frame: Pure WorldTour DNA
The V5Rs is Colnago's no-compromise race bike, shaped by years of feedback from the WorldTour peloton. Ultra-light, brutally efficient under power, and surgically precise in fast corners, it's designed to excel on the same roads and climbs that define the Tour de France.
Visually, this build leans into timeless, classic aesthetics. The two-tone, black and white finish highlights the V5Rs' sharp lines and aerodynamic shaping without shouting for attention. Subtle UAE-inspired detailing ties it directly back to its pro-level roots, while the overall aesthetic remains classic Colnago—elegant, purposeful, and unmistakably fast.
Drivetrain: Campagnolo Super Record 13 at Its Finest
A bike like this demands a drivetrain with both pedigree and performance, and that's exactly what this customer landed on with Campagnolo Super Record 13. Crisp, lightning-fast shifts meet expanded gearing and unmistakable Italian craftsmanship, all of which is perfectly at home on a V5Rs.
The 53/39t chainrings paired with a 10–33t cassette offer race-ready top-end speed while still keeping long climbs and high-alpine efforts firmly in play. Add the integrated power meter crankset, and this build is a pro-level bike, top to bottom.
Wheels & Tires: Free Speed, Refined
Rolling duties are handled by Campagnolo Bora Ultra WTO 60 wheels: deep-section carbon hoops engineered to deliver aero gains without sacrificing ride quality and handling. They're stiff when you're pushing hard, composed when descending fast, and brutally efficient when the pace ramps up.
Set up tubeless with Limited Edition Continental Archetype 700 x 30 tires, the result is a wheel-and-tire combo that blends real-world reliability with race-day speed. It's the kind of setup that rewards smooth power and confident handling, mile after mile.
Cockpit & Fit: Precision Without Compromise
Up front, this build runs the Colnago CC.01 integrated carbon handlebar, a purpose-built cockpit designed specifically to complement the V5Rs platform. Along with a clean, classic look, this cockpit delivers the stiffness, aerodynamic efficiency, and fully internal cable routing you'd expect from a modern WorldTour race bike.
And while the V5Rs was born in the pro peloton, this build underscores something we obsess over at Contender: premium performance only matters if the fit is right. Guided by the meticulous work of our lead mechanic Graham, spacer height and cockpit dimensions were carefully dialed to balance aggressive handling with long-ride sustainability. The result is a front end that feels sharp and responsive without pushing the rider into a position they can't hold for the long haul.
Tying it all together is the Colnago branded headset cover, a small but elegant detail that reinforces the bike's cohesive, unmistakably Colnago look. Clean lines, seamless transitions, and zero visual clutter; this is a cockpit that looks every bit as fast as Tadej rides.
Saddle & Seatpost: Race-Ready, Rider-Dialed
Rounding out the build, this V5Rs continues its Tadej inspired approach with Colnago's proprietary carbon seatpost. Designed specifically for the V5Rs platform, it balances low weight with the stiffness needed for hard efforts while maintaining just enough compliance to take the edge off long days in the saddle.
The saddle choice follows the same philosophy: an ENVE x Selle Italia Boost SLR saddle with carbon rails delivers a firm, race-ready perch that balances low weight with all-day support. A proven shape for powerful riders who spend serious time in the drops, this saddle offers just enough compliance to stay comfortable without compromising speed.
Learn More
If this Colnago V5Rs has you thinking about your own Be Like Tadej moment, we'd love to help bring it to life. Hit us up at any of the options below, and we'll get you rolling.
📍 Visit: our Salt Lake City or Park City locations
📞 Call: 801-364-0344
📧 Email: info@contenderbicycles.com
The Build
| Frameset | Colnago V5Rs | SDM5 - UAE |
| Groupset | Campagnolo Super Record 13 |
| Crankset | Campagnolo Super Record 13 w/ Power Meter |
| Gearing | 54/39t Chainring, 10-33t Cassette |
| Brakes | Campagnolo Super Record 13 |
| Wheelset | Campagnolo Bora Ultra WTO 60 C23 Disc |
| Tires | Continental Archetype Tire - 700 x 30 | Tour de France Limited Edition |
| Handlebars/Cockpit | Colnago CC.01 Regular Integrated Carbon Cockpit |
| Bar Tape | ENVE Bar Tape 3.0mm Black |
| Saddle | ENVE x Selle Italia Boost SLR Saddle Carbon Rails 145 |
| Seatpost | Colnago V5Rs Seatpost |
