Beautiful Bicycle: Colnago V5Rs, The Climber’s Choice

As the Tour de France wraps up, the question of which road bike is best remains up in the air. Isaac Del Toro has gone back and forth between the V5Rs and Y1Rs throughout the race, returning to the lighter V5Rs for climbing-heavy stages, while Tadej Pogačar has stayed with the aerodynamic Y1Rs. Their different choices show that there is no single answer, even among riders on the same team. For our latest Beautiful Bicycle, this rider followed Del Toro’s approach, adding a V5Rs to the garage alongside an existing Y1Rs.

THE FRAME

In contrast to the all-out aerodynamics of the Y1Rs, the V5Rs focuses on weight and ride quality above all else, making it the bike of choice for high-elevation days. With 34 mm of tire clearance, the V5Rs is also built to handle rougher terrain, something increasingly important in modern road racing, where gravel and cobbled sections beat the rider up and shake up the race. This rider specifically chose the frame to handle the HC climbs that surround the Salt Lake valley, with low weight as a priority.

THE DRIVETRAIN

Continuing with the UAE team spec, this bike is outfitted with a Shimano Dura-Ace groupset with a specific focus on climbing. The 4iiii power meter is paired with 50/34 chainrings and an 11–34 cassette, giving the rider a low climbing gear for double-digit gradients. The gearing is one change from the UAE spec, as the 54/40, or even 55/41, combinations used by professional riders are unrealistic for everyday riders focusing on fun rather than all-out speed.

WHEELS AND TIRES

ENVE SES 4.5 Pro wheels are the choice for high-mountain riding. The lightweight wheelset rolls quickly while still providing aerodynamic gains. This is a crucial upgrade that helps narrow the gap to the Y1Rs on downhills and flats. Continental GP5000 tires provide puncture protection in a lightweight, fast-rolling package, helping reduce the risk of losing time to a flat.

TOUCHPOINTS

The cockpit and saddle are the two clearest departures from the UAE team specification. The Colnago handlebar provides an ergonomic fit while complementing the frame with a clean front end and integrated finish. A Specialized Power saddle is chosen because comfort remains essential to riding well and enjoying long days on the bike.

Learn More

If this Colnago V5Rs has you dreaming of your own custom Italian climbing bike, we'd love to help make it happen. Reach out via any of the options below and our team will help you bring your unique vision to the tarmac.

📍 Visit: our Salt Lake City or Park City locations
📞 Call: 801-364-0344
📧 Email: info@contenderbicycles.com

The Build

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