Colnago’s again on the boards. The storied Italian model, whose frames as soon as powered Olympic pursuit champions and World Championship sprinters, has unveiled the T1Rs, its most aerodynamic body so far. It’s a purpose-built, high-speed monitor bike that brings collectively cutting-edge CFD evaluation, aerospace-grade carbon work, and old-school Italian race DNA into one brutally quick machine.
Constructed for the Velodrome, Tuned for 70 km/h
Colnago didn’t simply reshape its TT bike for the monitor; it re-engineered aerodynamics across the velocity vary the place monitor races are gained and misplaced. Utilizing CFD and wind-tunnel validation at each part, the T1Rs have been explicitly optimized for velodrome speeds above 60 km/h.
The place most aero bikes flatten out in efficiency as velocity will increase, Colnago’s engineers targeted on how air behaves at excessive Reynolds numbers —the vary the place airflow transitions from laminar to turbulent. The T1Rs’ NACA-derived tube profiles and tight body junctions are designed to stabilize airflow at these tremendous excessive speeds.
At 70 km/h, the bike truly reveals a decrease CdA than at 50 km/h, which means the airflow stays cleaner and fewer squirly the quicker you go. That doesn’t make it simpler to pedal — drag nonetheless will increase enormously — however it does make each watt rely when riders are turning over 1500 watts via the banking.
Aerodynamics by Design
Each floor of the T1Rs was modeled to scale back drag within the low-yaw environments of indoor velodromes. The result’s a monitor bike that thrives the place there’s no wind, no drafting, and nil forgiveness. Key particulars embrace:
- Low-drag NACA-derived body and fork profiles, designed with out the compromises imposed by street bike elements.
- A dual-crown fork that reduces frontal space whereas locking in front-end stiffness.
- Slim hubs (65 mm entrance / 100 mm rear) to reduce lateral airflow turbulence.
- Bulged chainstays to regulate air recirculation across the drivetrain.
- Aero-shaped dropouts and a totally built-in stem for uninterrupted airflow.
These design selections, mixed with the model’s deep computational modeling, make the T1Rs the quickest bike in Colnago’s lineup — interval.
Energy, Not Flex
Observe racing doesn’t tolerate deflection. Each watt that doesn’t go into the rear wheel is a loss you’ll really feel earlier than the subsequent banking. Colnago’s resolution is brute stiffness executed with precision carbon engineering.
- Twin-crown fork structure ties the stem, blades, and head tube collectively for unmatched torsional rigidity.
- Large chainstays and uneven seatstays face up to world-class dash torque.
- Outsized T47-A backside bracket and a bolstered seat tube reduce twist when accelerating out of the saddle.
- The ultra-compact rear triangle pairs with the slim 100 mm hub to stiffen the rear finish whereas permitting a tighter Q-factor for higher aerodynamics and pedaling effectivity.
- A customized aero seatpost with inside ribbing provides lateral stiffness with out further mass.
Inside, Colnago makes use of high-strength, high-modulus carbon fibers with inside rib constructions within the seatpost, backside bracket, and fork crown. Every reinforcement is molded with precision PP mandrels — a element extra widespread in aerospace than bike racing.
Adaptable Throughout Disciplines
The T1Rs can remodel between Dash/Endurance and TT/Pursuit codecs in minutes due to interchangeable cockpit methods:
- SR-Observe Stem — Appropriate with 31.8 mm bars, out there in 125, 150, and 175 mm lengths at -6.5°, with as much as 20 mm stack adjustment through spacers. The twin-bolt interface enhances stiffness on the frame-fork junction.
- TT-Observe Cockpit — A monocoque carbon basebar and Colnago aero extensions, with 380 mm width, built-in pc mount, and modular hand positions for optimized pursuit ergonomics.
Each methods use the identical T-shaped two-bolt clamping interface, guaranteeing the entrance triangle stays locked and secure no matter setup.
Geometry and Match
The T1Rs are available three sizes (S, M, L), every tuned for discipline-specific calls for:
- Pursuit geometry: decrease stack and shorter attain for aerodynamic tuck.
- Dash/Endurance geometry: prolonged entrance finish (UCI restrict on dimension L) for optimum stability beneath full gasoline.
Technical Highlights:
- Entrance hub: 65 mm (2 bolts), Rear hub: 100 mm (2 nuts)
- Tire clearance: as much as 28 mm
- Backside bracket: T47 Uneven
- Max chainring: 72T
Pricing & Availability
The Colnago T1Rs frameset is priced at €6,500 + VAT (~$6,950 USD).
Accent kits embrace:
- Endurance/Dash Equipment: €250 + VAT
- TT/Pursuit Basebar: €320 + VAT
- Adjustable Extension Equipment: €270 + VAT