Bike Nirvana
Yet another cycling blog
Custom build: Colnago V1-r
December 27, 2016
Today is the day to pick-up the Colnago V1-r frameset I reserved from Dale of Colnago Manila. I arrived just in time as they're just opening the store.
Dale wasn't around yet so I was promptly attended to by Roy as he led me upstairs and showed me the frame, size 42s.
I discussed with Roy a potential fitting issue with the 42s that I might get a better fit on the 45s, at the same time I like the color scheme (UNRD, raw carbon with red accents) of the former better. Roy suggested to take some measurements of my body as I showed him how my Giant Propel is setup which he commented to be a little big for me. Proof of which, that I also agreed to, was that the seatpost looks short already. We wanted to avoid the same with the V1-r that in the end, the size 42s turned out to be the better fit.
From the measurements of my other bikes, I already know how long the steerer tube should be but we have to wait for the bike technician to arrive and make the cut. During my wait, the barista arrived so I ordered coffee that turns out to be quite good. Yes, they serve coffee in the store!
I was done with my coffee when the technician came and he promptly attended to the job at hand. I did not have to cut the seatpost this time, unlike that of my Giant Propel Advanced which must be shortened for me to fit.
Roy gave me spacers (1 x 20mm, 1 x 5mm) as freebies and that completes my fork setup. With that, I'm excited to get home to start the build.
Here's the list of items included in the frameset:
- frame
- fork
- seatpost
- a pair of direct-mount brakes
- manuals and kit for the cables
The plastics tubes for cable routing is not in the frame anymore and I was hoping it will not present a problem.
At home, I laid the Eddy Merckx Blockhaus 67 and Colnago V1-r side-by-side and I thought they're nearly identical, with similar accents as well. Of course they're not, their individual geometry will reveal more of the difference in actual ride.
The first parts to go are the wheelset so that I can fix it to my "bike workstation" which gives me access to all the areas that needs to be worked on.
Installing the brakes
I examined the B1-r brakeset and tried to figure out the cabling as the manual included only has visuals for the front brake. They can't be interchanged.
The V1-r frame is one of those few out there where the rear brake is installed underneath the chainstay near the bottom bracket. Caliper adjustment must be made prior to the installation of the chainrings if you don't want to endure frustration later on.
First, install the pillars onto the frame and fork and tighten them up to the recommended torque.
The brake calipers come with a plastic guide to make insertion into the pillars easy, and also prevents the calipers from breaking apart.
Here is how the rear brake is configured with the twist-release mechanism to facilitate the removal of the rear wheel.
Once the brakes have been installed, configured, and adjusted the other components are very easy to install.
Remember, do not install the chainrings until the rear brakes have been adjusted.
Ultegra Di2 cable routing
Routing the EW-SD50 cables into the frame is easy and straightforward. I used the 300mm (right shifter) and 350mm (left shifter) cables in preparation for the SC-MT800 display unit. The other 300mm cable is long enough to reach the front derailleur.
I am disappointed to find out the exit holes do not have rubber grommets provided. My Giant Propel Advanced has all these "covered."
Build configuration
I wasn't able to bring the weight down to less than 7 kg but this will do.
| Frame | Colnago V1-r UNRD 42.00 50.40 SLP |
| Fork | Colnago V1-r OEM Spec'd Carbon S 43.00 |
| Headset | Colnago V1-r Headset |
| Seatpost | Colnago V1-r | OEM Spec'd | 350.00 | 20mm |
| Stem | Deda Zero 100 Performance, 90 mm, 6-degrees |
| Handlebar | Deda Zero 100 RHM |
| Saddle | Prologo K3 STN |
| Brakes | Colnago B1-r direct mount |
| Shifters | Shimano ST-6870 |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano FD-6870 |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano RD-6870 |
| Cassette | Shimano CS-6800, 11-32T |
| Chain | Shimano CN-HG701 |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano SM-BB72-41B |
| Rims | Shimano WH-6800 wheelset |
| Tires | IRC Aspite 700x24c |
| Weight | 7.415 kg |
Post-ride thoughts
My shakedown ride happens to be a 113 km ride after Christmas. I had problems with relatively weak brakes and I had my suspicion on the pads. The second ride involving gruelling climbs and steep descents reveals that replacing the Colnago supplied brake pads with Ultegra pads didn't solve the braking issue.
In the end, I decided to replace the recycled brake cables with new ones from the Ultegra package. These are light grey, hence the decision to reuse the old cables which are black. But my, my, it was the culprit. I got some serious braking power now, not disc brake level of power but vastly improved from previous experiences.
I'm still at the stage of acceptance as to the finish or lack thereof, of the frame. Depending on how light reaches the raw carbon fibre, it shows uneven "shades" which comes to me as imperfections. On the accent and painted parts, I can't complain as they still have the same quality and detail found in other Colnago frames.
Colnago and Ferrari made a statement about the aerodynamic qualities of the frame but didn't give wind tunnel results. I guess it's for the owners to find out. The "Aeroshape" was explained in detail how different it is from a usual time-trial frame design.
Thus far, the V1-r exhibits a different attitude compared to the Blockhaus 67 with regards to wind. What I noticed is that the front end "stiffens" instead of wobbles during strong winds. I don't have enough field experience with my Giant Propel Advanced to make a comparison with the V1-r as I still have to ride the former outside of its "comfort zone."
I feel the bike is faster than I ever will be as it seems to enjoy long descents with confidence and control. It seems to me that it is happy being pushed, it is responsive, eager, and even aggresive for another climb or sprint.