Colnago AC-R
Colnago AC-R
Next down the range is the AC-R (and if you’re keeping up with these forgettable model names, then well done). This is their ‘entry-level’ frameset, designed to appeal to as wide a range of riders as possible.
It comes in eight sizes, from 42cm up to 58cm, and offers a slightly more forgiving ride position compared to some of the dedicated race bikes. Colnago describe the position as ‘a summary of Colnago knowledge, performance and comfort mixed in a perfect way to combine handling with pursuit of maximum performance.’ What that translates as is that this sits between a race and sportive bike.
The frame is both mechanical and electronic-ready, and routing for all but the rear brake is internal.
The AC-R comes three flavours, two standard and one disc brake equipped. The first is the AC-R Ultegra (£2,499.95). It’s a full Shimano Ultegra 6800 groupset – other than a KMC chain – with a 50-34t chainset and an 11-28t cassette. Wheels are Shimano’s RS11s, which are the sort of low-end set commonly specced as a price-lowering effort on bikes in this price range. Deda provide the stem and a set of their RHM01 bars, and the own-brand seatpost is topped with a Selle Italia X1 saddle.
Next down is a Shimano 105-equipped model (£2,299.95). The 11-speed 105 shifting is paired to Shimano’s RS500 crankset and Colnago X-Brake 3 calipers, and although the finishing kit is the same as the Ultegra model, the wheels have been downgraded to Colnago’s own Artemis CW28 alloy clinchers.
The disc brake version pushes the price up to £3,199.95, and matches Shimano’s 105 shifting with the Japanese firm’s RS505 shifters, which facilitate hydraulic braking from a mechanical groupset. Wheels change to the disc-compatible Colnago CXD26 hoops but otherwise the spec stays the same, despite the hefty price increase.