Colnago

AC-R Disc Ultegra Complete Bike-2015

Despite its position near the recreational end of Colnago's 2015 lineup, we feel that the AC-R Disc Ultegra Complete Bike only has one noticeable barrier preventing it from riding in the WorldTour: disc brakes. Most industry insiders believe disc brakes won't be road-legal in the Euro peloton until 2016, but — other than that — this bike's responsiveness and Shimano Ultegra drivetrain mean that your ride will feel like a professional machine while in motion, but will surpass the peloton's bikes in braking control.

Self-identifying as Colnago's "entry level" frame doesn’t meant that the AC-R is built with cheap, run-of-the-mill carbon. In fact, the carbon comes from the same mill as that featured in the world-beating C60: Toray's Japanese factory. Toray also has operations in China and elsewhere, but the carbon produced in Japan is the most consistent in the world. It's guaranteed perfect, every time, which is why — in addition to Colnago's C60, V1-R, K-Zero, etc., frames — it's the only material Boeing will use in its aircraft. This carbon is so sought after that Toray enjoys a degree of selectivity in who they sell it to, so Colnago is the only cycling manufacturer able to use it for 100% of its frames.

The AC-R shares almost the exact geometry of Colnago's retired M10, which was the Italian manufacturer's flagship monocoque frameset before the advent of the all-new V1-R. The M10's geometry was built for racing in the European peloton, and the AC-R doesn't disappoint in this regard. It's got the same tight wheelbase for a frame that responds quickly without undercutting the ride with a twitchy feel. It'll inspire such confidence on descents that you'll quickly eclipse your current fastest times on descents, but the head tube is short enough that the front end can be slammed to satisfy the most critical of crit racers. Whatever your application, the AC-R Disc Ultegra is equal to it.

As you'd expect from a Colnago, the AC-R also places a premium on comfort without sacrificing responsiveness. It ensures efficient power transfer with elements like the tapered head tube, a built-up bottom bracket, and shaped chainstays while smoothing the ride with compliant, flattened seatstays and a plush 27.2 millimeter carbon seatpost diameter. The oversized legs on the sharply-angled carbon fork also absorb road noise and complement the front end's secure handling. For those keeping score at home, that's efficient, responsive power transfer, a plush ride, and graceful handling, the combination of which constitutes the ride quality that Colnago is known for.

Anyone familiar with Ernesto Colnago's personal history knows that his own burgeoning career as a cyclist was cut short by a crash and a broken femur. Because of this, all bikes bearing his brand are built with an emphasis on rider safety, and the legend himself has identified road disc brakes as the next great innovation in keeping the rubber-side down. The AC-R Disc Ultegra is an early adapter, incorporating Shimano's Ultegra-level RS685 shift levers and RS785 hydraulic disc brakes for an additional element of safety that comes close to matching the quality of a Colnago's ride.