Colnago has unveiled the G5-X race-oriented gravel bike, saying that the new platform is suitable for everything from one-day races like The Traka and Unbound to multi-day ultras like GranGuanche Audax, where sleeping out is part of the deal. The G5-X comes with 53mm of tyre clearance and a carbon layup that’s said to be “responsive yet compliant”.
So what exactly are you getting here? Compared with the existing G4-X, the G5-X offers:
- Increased tyre clearance
- Longer wheelbase for more stability
- Slacker head angle with increased rake designed to keep steering responsive
- Increased bottom bracket drop
- New carbon layup
- Integrated in-frame storage
Clearance for chunky tyres
We all know that tyre clearances are getting larger in the gravel market, and although the G5-X won’t take quite the width of some new bikes we’ve seen recently, you can still fit a chunky 53mm here. Benefits include additional comfort, grip and control.
“On uneven surfaces, a wider tyre at lower pressure often rolls faster than a narrow, hard one because it bounces less,” says Colnago. “More volume [also] means fewer pinch flats and less chance of hitting the rim.”
It’s all about the carbon layup
As mentioned up top, Colnago reckons that the G5-X carbon layup is “responsive yet compliant”.
We don’t have a frame weight for you, but Colnago says you get sharp accelerations and plenty of response when climbing, which are hardly unusual claims when it comes to bike launches.
“On rocky, broken roads, the stiffness is tempered [meaning] fewer harsh jolts to your forearms and back,” says Colnago.
Gravel geometry
In terms of geometry, the G5-X comes with a slack head tube angle of between 70.5° and 71.5°, depending on the frame size.
This keeps the bike stable at speed, says Colnago, increasing trail and wheelbase so the bike tracks straighter and gets knocked off line less on rough, fast ground. It also adds confidence on steeper terrain and provides better bump absorption.
A 52mm rake across all sizes is said to quicken the steering, especially at low speed and on tight switchbacks, and balance the slack head tube angle.
“Combining a slack [head tube] angle with more offset keeps most of the stability while the front end feels less floppy and vague,” says Colnago.
A greater bottom bracket drop than you’ll find on Colnago’s G4-X – ranging from 77.5mm to 80mm, depending on the frame size – lowers your centre of gravity a touch. Colnago says this makes the bike feel more “planted” and adds stability at speed.
“It tracks more calmly on fast descents and straights [and] leans in and holds a line more predictably, especially on loose gravel,” says Colnago.
A lower bottom bracket also balances wider tyres. Large tyres lift you skyward while a greater BB drop brings you closer to the ground again so the handling stays composed.
A longer wheelbase (1,044mm on size 51) is designed to provide stability at speed and feel less twitchy when the front wheel gets knocked around, and also to feel calm and comfortable.
“More distance between the wheels lowers the risk of going over the bars on descents and of the front wheel lifting on steep climbs,” says Colnago. “[It also spreads weight more evenly between the wheels, which helps grip on loose climbs and in corners.”
The longer overall geometry is also said to handle bikepacking bags and extra weight more predictably during loaded riding.
Integrated in-frame storage
Unlike Colnago’s existing G4-X, the G5-X offers integrated in-frame storage within the down tube.
The idea is that it’ll take a spare inner tube, CO2 inflator, tools and so on, so you can keep your jersey pockets free for food and extra layers. Everything you pack away inside the frame is protected from mud and water too.
More storage options
As well as the usual bottle cage mounts, you get mounts on the top tube for a bento box and mounting points on the fork.
You could fit cargo cages on the fork to hold a small dry bag, a jacket or food for unsupported events, for instance.
Component compatibility
Unlike the Colnago G4-X, the G5-X takes a standard round 27.2mm seatpost.
“A slim round post flexes more than a larger-diameter or aero D-shaped one, so it absorbs vibration and chatter over long hours on gravel,” says Colnago. “That means less fatigue and better control late in a race.
“A round 27.2mm seat tube opens up the widest choice of seatposts, from compliant carbon to dropper and suspension posts, so every rider can tune comfort and control to their race.”
The G5-X is compatible with electronic groupsets only. Each of the three models in the range is fitted with a 1x SRAM XPLR AXS groupset. It’ll take 1x chainrings up to 50T. If you want to go for a 2x setup instead, Colnago says it’ll handle all gravel chainrings, but only compact and super-compact road chainrings.
It’s UDH compatible and takes a BSA 68mm bottom bracket.
> What is UDH and is it the future of all bikes? SRAM’s Universal Derailleur Hanger explained
Integrated handlebar/stem
Of the three models in the G5-X range, the top two options come fitted with Colnago’s carbon monocoque CC.01 Wide integrated handlebar/stem.
You get 3cm of flare per side, meaning that your hands sit considerably further apart when you’re down on the drops than when your hands are perched up on the hoods, increasing stability.
The Deda Superzero Gravel Alloy handlebar on the most affordable build comes with 16° of flare too.
Models and prices
The Colnago G5-X is available in three builds, each featuring a SRAM groupset.
SRAM Red XPLR AXS E1 £9,999.99
Groupset SRAM Red XPLR AXS E1
Wheels Zipp 303 XPLR SW
Tyres Goodyear XPLR Inter TLR 700×50
Handlebar Colnago CC.01 Wide (carbon)
SRAM Force XPLR E1 £6,299.99
Groupset SRAM Force XPLR E1
Wheels Vision TC45 (carbon)
Tyres Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RHTLR 700×50
Handlebar Colnago CC.01 Wide (carbon)
SRAM Rival XPLR E1 £5,299.99
Groupset SRAM Rival XPLR E1
Wheels Vision TC45 (carbon)
Tyres Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RHTLR 700×50
Handlebar Deda Superzero Gravel Alloy
