Colnago Launches G4-X For Pure Gravel Race and Cyclocross
Colnago is having a banner year. The company just reported sales of 55.7 million euros ($59.6 million) in 2023 and is on its second gravel bike release of 2024. It’s no secret that racing is a huge part of their success and history. After releasing the refined (and super expensive) C68 Gravel, Colnago created something for the dedicated gravel racer with a hint of cyclocross pedigree. Meet the new Colnago G4-X.
Colnago G4-X — What is it?
The new Colnago G4-X replaces the G3-X as Colnagos dedicated gravel and cyclocross race bike.
What about the C68 Gravel that just came out? That’s a good question; it’s actually pretty different. The C68 is hand-assembled in-house in Italy and has a modular frame. It is more slack, with more stack, and slightly more compliant. Plus, the tire clearance is 42mm maxed out. Colnago doesn’t think of it a “race bike” (even though we did) but more of a great-riding gravel bike.
The G4-X, on the other hand, is a monocoque frame made in Asia, designed specifically for racing and competition. The frame is stiffer and more aggressive (more on that later) with less rake, less stack, and fewer (none actually) mounts for bike packing. Colnago says the G4-X takes cues from the V4RS road bike (tube shape wise) than the C68.
Colnago G4-X Frame Details
Colnago wants the world to see the G4-X as the gravel (and cross) companion to the V4RS. The frame is UCI-approved, and will be raced worldwide, including the European cyclocross season and world championships.
Colnago maintains tight control in manufacturing, even though the frame is crafted in Asia. They have an in-house dynamic stiffness test that is more comprehensive than the Zedler standard. It is meant to mimic the actual stresses of the rider on the bike rather than general stress.
While still monocoque, the frame layup is very intentional. The drive side has a stiffer modulus where the chainstay is narrower. The same is true in various places, such as seat stays, down tubes, etc.
Internal Cable Routing
The frame sees updated internal cable routing via headset and stem. Steerer-wise, the new G4-X moves to an entire 1.5 top and bottom headset over the previous 1-1/8 top and 1.5 lower. The new headset accommodates internal routing and is compatible with other manufacturers’ stem and bar combos.
The new G4-X frame is UDH compatible with all 1X and 2X groups. If you’re looking to “do-it-all,” the G4-X has clearance for road-size chainrings.
Utility-wise, the G4-X has a newly re-imagined seat post clamp, similar to the C68 Gravel.
If you’re looking for rack mounts, keep walking. The G4-X has zero rack or fender mounts, don’t fear – it has spots for three bottles and a top tube feedbag.
The new Colnago GX4 boast more tire clearance than its predecessor, from 42 max on the G3-X to 45mm (with 6mm wiggle room) on the G4-X.
Colnago Bar/Stem
The new G4-X is available with a traditional two-piece bar and stem or an integrated Colnago CC.01 Wide one-piece bar/stem combo.
This updated bar stem boasts a 40cm top—46cm flare. The same super comfortable ones we reviewed on the Colnago C68 Gravel are also available.
Colnago G4-X Geometry
The G4-X has slight geo changes compared to the G3-X. The head tube is slightly steeper, with a longer reach. Size wise the Colnago G4-X comes in; 45, 48, 52, 54, and 57cm sizes.
Builds Options
The new G4-X will arrive in five different build options, with pricing starting at $4,750 and growing to the $9,000 mark. The builds start at 1x and 2x Shimano GRX builds around the $4,750 mark. There are three SRAM builds available with mechanical Rival at $5,250, Force AXS XPLR at $6,250 and Red eTap AXS XPLR for $9,750. No Campagnolo builds are slotted for the time being.
Weight: The Colnago G4-X with integrated bar, SRAM Red AXS build option, Zipp 303S wheels, with XT pedals weighs in at 8.4kg (18.5lbs).
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