Colnago G5-X Force XPLR AXS Bike

The Colnago G5-X Force XPLR AXS Bike is a carbon gravel bike built around SRAM's 1x13 wireless drivetrain and a frame Colnago describes as an entirely new platform, not an update to the G4-X. It was developed, according to Colnago, from a close look at how modern gravel riders actually ride and what they ask of a bike. The goal is a gravel bike that works as a race bike, a long-day endurance bike and a bikepacking rig without needing to be three different machines.

A Frame Built Around Real Gravel Use

The frame and fork are monocoque carbon, with fully integrated cable routing through the cockpit and a 28.6mm steerer. Colnago has pushed tire clearance to a 53mm nominal maximum with 6mm of clearance around the tire, so there is room for wide, low-pressure rubber when the surface gets rough. The bike ships with 700x50 tires, which already sit near the top of that range. Wide tires are where much of a gravel bike's comfort and grip comes from, and the G5-X is designed to let you use them.

Geometry was revised with high-speed handling in mind. Colnago says the changes are aimed at sketchy descents and rough gravel, particularly when you are moving quickly. The 45cm frame, for example, pairs a 70.5-degree head angle with a 435mm chainstay, a combination that favors stability on loose, fast terrain. Chainstay length is the same across all five sizes, 45cm through 57cm.

Storage and Mounts for Long Days

Colnago put real thought into carrying things. The down tube houses internal storage behind a removable plate, so you can stash tools and spares inside the frame instead of strapping a bag to it. The storage bag and repair kit are not included. The same plate area accepts standard bottle cages or the FIDLOCK system, and three FIDLOCK Twistlock mounts come with the bike.

In total there are six mounting points: two standard bottle cage mounts, one under the down tube, one on the top tube, and two on the fork for bottle or cargo cages. That gives you room to build the bike toward a race setup with almost nothing attached or toward a loaded overnight kit. The seatpost is a round 27.2mm carbon design with a 15mm setback, and Colnago notes it is potentially compatible with a dropper post, which is useful if your routes include steep, technical descents. The frame also uses the UDH standard hanger.

SRAM Force XPLR AXS Drivetrain

This build uses SRAM Force XPLR AXS E1, a 1x13 wireless electronic group. The 40-tooth chainring works with a 10-46 cassette, which covers a wide spread without a front derailleur to manage. One chainring means fewer parts to clog with mud and fewer shifts to think about when you are working through a rough section. Hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors handle stopping. The frame accepts 1x chainrings up to 50T, and 2x setups using gravel, road compact and super-compact chainrings, if you ever want to change the gearing.

The cockpit is Colnago's CC.01 Wide, an integrated bar and stem with internal cable routing. The bar flares to 460mm at the drops, with a narrower 400mm at the hoods on the smallest size, which gives a wider stance for control on rough ground. A Selle Italia Novus saddle and Colnago Grip bar tape finish the contact points. Pedals are not included, so you can fit the system you already ride.

The wheels are Vision TC45 carbon hoops, paired with Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RH tubeless-ready tires in 700x50.

Who It Is For

Colnago has been building bikes in Cambiago, Italy since 1954, and the G5-X is its latest gravel platform. It is aimed at riders who want one bike for gravel racing, all-day mixed-surface rides and bikepacking, and who value wide-tire clearance, built-in storage and electronic shifting. At $7,500 it sits in the middle of the G5-X lineup, below the SRAM RED XPLR build and above the Rival XPLR version. Available in Carbon Blue and Carbon Green, in sizes 45cm to 57cm.