ACOL Impero: all-round carbon road bike with 105 Di2
Contents
In short
- The ACOL Impero is the Italian brand's all-round road bike for climbs and flats.
- Graphene-reinforced carbon frame, clearance for tyres up to 35C, UDH derailleur hanger.
- Shimano 105 Di2 2×12 electronic shifting, hydraulic disc brakes.
- Mavic Cosmic S 42 Carbon wheels, Vittoria Zaffiro Pro 30C tyres.
- Sizes XS–XXL, for 1 739 000 Ft.
What is the ACOL Impero?
The ACOL Impero is the bike you choose when you want one road machine to do it all: tempo training, long rides, fast mountain stages. In the brand's words, the Impero combines lightness and aerodynamics with a geometry designed for long days in the saddle, and it stays comfortable even in the sixth hour.
ACOL was founded in 2024 by Alex Colnago, nephew of the legendary Ernesto Colnago, and the Impero is the most versatile of the brand's three models.
The frame
The frame is made from WiaWis graphene-reinforced carbon. According to the brand, graphene makes the carbon lighter, more impact-resistant and better at damping vibration: stiff where power transfer matters, and comfortable where the long kilometres do. It's built on modern standards: 12 mm thru-axles, flat mount disc brakes, a threaded BSA bottom bracket and a UDH derailleur hanger. Clearance for tyres up to 35C means you can fit wider, more comfortable rubber for rougher tarmac.
Spec
| Component | ACOL Impero 105 Di2 |
|---|---|
| Frame | ACOL Impero carbon (ST grade) |
| Groupset | Shimano 105 Di2, 2×12 electronic |
| Derailleurs, levers | RD-R7150, FD-R7150, ST-R7170 |
| Crankset | Shimano 105 FC-R7100, 50-34T |
| Cassette | Shimano 105 CS-R7100, 11-34T |
| Brakes | Shimano 105 BR-R7170 hydraulic, RT-CL700 rotors (160/140 mm) |
| Wheels | Mavic Cosmic S 42 Carbon |
| Tyres | Vittoria Zaffiro Pro 30C |
| Axles | 12×100 mm front, 12×142 mm rear |
| Max. tyre width | 35C |
| Cable routing | Semi-internal |
| Saddle | Prologo Nago R4 PAS TIROX |
| Bottom bracket | Shimano BSA BB-RS501 |
| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
| Price | 1 739 000 Ft |
The combination of a 50-34 crankset and an 11-34 cassette gives you a wide gear range: there's an easy gear for steep climbs, and the big chainring is plenty on the flat. The 105 Di2 electronic shifting is precise, and there are no gear cables to stretch or get dirty over time.
What do the reviewers say?
The Belgian Grinta! magazine tested the Impero XP version. The tester described it as a race-minded all-rounder that is light, climbs well, is very stiff and steers sharply and lively. They also added that the stiff fork passes on road imperfections, so riders looking for relaxed, touring-style riding may find it firm. The launch of the ACOL brand and its models was also covered by the German TOUR.
Impero, Impero Ultegra or Impero XP?
- Impero 105 Di2 (1 739 000 Ft): your entry into the ACOL world, with electronic shifting and carbon wheels.
- Impero Ultegra Di2 (2 049 000 Ft): the same frame with a lighter, more refined Ultegra groupset.
- Impero XP (from 2 549 000 Ft): lighter, higher-grade carbon and top-end Fulcrum wheels, with Ultegra Di2, SRAM Force AXS or Dura-Ace Di2.
If you want to take it onto gravel too, check out the Tuscia gravel bike, and if pure speed is the goal, the Divinus aero bike.
Who is it for?
- Sporty road cyclists who want one bike that's fast on both climbs and flats.
- Sportive riders and amateur racers who appreciate a stiff, responsive frame.
- Anyone looking for a distinctive Italian bike made in small batches.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Electronic shifting and carbon wheels even on the base version
- 35C tyre clearance, modern standards
- Colnago heritage, Italian style, small batches
Cons
- According to the reviews, the Impero family has a firm, race-oriented character rather than being a relaxed touring bike
- Made to order, arrives in about two weeks
Sizing and ordering
With a bike like this, choosing the right frame size is the most important decision. Before ordering, send us your height and inseam and we'll help you. Place your order in the webshop, we'll check stock and then email you the bank transfer details. You'll receive the bike roughly two weeks after payment, and if your chosen build isn't in stock, you don't pay anything until then.
Find out more on our ACOL brand page, see all road bikes, or pick your colour and size and order the ACOL Impero.
