R5 has one job—get to the top, fast. But for all the glory and fanfare that comes with a summit finish, they’re rarely the only climb of the day. And while a race isn’t usually won on a descent, they can certainly be lost. A climbing bike that can’t carve a hairpin is a bit like a cup of decaf coffee. This is the fourth iteration of the R5, and while weight and stiffness have varied over the years, the handling, poise, and unmatched prowess on a descent have been consistent since day one.
The new R5 frame is 130g lighter than the previous model—a 16% reduction from an already-light frame. And while aerodynamics weren’t a focus with this frame the way they would be on an S5 or P5, bringing the cables inside reduced drag by 25g.
SPECS:
Frame | Cervélo Carbon |
Fork | Cervélo All-Carbon, Tapered R5 Fork |
Rims/Wheels | New Reserve 34/37mm Tubeless Ready |
Hubs | DT370, Zipp 76/176 HG, Center-Lock |
Spokes | N/A |
Tires | Vittoria Corsa TLR G2.0 25c |
Crankset | Shimano Ultegra 8100 |
Chainrings | 52/36 |
Bottom Bracket | JY-BB 24 |
Chain | Shimano CN-M8100, 12 spd |
Front Derailleur | Shimano Ultegra Di2 8150, 12 spd |
Rear Derailleur | Shimano Ultegra Di2 8150, 12 spd |
Cassette/Rear Cogs
|
Shimano Ultegra CS-R8100, 12 spd, 11-30 |
Shifters | Shimano Ultegra Di2 8170, 12 spd |
Handlebars | Cervélo HB13 Carbon |
Stem | Cervélo ST31 Carbon |
Brake Levers | Shimano Ultegra Di2 8170, 12 spd |
Brakes | Shimano Ultegra 8170 Hydraulic Disc with Shimano RT-MT800, 160mm Rotors |
Saddle | Prologo Scratch M5 PAS TiRox OR Selle Italia FLITE BOOST SuperFlow Ti |
Seat Post | Cervelo SP24 Seatpost |