Before the fourth stage of the Tour of France from Amiens to Rouen, the Canadian bike manufacturer lifted the curtain and officially unveiled the new generation of the S5. Jonas Vingegaard & Co. had already been riding the race model since the Grand Départ in Lille, while the Cervélo celebrated its race premiere a few weeks ago at the Critérium du Dauphiné. In purely visual terms, the innovations are comparatively modest. According to the Canadians, they didn't want to "mess up an already great bike".
Facts & figures about the Cervélo S5
- Weight of complete wheel: 7.5 kilos (weighed weight, size 56)
- Frame/fork weight: 1006/465 grams (manufacturer's specification, size 56)
- Aerodynamics: 204 watts (TOUR measuring method)
- Stack/Reach/STR: 565/392 millimetres/1.44
- Frame sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
- Prices: 9999 to 13999 Euro
The frame set picks up on the flat "flounder design" of the old model. The head tube continues to be extremely long and, like comparable aero specialists, is fully compliant with UCI regulations. The slightly sharper fork sits further in front of the steering head. The trademark of the S5 was also recently adopted by competitor Colnago for the new Y1Rs. As Cervélo reports, the weight has nevertheless been reduced.
In addition to a slightly lighter frame, the new handlebar/stem unit is primarily responsible for this. The cockpit is said to be 100 grams lighter. For the system weight of the frame set, handlebar combo and seatpost, the brand under the Pon.Bike umbrella claims a saving of around 120 grams compared to the predecessor. Our test bike with Shimano Dura-Ace and new aero wheels from Reserve weighed in at a total of 7.5 kilograms.
As with its predecessor, the stem is split further, which according to Cervélo should minimise air turbulence and benefit aero performance. For all sizes, the top bar is 40 millimetres narrower than the bottom bar. The Canadians are keen to ensure that all versions comply with future UCI regulations.
But just how fast is the S5? TOUR has already put it to the test in the wind tunnel: For a first model with Shimano Ultegra, spare wheels with 57 or 64 millimetre rims and Vittoria Corsa Pro tyres, we determined 204 watts, which the new S5 needs to overcome its own air resistance at race speed. This is not a new best value, the old version (202 watts) was slightly faster in our test setup. Nevertheless, the Cervélo still deserves its title as one of the fastest competition bikes in the world.
For comparison: The Y1Rs, ridden by Tadej Pogacar in the Tour de France and now decorated with a stage win in the Tour of France, achieves the same performance. The Canyon Aeroad, ridden by Alpecin-Deceuninck with Mathieu van der Poel and Movistar, also reaches 204 watts. We are currently only aware of one faster racing car in the World Tour: The Van Rysel RCR-F from Team Decathlon Ag2r La Mondiale shines with the fabulous value of 200 watts.
The wheelset from Reserve, which is also organised under the umbrella of the Dutch Pon Group, plays its part in the top aerodynamics. The carbon rims of the new development measure 57 and 64 millimetres (front/rear) for the first time. In addition to their bulbous shape, they are also characterised by an asymmetrical design on the rear wheel, which echoes the shape of the seat tube. We determined a weight of 2883 grams for the set including 29 millimetre wide tubeless tyres from Vittoria (front/rear: 1223/1660 grams).
Prices and equipment of the Cervélo S5
Having previously been reserved exclusively for the top stars around Vingegaard or Wout van Aert, the S5 is now also available to everyone. It is available in five equipment variants, which, apart from the saddle, only differ in terms of the gear groups. You can choose from the latest technology from Shimano or SRAM, including a power meter. One of the top models is equipped with a 1x13 drivetrain from SRAM with a large aero chainring (50 teeth). This version is said to be two watts faster and of course also benefits on the scales.
The catch is that you won't find an affordable model in the portfolio. The bikes with Ultegra and Force already cost 9999 euros, while the other variants with Dura-Ace and Red AXS come in at 13,999 euros. Nevertheless, we're excited to see how the fast bike performs on the road. You will soon find a detailed individual test on our website or in the print version.
Cervélo S5 Ultegra Di2
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Ultegra (2x12; 52/36, 11-34 t.; Powermeter)
- Brakes: Shimano Ultegra
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR (29 mm)
- Impellers: Reserve 57/64 TA
- Price: 9999 Euro
Cervélo S5 Force AXS
- Drive/gear shift: Sram Force AXS (2x12; 50/37, 10-33 t.; Powermeter)
- Brakes: Sram Force
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR (29 mm)
- Impellers: Reserve 57/64 TA
- Price: 9999 Euro
Cervélo S5 Dura-Ace Di2
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Dura-Ace (2x12; 54/40, 11-34 t.; Powermeter)
- Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR (29 mm)
- Impellers: Reserve 57/64 TA
- Price: 13,999 Euro
Cervélo S5 Red AXS
- Drive/gear shift: Sram Red AXS (2x12; 50/37, 10-33 t.; Powermeter)
- Brakes: Sram Red
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR (29 mm)
- Impellers: Reserve 57/64 TA
- Price: 13,999 Euro
Cervélo S5 Red XPLR AXS 1
- Drive/gear shift: Sram Red AXS XPLR (1x13; 50, 11-46 t.; Powermeter)
- Brakes: Sram Red
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR (29 mm)
- Impellers: Reserve 57/64 TA
- Price: 13,999 Euro
Julian Schultz
Editor
