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Classic, emphatically lightweight racing bikes are being ridden less and less in professional races, with aerodynamically optimised bikes taking precedence on most courses. Some manufacturers have even decided to discontinue these models altogether and only use one all-rounder for all races. In contrast, Cervélo is sticking to its two-wheel strategy in the race segment. In addition to the aerodynamically fast S5, which Jonas Vingegaard recently piloted to Vuelta victory, the R5 complements the portfolio as a lightweight mountain bike and is available to professionals at Visma | Lease a Bike as an alternative for high mountain stages.
Cervélo R5: Weight reduced
With a further significant reduction in weight, the advantage should now pay off more often. At the Tour de France Femmes, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot rode the then still unreleased climber to a decisive lead on the way to her overall victory. It can be assumed that the size 48 bike of the 1.65 metre small Frenchwoman was significantly heavier than the size 56 model we tested, as she has to adhere to the minimum bike weight of 6.8 kilograms in professional races. With our test bike on the other hand, the Canadian manufacturer can show what is possible: without a front derailleur and equipped with only one chainring, Cervélo sent us the lightest possible configuration for the ride test.
Weight diet across all components
The radical diet of the R5 extends to all components. The frame and fork weigh a total of 100 grams less thanks to slimmer tube shapes, among other things; the new one-piece cockpit is said to be almost 140 grams lighter. In total, the new components from the company's own production should save 326 grams. According to Cervélo, a further 380 grams have been saved on components from third-party suppliers: the Reserve SL wheels with lighter rims have been specially developed for the R5; soft Vittoria time trial tyres save a further few grams. And of course: because colour also weighs, the new R5 is only available in black. This results in a weight of 6.05 kilograms on the scales - a little more than announced, but a top value. Compared to the predecessor model, 2022 in the TOUR test, this is more than a kilogram less. Of the major bike manufacturers, it is only just undercut by the Scott Addict RC Ultimate, which we weighed in at 5.88 kilograms.
How does such a flyweight ride? Playful, that probably sums it up best. The steering is sensitive, but not too nervous; on climbs, every turn of the cranks pushes the bike forwards as if the law of inertia had been suspended. The good suspension comfort on the saddle remains one of the bike's strengths, as a first run through the TOUR lab shows. What is still missing for an overall score is the aerodynamic value, but you shouldn't expect too much from this. The predecessor scored only average with 231 watts; it is not clear from the frame of the new R5 why it should make a bigger leap forwards.
Pedals and a computer are not enough to make the bike UCI-legal. Among other things, we would recommend more robust tubeless tyres and a double crankset, as Ferrand-Prèvot also rode the R5. The 1x13 drivetrain from SRAM seems completely unsuitable for this bike. The gear range and gradation may still be okay for moderate terrain and strong legs, but the short wheelbase and the mono chainring remain a technically difficult combination. The fact that the mountain gear grinds audibly and the largest gear can't be ridden under load without worrying about the chain is a no-go at this price. The 2x12 drivetrain is available at no extra charge, with SRAM Force or Shimano Ultegra the R5 costs 3000 euros less.
Cervélo R5: Info & grading
- Price: 12,999 Euro >> available here
- Weight of complete wheel: 6.0 kilos
- Frame sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
Geometry
- Seat/top/head tube: 500/565/155 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 547/387 millimetres/1.41
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 625/562 millimetres/1.11
- Wheelbase/caster: 993/57 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Red AXS XPLR (1x13, 48, 10-46 t.)
- Brakes: SRAM Red HRD (160/140 millimetres)
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Speed TLR
- Impellers: Reserve 34/37 SL
- Impeller weights: 992/1399 grams (v./h.)
Measured values
- Weight of complete wheel: 6050g
- Driving stability: 7.84 N/mm
- Rear comfort: 105 N/mm
- Comfort front: 78 N/mm
- Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness: 60 N/mm
Cervélo R5: Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Extremely light
- comfortable
- Balanced handling
Disadvantages
- Only limited use with single drive
- expensive
How our sister magazine TOUR tests
Jens Klötzer
Editor
