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
|
| Headset |
FSA IS2 1-1/4 x 1-1/2
|
| Thru-Axles |
Cervelo Aero Thru-Axles, 12x100/142
|
| Handlebar |
Cervélo HB13 Carbon, 31.8mm clamp
|
| Stem |
Cervélo ST31 Carbon
|
| Seatpost |
Cervélo SP24 Carbon
|
| Accessories |
Cervelo Handlebar Front Computer/Light Mount, Cervelo Rear Accessory Mount
|