All-road bike with a need for speed – The 2024 Cervélo Caledonia-5 in review

Do your “relaxed” group rides keep getting faster? Is the smooth asphalt making way for cracks or disappearing altogether? No worries! The Cervélo Caledonia-5 is designed to handle it all. We had the chance to test the latest version of this all-road weapon before its launch, and here’s what we discovered.

There are those rides that even die-hard roadies shake their heads at. Whether it’s the 1,200 km from Paris to Brest and back, the Transcontinental Race, or a wild road bike adventure with a crazy mate, the Cervélo Caledonia-5 claims to do it all. Since its launch in 2020, it’s been showcased as a fast all-road bike with enough comfort for those really long days in the saddle.

To offer even more reserves for adventures off the beaten track, the tire clearance has been increased to a generous 36 mm, the frame has been slightly tweaked, and Cervélo have added a wealth of practical features for long-distance rides. But what about the aggressive character that its predecessor was known for? We put it to the test to find out what’s changed and what’s remained the same.

What’s new on the 2024 Cervélo Caledonia-5

While not a world-first, it’s a new feature for the Caledonia-5: an integrated storage compartment with a flip-lock lid and tailor-made pouches inside the down tube. The compartment is relatively small, but it provides enough space for a multi-tool, spare tube, CO₂ cartridge, and an emergency snack bar. Basically, everything that you would usually cram into a saddlebag can now be stored out of sight, yet always at hand. In terms of tire clearance, Cervélo are bang on trend, providing room for up to 36 mm rubber. Even with the new, full-coverage mudguards fitted, you can still run up to 34 mm tires – winter, here we come!

The frame itself has also seen some changes: the seat stays now sit lower on the seat tube and are significantly slimmer. This is said to increase vertical compliance, absorbing vibrations more effectively. At the same time, the down tube has been stiffened for a more efficient power transfer, and to boost the bike’s responsiveness.

The 2024 Cervélo Caledonia-5 RED AXS in detail

As you’d expect from Cervélo, the Caledonia-5 RED AXS boasts a sleek and clean look, with fully integrated cables, a black finish, matte black rims, and light tan wall tires. It exudes a timeless style that complements even the flashiest cycling kit.

We got our hands on the flagship model of the new Caledonia-5, which features the brand-new SRAM RED AXS groupset, which was also released this year. SRAM’s premium offering has already impressed us in our long-term tests with its stellar braking performance – especially with one-finger – and outstanding ergonomics. The Caledonia-5 comes equipped with a power meter, a 48/35 t chainring, and a 10–36 t, 12-speed cassette, providing an appropriately easy gear for those last steep climbs after a long day in the saddle.

The wheels are supplied by Reserve, Cervélo’s sister company, who have been making waves with their Turbulent Aero approach. This method focuses on real-world scenarios, taking turbulence and crosswinds into account for their aerodynamic optimization. The latest wheelset, the Reserve 42/49, features a modern rim design, not just featuring different rim depths, but also different rim widths optimized specifically for the front and rear.

Fitted with 30 mm Vittoria Corsa Pro Control tires, these wheels don’t make full use of the frame’s maximum tire clearance. However, at 320 grams each, they don’t come at the cost of the bike’s sporty character either.

Size	48	51	54	56	58	61
Top tube	502 mm	522 mm	543 mm	565 mm	581 mm	598 mm
Head tube	89.5 mm	109.9 mm	136 mm	162.3 mm	191.2 mm	217.5 mm
Head angle	70.5°	71.5°	72°	72°	72°	72°
Seat angle	74.5°	74°	73.5°	73°	73°	73°
Chainstay	415 mm	415 mm	415 mm	415 mm	415 mm	415 mm
BB drop	76.5 mm	76.5 mm	74 mm	74 mm	71.5 mm	71.5 mm
Wheelbase	982.2 mm	984.5 mm	995.2 mm	1,012.3 mm	1,030.7 mm	1,047.8 mm
Reach	360 mm	369 mm	378 mm	387 mm	396 mm	405 mm
Stack	505 mm	530 mm	555 mm	580 mm	605 mm	630 mm

The 2024 Cervélo Caledonia-5 RED AXS on test

Unlike many current all-road bikes, which come equipped with elaborate damping mechanisms and space for tires measuring up to 40 mm in width, creeping into gravel bike territory, the Cervélo Caledonia-5 stays true to its road bike roots.

The frame offers minimal compliance and relies on the 30 mm tires for vibration damping, resulting in a much more direct ride compared to those comfort monsters. The stiff down tube and bottom bracket ensure efficient power transfer to the rear wheel and keep the steering precise. This results in playful handling that suits the sportier interpretation of the all-road segment, though it can feel twitchy at low speeds. The faster you go, the more stable the Caledonia-5 becomes, instilling you with confidence on fast descents. This trait makes it ideal for fast group rides into the unknown, sporty outings, or long-distance races across varying terrain. For ultra-endurance events, however, comfort could become a limiting factor, depending on your hunger for punishment.

Despite the ultra-light, race-tuned SRAM RED AXS groupset, the Caledonia-5 RED AXS isn’t setting any weight records. At 7.54 kg for a size 56, its heft is noticeable when you crank out the watts to accelerate or winch your way up the climbs. It’s somewhat slow to get up to pace for a performance-oriented all-road bike. However, once you reach your cruising speed, it holds it there efficiently. The Reserve 42/49 wheels shine on fast straights, providing a noticeable boost in efficiency thanks to their sail effect at high speeds.

For those who enjoy winter training or commuting by road bike, the Caledonia-5 will serve as a reliable and sporty companion, thanks to mudguard compatibility, a convenient storage compartment, and generous tire clearance.

The integrated storage compartment is easy to use once you get the hang of the folding lid. The compartment is big enough to accommodate long items like a pump. During our test, the latch remained securely closed even with a bottle cage mounted to the lid. The snug fit of the lid and the internal pouches prevent any annoying rattling, turning the down tube into a stealthy storage space for your essentials – perfect!

Who is the 2024 Cervélo Caledonia-5 RED AXS for?

The 2024 Cervélo Caledonia-5 RED AXS stands out from other all-road bikes with its aggressive character, making it ideal for those seeking a winter training bike, adventurers who enjoy fast and efficient rides, and cyclists who don’t want maximum long-distance comfort. It might be a bit too stiff for road bike beginners looking for a very comfortable ride. However, for active commuters who want to spice up their post-work rides, it offers the perfect blend of versatility and performance.

Our conclusion on the 2024 Cervélo Caledonia-5

Cervélo’s reimagined Caledonia-5 is a sporty all-road bike that thrives at high speeds. In which case it excels in terms of efficiency and composure. That said, it’s not the ideal choice for beginners seeking a comfy ride for leisurely outings at the weekend. This endurance bike is designed for those who want to race across the continent, no matter how rough the going gets! That is, as long as you’ve got the stamina to hold on.

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Words & Photos: Jan Richter