Exclusive review: Cervélo R5 – A classic road bike, redefined?

Bergamo, May 2017. During this year’s Giro Cervélo officially launched their new R5 and R3 road bikes and gave us the exclusive opportunity to test ride the new Cervélo R5 on Italian tarmac. Forthcoming in their ambitions, these new bikes mark an evolution for Cervélo: ‘The road hasn’t changed, the game has.’

Set up in Canada in 1995 by industry stalwarts Phil White and Gerard Vroomen, the Toronto-based brand Cervélo are arguably the most aero-focused road bike producers out there. Not only have they witnessed significant success on the back of the various bike designs that they’ve ushered into the industry, they’ve also launched trends and honed in on data. Their performances are all quantified, tested and fine-tuned in wind tunnels and labs, and it’s no secret that it thrives on watts and vast engineering know-how. But times are changing, and as an innovative high-end brand, the Canadian team no longer wants to be exclusively defined by their aero standards, but also by channeling the sensation and emotion of riding. It’s because of this their new goal is to redefine the classic road bike.

Cervélo R5 – what’s a classic road bike?

We discussed in an article the meaning of ‘True Luxury’; and for us road bikes go much deeper than just how stiff they are, the build spec and their price. Quality depends on how it rides – or rather, how the rider perceives how it rides. Bikes aren’t just a tool for getting around, they’re also a partner for your mountain escapes or cobbled epics, keeping you company come rain or shine. Consequently, Cervélo have curated their new R collection to focus on three key elements to improve the riding experience.

1. Comfort, and what does it even mean?

If comfort automatically chimes with ‘soft and slow’, then think again: comfort is entirely individual, and can be related to physics of the bike like the tire pressure, flex in the seatpost or in-built dampening in the frame. On a psychological level, it’s about perception and connection with the bike (think handling, balance, braking performance and your position). To tackle the physics, Cervélo created a frame with space for up to 28 mm tires, but in the pursuit of psychological – or individual – comfort, the Canadians have split fit and handling into two solutions.

2. Fit / Geometry: What’s the difference between the Cervélo R5 and the R3?

The Cervélo R5’s headtube is 8mm shorter, meaning the riding position is lower and more aggressive, which has obvious aerodynamic gains. So even if you get the same frame size across the two bikes, the R3 and the R5 will handle differently. The R3 isn’t just supposed to be a more affordable entry-level option either; it’s set to be the ultimate choice for those looking for a more upright position without forsaking a low weight, stiffness and high-end componentry like a Dura-Ace groupset. In short, the latest iteration of the R3 has been well elevated.

3. Handling

To increase stability, the wheelbase is longer and the bottom bracket is now 4 mm lower than previous models (frame size: 56). There’s also a disc brake model.

The technical details Cervélo R5

• Integrate seatpost clamp: the main clamp is hidden inside the frame to protect the frame and improve aerodynamics. There’s also a second ‘clamp’ (which doesn’t actually hold the seatpost in place) but acts as a weather seal and a height gauge.
• Cervélo have developed their own new aero bars with an offset shape. The Di2 cable runs through the stem into the frame. Cleverly they have hidden the junction box in one of the bar end plugs. Nice work!
• Optional: this handy Barfly Mount has space for a Garmin on your stem.

The Cervelo R5 models in detail

Cervelo R5 Disc Frameset€ 3,799

Model/Groupset	Price
Cervelo R5/Dura Ace Di2 9150	€ 8,499
Cervelo R5/RED eTap	€ 8,499
Cervelo R5/Dura Ace 9100	€ 6,499
Cervelo R5/Ultegra R8000	€ 4,299
Cervelo R5 Frameset	€ 3,299
Cervelo 5 Disc/Dura Ace Di2 9170	€ 8,499
Cervelo R5 Disc/RED eTap	€ 8,499

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Size	48	51	54	56	58	61
Top Tube	516 mm	532 mm	548 mm	564 mm	581 mm	598 mm
Chainstay	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm
Seat Tube Angle	73,0°	73,0°	73,0°	73,0°	73,0°	73,0°
Head Tube Angel	71,0°	72,0°	73,0°	73,0°	73,0°	73,0°
Wheelbase	972 mm	974 mm	976 mm	993 mm	1011 mm	1027 mm
Reach	362 mm	371 mm	380 mm	389 mm	399 mm	408 mm
Stack	499 mm	524 mm	548 mm	572 mm	596 mm	620 mm

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The Cervelo R3 models in detail

Model/Groupset	Price
Cervelo R3/Dura Ace 9100	€ 4,799
Cervelo R3/Ultegra Di2 R8050	€ 4,499
Cervelo R3/Dura Ace R8000	€ 6,499
Cervelo R3 Frameset	€ 2,000
Cervelo R3 Disc/ Ultegra Di2 R8070	€ 4,999
Cervelo R3 Disc/Ultegra R8020	€ 3,999
Cervelo R3 Disc Frameset	€ 2,499

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Size	48	51	54	56	58	61
Top Tube	515 mm	531 mm	548 mm	564 mm	581 mm	598 mm
Chainstay	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm
Seat Tube Angle	73,0°	73,0°	73,0°	73,0°	73,0°	73,0°
Head Tube Angel	71,0°	72,0°	73,0°	73,0°	73,0°	73,0°
Wheelbase	971 mm	974 mm	973 mm	993 mm	1011 mm	1027 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

Test Cervélo R5 Dura Ace 9100

Saddle up, clip in and smile: the new R5 didn’t disappoint with super balanced, precise and predictable handling. Responsive on the climbs and confidence-inspiring on the descents, we didn’t once feel uncertain or out of our depths on the R5 despite the less-than-idyllic road surfaces in the mountains near to Bergamo. In terms of the physical comfort, ‘soft and flexible’ were nowhere to be seen – and that’s a good thing with this bike.

The bottom line

The R5 is a thoroughbred race bike suited to grand tours: fast, efficient and confidence-inspiring. While this approach to geometry and comfort is the norm for many brands, it’s certainly an evolution for Cervélo and has produced a superb bike. Fast and reliable, the R5 strikes us as a pro choice and for those harboring competitive aspirations. The price might be a sticking point, as it’s aligned with the brand’s usual fare, but the standard components are ideal for heavy use, travel and racing – especially if you don’t have a loyal team mechanic by your side.

For more info head to the Cervelo Website!

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Words & Photos: Robin Schmitt