The new Cervélo R5 aims for versatility

Cervélo presents its all-rounder in its range. Indeed, while the S5 and P5 models are dedicated to pure speed on less hilly profiles, the R5 must perform well in the mountains, both uphill and downhill, without being a hindrance on flatter sections.

Photos: Cervélo

As the Canadian brand reminds us, the new version of its flagship frame “has only one mission: to reach the summit, as quickly as possible. But it is rarely the only climb of the day. And while a race is generally not won on a descent, it can be lost. It must be just as effective uphill as downhill, or even during an intermediate sprint. While weight and stiffness have varied over the years, the R5’s handling and downhill stability are still present. Proof of this on the ground, the new R5 has already won!”

The recipe for the new R5

The new frame is 130 g lighter than the previous model, a 16% reduction. It weighs only 703 g, and the new fork only 329 g, bringing the weight of the frame kit slightly above a kilo. Weight reduction also extended to the components: the handlebar and stem are 30 g and 14 g lighter respectively, and the seatpost is 20 g lighter on the scale. And although aerodynamics is not the R5’s number one priority, as it is for an S5 or a P5, integrating the hoses and electric wires reduces aero drag by 25 g, a gain of approximately 2.5 watts. In addition to being even lighter, the new R5 is also faster.

Proof on the ground

The previous R5 could have a slight flaw: a bit too much stiffness, which could favor great climbing qualities at the expense of comfort. The majority of Jumbo Visma team riders felt that the bikes became increasingly uncomfortable over the weeks of a Grand Tour. The challenge was therefore to reduce stiffness.

Cervélo engineers had already discovered that a specific ratio between head tube stiffness and bottom bracket shell stiffness was the magic formula for ride quality, but this had never been applied to the R5. Several versions were developed and then tested in collaboration with the Jumbo Visma team. Tom Dumoulin, who had already tried and liked the R5 with Team Sunweb, was the ideal candidate for the first tests. The verdict? Unreservedly positive! Tom felt that he could climb just as effectively on the bike, and that the added flexibility would lead to less fatigue and more effective recovery during successive climbs and descents. Jumbo Visma verified this in several World Tour races this season.

The new R5 has therefore already won and will continue to win in the hands of one of the World Tour team riders.