Review of the New Cervélo R5: The Versatile Climber

In a landscape where ultra-light road bikes often mean compromises, the new Cervélo R5 offers a different perspective: that of a bike built for the mountains, yet versatile enough to appeal to performance purists. In this version equipped with a SRAM Force AXS groupset, this bike falls below the UCI weight limit without reaching the stratospheric price tag of top-of-the-line models. By combining lightness, responsiveness, and riding enjoyment, the R5 offers a blend that intrigues and excites enthusiasts alike, as we discovered during this in-depth road test. By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©Vincent Lyky

For over 10 years, the R5 series has held a special place in the Cervélo lineup. Historically geared toward pure climbing, it has made a name for itself thanks to remarkable performances on legendary climbs, notably in the legs of riders like Wout van Aert and with Pauline Ferrand-Prévot’s victory in the Tour de France Femmes on the very latest version of the R5.

With this latest iteration, launched in the summer of 2025, Cervélo reaffirms its strategy centered on two clearly distinct models: the aerodynamic S5 for high speeds and rolling terrain, and the R5 for climbs and long days in the mountains. This duality sets it apart from other brands that tend to favor a single “do-it-all” bike capable of performing well everywhere, such as the Specialized Tarmac or the Pinarello Dogma F. In this context, the R5 reaffirms the importance of a specialized bike for climbers or cyclists who prioritize maximum efficiency on climbs rather than on flat terrain.

The competition isn’t far behind: many ultra-light bikes today push the limits of UCI weight regulations, but few manage to combine such lightness with geometry designed for stability and maneuverability on technical roads. In this landscape, the R5 clearly stands out as a benchmark in the category of bikes designed for climbing—but that’s not all.

Technical Specs: Frame, Components, and Design Choices

The heart of this machine is, of course, its frame. Cervélo has managed to reduce the frame’s weight to approximately 650 g. The fork, meanwhile, is listed at 298 g. By also saving weight on the handlebar and seatpost, the lightest SRAM Red version tips the scales at just 5.97 kg. For our test bike equipped with SRAM Force, the verified weight is 6.350 kg without pedals, in size 51, but including a bottle cage. In other words, it comes in at 6.6 kg ready to ride. That’s below the UCI weight limit for a bike priced at €8,999. We appreciate the performance. This significant weight reduction is due as much to the optimized carbon layup as to the weight-saving measures applied to every part of the frame and the bike. Note that the R5 is available only with SRAM Red (double or single chainring), Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, SRAM Force, and Shimano Ultegra, and of course as a frame kit. There is only one version of the frame, components, and wheels: the same as the pros ride.

As for the geometry, it’s slightly more forward-leaning than on the S5, with a more upright seat tube angle (74° versus 73°). The reach and stack (the horizontal reach and total height of the handlebar setup) are, however, nearly identical between the two bikes. Despite its seemingly very classic lines—unlike the S5—the R5 is nonetheless a modern frame, as it can now accommodate tires up to 34 mm wide (even though the version tested comes with 26 mm tires).

The integration of the Cervélo HB18 one-piece cockpit is one of this model’s major innovations. This carbon cockpit not only saves up to 150 g compared to a conventional model but also improves the bike’s overall aerodynamics. It also offers 15 size configurations to fine-tune your riding position—a significant advantage for those looking to optimize their comfort and performance.

Handlebar Exchange Program

Cervélo offers every purchaser of a new S5 or R5 a handlebar exchange program for a different size at no additional cost. The request must be made to the authorized Cervélo dealer who completed the sale within 60 days of purchase. The replacement handlebar set is provided free of charge by the brand; however, any labor and parts costs associated with installation or replacement are the customer’s responsibility.

In our SRAM Force AXS-equipped version, the wireless electronic groupset delivers remarkably smooth shifting. We’ve already noted this in previous tests, but the Force groupset truly performs just like the Red in every respect. And while it weighs about 300 g more, it’s also much less expensive. In any case, it’s a perfect fit for this bike and doesn’t compromise its performance.

The integrated Quarq power meter delivers accurate power measurement. The 10-33 cassette, paired with a 48-35 crankset, offers a gear range suited for rugged terrain, while maintaining excellent efficiency on flat terrain.

However, there are some fixed specifications: 165 mm cranks on a size 51 bike, which may not suit everyone’s riding style, and a 38 cm handlebar width that reflects the bike’s performance-oriented design. Cervélo was one of the first brands to offer narrower handlebars as standard equipment, in response to a trend observed among cyclists. The brand is doing the same with crank lengths. It’s a bold design call, but you might need your dealer to fine-tune the fit to match your body type.

The bike’s overall finish is superb: the lines are clean, the Five Black/Bronze or Five Black/Silver paint scheme enhances its high-end look, and the integration of the components conveys a sense of sophistication that perfectly matches the price point. In this regard, the R5 unquestionably meets the expectations of discerning enthusiasts. However, there is one minor detail that’s a bit of a letdown: the brake caliper mounting bolts pass directly through the fork legs and the left rear dropout, without any brackets or adapters. This helps reduce the frame’s weight, but isn’t very aesthetically pleasing. Well, that’s primarily a matter of taste.

Wheels with an airy feel

The new R5 frame comes with a pair of Reserve 34/37 wheels designed for mountain riding, which were launched in 2024. Claimed weight is 1,280 g, with a 34 mm front rim and a 37 mm rear rim, and they draw on the brand’s Turbulent Aero technology. The stated goal is to offer lightweight, dynamic wheels without compromising the bike’s aerodynamics.

To achieve this, they feature rims with an internal width of 23 mm and an external width of 30 mm at the front, and an internal width of 22 mm and an external width of 29 mm at the rear, making them compatible with tyres ranging from 25 to 38 mm. They are available with DT 240 hubs, as on this test bike, but also with DT 180 hubs for a weight of 1,220 g per pair, or DT 350 hubs weighing 1,350 g per pair.

Fitted with 700×26 Vittoria Corsa Pro tubeless tires, they deliver top-tier performance and responsiveness, whether accelerating from a standstill or climbing in a group. And even though they lack a bit of inertia compared to taller wheels like the Reserve 42/49, we appreciate their maneuverability in strong gusts of wind as well as the confidence they inspire. These wheels are both responsive and easy to control, and they truly define the bike’s handling characteristics, as we’ll see later.

Lightweight and Responsive on the Road

From the very first slight incline as I leave the house, the R5’s lightness is immediately apparent. In terms of pure riding sensation, there’s no denying the pleasure of riding a bike that weighs nearly 1.3 kg less than the one I usually ride. And yet, this isn’t a €15,000 machine. Just goes to show. But the R5’s stiffness is no slouch either. Far from it. And that’s actually what’s most surprising, especially given its featherweight. On climbs, every watt applied to the pedals translates into almost instant forward momentum. This feeling of responsiveness is enhanced by a bottom bracket that feels very solid under the pedal and by extremely sharp steering—which, however, doesn’t sacrifice any stability, even when attacking steep climbs or making sudden accelerations. Whether you’re climbing in short bursts or navigating city traffic, this bike is a beast. But it was on the flat that I was really putting the R5 to the test. Most very lightweight bikes exhibit a certain amount of lateral flex—which is certainly a lifesaver when you’re running out of steam at the end of a ride, but a bit of a hindrance on the flat when riding at a steady pace, firmly settled into a high gear. That’s not the case here: the R5 is stiff enough to stay stable under load, even with the shifters all the way to the right. The front-end stiffness works in harmony with the bottom bracket area, so you feel no energy loss when you need to push hard to stay in a draft or pull ahead of your rivals, if necessary.

Fitted with Reserve 42/49 wheels, With Reserve 42/49 wheels, the R5 shines even more on the flat, holding a steady, sustained pace and benefiting from greater inertia on descents and slight uphill sections—even if that means sacrificing a touch of responsiveness during sharp accelerations, adding about 250 g on the scale. This specific setup, combined with wider rims and tyres, also highlights another quality of the bike: its comfort. The R5 isn’t strictly speaking an endurance bike, but the frame’s controlled flexibility, combined with 30-mm tires, absorbs road irregularities well enough to reduce fatigue on long rides.

In summary, the R5 equipped with the stock Reserve 34/37 wheelset is easy to handle but sharp as a knife, which can make it a bit demanding over time, whereas with the Reserve 42/49 wheelset, it becomes more composed and better suited for long rides at a steady, high pace.

Value for Money and Maximum Efficiency

Faced with competition that often offers more expensive bikes at the same weight—for gains that are sometimes marginal—the R5 plays an interesting card. This version, equipped with the SRAM Force AXS groupset, offers an excellent balance between pure performance and cost, without compromising on component quality or frame finish. The choice of certain dimensions—such as 165 mm cranks or a 38 cm handlebar—reflects a resolutely performance-oriented approach, while ensuring a well-balanced bike designed for demanding and competitive riders.

The Cervélo R5 is an exceptional bike, designed for those seeking a lightweight, responsive, and well-engineered machine. Above all, it proves to be more versatile than it appears, which is a delightful surprise. It’s a bike that reminds us that a lightweight frame can still have character.

The new CERVÉLO R5 SRAM FORCE AXS at a glance…

Pros: weight, stiffness, stability, versatility, build quality, price-to-weight ratio Cons: unattractive brake caliper mounts Frame: Cervélo new R5, monocoque carbon – Fork: Cervélo All-Carbon, Tapered R5 Fork – Wheelset: Reserve 34/37, DT Swiss 240 – Tires: Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed TLR G2.0 700×26 – Crankset: SRAM Force 48-35 (power meter) – Rear derailleur: SRAM Force AXS 12-speed – Shifters: SRAM Force AXS 12-speed – Brakes: SRAM Force Disc – Cassette: SRAM Force 12-speed 10-33 – Handlebar and stem: Cervélo HB18 Carbon – Seatpost: Cervélo SP33 Carbon – Saddle: Prologo Nago R4 PAS Tirox Lightweight – Weight: 6.350 kg in size 51 without pedals – Sizes: 6 – Warranty: lifetime for the original owner – Price: €8,999