-35%
from 7,344.36 €
11,299.00 €
from 1,469.00 €
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The story of Cervelo's R-Series bikes and frames is often overshadowed by the hype and performance of the Canadian company's aero bikes. Although most Cervelo-sponsored professional cyclists seek every bit of aerodynamic advantage through the S5 design, there are still several riders who opt for the R5 as their everyday frame, and others who choose it for the distinct requirements of spring's cobbled races and the highest climbs in the Alps. This indicates that the R5 design is special and more than capable of excelling in all situations. For non-racing cycling enthusiasts who want to challenge themselves differently, the R5 is the clear choice, as comfort, weight, and ride feel prevail over a purely aerodynamic design that, while improving year after year, still offers a slightly rougher ride and a small weight penalty. We have extensive experience with R-Series bikes and their design evolution over time, and we're happy to share this wealth of knowledge with you.
The R5 has improved due to the practical and theoretical work done on the handcrafted Project California Rca frame. This version of the R5 is the production version of the same frame, and although the Rca has some tricks up its sleeve and weighs less than 700 grams (!), the R5 is no heavyweight, easily under 850 grams. The evolution of a key component of the R-Series frames, the Squoval tubeset, has resulted from Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and structural engineering to maximize the resistance to twisting and bending of the square-oval tube shapes, increasing strength and torsional stiffness through advanced carbon layups. The FEA process also advanced the aerodynamic shapes of the tubes and how the design—from the fork and headtube all the way back along the frame—integrates to maximize any aerodynamic benefit possible, to the tune of a 7.4-watt advantage over the previous generation, despite the lack of more traditional aero tube shapes.
The tapered headtube and fork steerer tube of the R5 feature the Evolved Steerer design, which creates greater lateral stiffness and front-end control through the 1⅛ to 1⅜ tapered design, without adding weight. The fork is also derived directly from the Rca, and structural engineers have effectively decoupled lateral and longitudinal fork stiffness, delivering a 15% increase in lateral stiffness and a 7% decrease in longitudinal stiffness, ensuring greater control and steerer precision while increasing compliance and overall ride quality. When these improvements to the headtube, steerer, and fork are combined with the 3rd generation Squoval tubeset and the oversized BBright bottom bracket, overall torsional stiffness as measured at the bottom bracket has been increased by 9.5%, an impressive achievement.
The asymmetrical nature of the BBright design balances the forces of the right side drivetrain with those on the left, and the massive chainstays transfer all that power and efficiency to the rear wheel through the full carbon dropouts. The seattube of the R5 supports a 27.2mm diameter seatpost, allowing the rider to modify ride quality based on seatpost choice. That comfort is accentuated by the slim carbon seatstays, whose ellipses have been realigned for greater aerodynamics. From the front of the bike to the rear, the R5 frameset screams efficiency, performance, and comfort; and a better balance cannot be found in a production bike.
There are no "small details" to Cervelo engineers. The Future Proof cable management system can integrate and direct any form of mechanical or electronic drivetrain or braking system. The massive bottom bracket follows the same principle, especially for mechanical shifting, with the integrated, modular Reduced Friction cable guide, which keeps cables directed in natural curves to eliminate unnecessary resistance. Cervelo's finish work is impeccable, as is the braze-on front derailleur mount and perfectly aligned brake mount holes.
Although Cervelo offers the R5 in several complete builds, the Ultegra 6800 Complete Bicycle is one of the best sellers. There are many reasons, but being able to mount the frame in a complete bike at the best price is certainly a significant factor. However, don’t underestimate the 11-speed mechanical Ultegra 6800 groupset, which can be easily upgraded to Di2 or Dura-Ace thanks to Shimano’s penchant for system integration. The performance of the Ultegra 6800 is excellent, approaching Dura-Ace level with a small weight penalty. The only variation from Ultegra 6800 is found with the crank and bottom bracket assembly, which must be BBright compatible. Cervelo opts for the 3D30 52-36 Compact crankset from BBright partner Rotor, who also supplies the PF-30 bearings for the bottom bracket. The 52-36 works perfectly with the Ultegra chain and 11-25 cassette, which delivers not only impressively fast and smooth shifting performance but also a great gearing range combination for most road cyclists when controlled by the short cage 6800 rear derailleur and the braze-on front model. Crucial stopping power and braking control come from the 6800 STI Shift/Brake levers and the outstanding Ultegra 6800 Brakeset.
As with many OEM builds, the wheels seem to be under-spec'd, but Cervelo anticipates you will choose to upgrade them based on your needs. Still, Mavic's Aksium S wheels will make a great training partner. These wheels come equipped with Mavic's 700x25 Aksion clincher tires. Your cockpit front to rear consists of a 31.8mm alloy FSA Energy Compact Handlebar, FSA SL-K alloy stem, 27.2x350mm FSA K-Force Carbon Seatpost, and a Fizik Antares Saddle. Cervelo's standard bar wrap finishes things off, all for only $1000 more than the R5 frameset price.
With its compact design, traditional geometry, and incredible performance, the R5 is reactive and enjoyable to ride. Whether you race, ride for pure pleasure, tackle century-level rides every weekend, or head for the nearest steep hill every chance you get, the R5 will inspire your best performance and more than a few smiles every time out.
CERVELO ASPERO RIVAL XPLR ETAP AXS 1
from 3,798.99 €
