The Cervelo R5 with the new 12-speed Shimano Ultegra Di2 has one jobget to the top, fast. But for all the glory and fanfare that comes with a summit finish, theyre rarely the only climb of the day. And while a race isnt usually won on a descent, they can certainly be lost. A climbing bike that cant carve a hairpin is a bit like a cup of decaf coffee. This is the fourth iteration of the R5, and while weight and stiffness have varied over the years, the handling, poise, and unmatched prowess on a descent have been consistent since day one.

The new R5 frame is 130g lighter than the previous modela 16% reduction from an already-light frame. The new frame is 703g, and the new fork is 329g, bringing the frames to just a hair over the kilogram mark. We also pulled some weight out of the parts that are included with the bikethe handlebar and stem are each 12g lighter, and the seat post is 20g lighter. You wont have any trouble building a bike that meets the 6.8kg UCI minimum. And while aerodynamics werent a focus with this frame the way they would be on an S5 or P5, bringing the cables inside reduced drag by 25g, too. Its faster in every direction.

If the previous-generation R5 had one knock, it was the stiffnessits goat-like climbing abilities came at the expense of a bit of bone-jarring. While this wasnt much of a problem for most riders, our World Tour teams felt the bikes got more uncomfortable as the weeks of a Grand Tour wore on. Soreduce stiffness? In a climbing bike? It seemed crazy, but we dove in.

Our engineers had found previously that a specific ratio between head tube and bottom bracket stiffness is the magic formula for ride quality, but wed never applied it to the R5, being in pursuit of stiffness like we were. We worked on a couple of different layups, tested them ourselves, and also sent them over to Team Jumbo-Visma for testing. Tom Dumoulin, having previously ridden and loved an R5 at Sunweb, was the prime candidate for early testing. The verdict? Unreservedly positive. Dumoulin felt he could climb just as efficiently on the bike, and that the added compliance would result in less fatigue and more effective recovery. Jumbo-Visma verified this, and we were off to the races.

With the primary objectives achieved, Cervelo set to work on refinementsbring the cables inside, increase tire clearance, and get to work on the bar, stem, and post to make the package even lighter and faster. So now you can put a 34mm tire in it.

Specifications

• Fork: Cervelo All-Carbon, Tapered R5 Fork
• Wheels: New Reserve 34/37mm DT370, 24h (F), 24h (R), 22.6mm IW (F), 21.6mm IW (R), Center-Lock, Tubeless Ready OR New Reserve 34/37mm Zipp 76/176 HG, 24h (F), 24h (R), 22.6mm IW (F), 21.6mm IW (R), Center-Lock, Tubeless Ready Axles Cervelo Aero Thru-Axles, 12×100/142, Removable Handle
• Tires: Vittoria Corsa TLR G2.0 25c
• Bottom Bracket: JY-BB 24
• Crankset: Shimano Ultegra 8100 52/36
• Shifters: Shimano Ultegra Di2 8170, 12 spd
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2 8150, 12 spd
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2 8150, 12 spd
• Cassette: Shimano Ultegra CS-R8100, 12 spd, 11-30
• Chain: Shimano CN-M8100, 12 spd
• Brakes: Shimano Ultegra 8170 Hydraulic Disc
• Rotors: Shimano 160mm RT-MT800
• Handlebars: Cervelo HB13 Carbon
• Stem: Cervelo ST31 Carbon
• Headset: FSA IS2 1-1/4 x 1-1/2
• Seatpost: Cervelo SP24 Seatpost
• Saddle: Prologo Scratch M5 PAS TiRox OR Selle Italia FLITE BOOST SuperFlow Ti
• Accessories & Extras: Cervelo Faceplate Front Computer/Accessory Mount, Cervelo Rear Accessory Mount

Geometry & Sizing

*Note: Images are for representational purposes only. Actual size/packaging varies with product type/size.

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