R5 has one job—get to the top, fast. But for all the glory and fanfare that comes with a summit finish, they’re rarely the only climb of the day. And while a race isn’t usually won on a descent, they can certainly be lost. A climbing bike that can’t 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 model—a 16% reduction from an already-light frame. And while aerodynamics weren’t a focus with this frame the way they would be on an S5 or P5, bringing the cables inside reduced drag by 25g.
SPECS:
| Frame | Cervélo carbon |
| Fork | Cervélo All-Carbon, Tapered R5 Fork |
| Headset | FSA IS2 1-1/4 x 1-1/2 |
| Thru-Axles | Cervelo Aero Thru-Axles, 12×100/142 |
| Handlebar | Cervélo HB13 Carbon, 31.8mm clamp |
| Stem | Cervélo ST31 Carbon |
| Seatpost | Cervélo SP24 Carbon |
| Accessories | Cervelo Handlebar Front Computer/Light Mount, Cervelo Rear Accessory Mount |
