Just Released: New Cervélo S5 is Tour-Tested, Wind-Tunnel Approved

Got speed on the brain these days? 

We can hardly blame you. Between the sprinter-friendly opening stages of this year’s Tour de France, the breakneck racing footage in the new F1 movie starring Brad Pitt, and the tacky feel of hot tarmac on a scorching summer day, we too are feeling the urge to saddle up and drop the hammer, seeing what we’re capable of. 

The good news: to help the speed freaks among us satisfy that urge, Cervélo is out this week with the newly updated S5, it’s beloved aero road bike. Proven at the WorldTour and wind tunnels alike, the S5 is back with a focused set of refinements that make it faster, lighter, and more aerodynamically efficient.

A Familiar Platform, Made Even Better

Cervélo didn’t see a need to reinvent the S5–’if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ certainly seems to apply–and for good reason. As one of the defining bikes in the aero road category, the S5 has long paired aggressive geometry with deep tube profiles and its now-iconic V-stem cockpit. Rather than a drastic overhaul, the 2025 update is a focused evolution: preserve what works, optimize what doesn’t, and reengineer the details that contribute to real-world speed and aerodynamics.

The result is a platform that gains an impressive 6.3 watts over the previous S5, and an even more impressive 8.7 watts over its nearest wind tunnel competitor (the Pinarello Dogma F). The new S5 also sheds over 120 grams in system weight (size 56), while subtle geometry changes—like a lowered bottom bracket and increased fork offset—improve handling, particularly when paired with modern, 29mm tires. It’s a familiar shape, sharpened at the edges, with every tweak in service of making the whole system faster.

What’s New? Key Features of the New Cervélo S5

While the S5 silhouette remains unmistakable, below is a breakdown of what’s been refreshed and reworked, with an eye towards maximum speed and aerodynamics. 

• Reserve 57|64 Wheelset: designed specifically around the S5 frame’s airfoil profiles, this new wheel pairing improves crosswind stability and system-level aero efficiency—3 watts faster than the previous Reserve 52|63.

• HB19 One-Piece Bar/Stem: updated ergonomics, narrower tops, and a lighter build contribute to a more aerodynamic and responsive front end–all while maintaining the classic look the S5 cockpit is known for.

• Redesigned Frame and Fork: deeper chord lengths on the fork and headtube reduce drag, while improved seat tube shaping better integrates with the new rear wheel.

• Updated Seatpost and Hardware: A new SP34 seatpost with hidden wedge, carbon cradle, and alloy crossbar trims weight while improving adjustability.

• Improved Cable Routing: Internal channels simplify setup and reduce visible clutter without compromising performance.

Cervélo S5 Build Kits and Pricing

Cervélo is offering the new S5 in a range of top-tier build kits, all featuring the new HB19 cockpit and Reserve 57|64 wheels. Here’s how the new build kits shake out: 

• S5 Red AXS ($14,250): a fully wireless, 2x 12-speed setup with SRAM’s premier Red AXS drivetrain, paired with a Quarq power meter and DT Swiss 180 hubs. Fun fact: this is the same configuration raced by Team Visma | Lease a Bike.
  

• S5 Red XPLR AXS 1x ($14,250): a 1x option built around SRAM’s Red XPLR gravel-optimized gearing, designed for simplicity and aero efficiency. It’s a rare offering in this category, and a nod to time trial or crit-focused riders.
  

• S5 Dura-Ace Di2 ($14,100): Shimano’s flagship 2x12 drivetrain meets a dual-sided 4iiii power meter, and the same Reserve/DT Swiss wheel setup.
  

• S5 Force AXS ($9,950): a slightly more affordable wireless setup with SRAM Force AXS, Quarq power, and DT Swiss 240 hubs. Maintains top-tier aero performance with modest weight savings.
  

• S5 Ultegra Di2 ($9,950): Shimano’s 12-speed Ultegra Di2 groupset offers near-identical functionality to Dura-Ace, with a small weight penalty and dual-sided power meter from 4iiii.

Aero Road Bikes: What Else Is Out There? 

With Contender’s full road lineup in mind, the S5 enters a field of strong competitors, each with its own take on the aero road formula. Here’s how a few of them differ, based on what we carry, and and what our team has ridden: 

• Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8: blending light weight with aerodynamic shaping, the SL8 targets all-rounders who want a fast bike for every terrain. Geometry is slightly more neutral. Cervélo’s wind tunnel tests suggest the SL8 is about 13.5 watts slower than the S5.

• TIME Scylon (pronounced Sky-Lawn): handmade in Europe with a premium, bespoke carbon layup, the Scylon emphasizes road feel and stiffness over outright aero. Less integrated and heavier on paper, but for riders seeking something more rare, with more craftsmanship, it offers a unique alternative. Note: Contender offers the Scylon as a frameset only, with the option to build up your dream bike.
  

• BMC Teammachine R: BMC’s newest race bike features deep tube shaping, a radically integrated cockpit, and an emphasis on stiffness. It’s aero-focused but slightly more versatile than the S5, which remains more aggressive and optimized in its system design.

• Pinarello Dogma F: the Dogma F continues to serve as Pinarello’s flagship race platform, with distinct tube shaping and asymmetry that reflect years of aerodynamic refinement. While it maintains a traditional fit and handling feel, Cervélo’s wind tunnel data suggests the Dogma trails the new S5 by approximately 8.7 watts in drag.

Learn More

The Contender team has built and ridden every generation of the S5 to date, and this version is the cleanest, sharpest, and most refined yet. If you’re considering one, or weighing it against other high-end options, we’re happy to talk through fit, gearing, tire clearance, or even where to start your build.

Please drop us a line, come by the shop, or give us a shout at (801) 364-0344.