Just Released: New Cervelo R5 Blends High Impact Innovation With Clean, Classic Design

After a scorching hot yet under-the-radar debut for the Cervelo R5 at this year's Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes–2nd place for Jonas Vingegaard and the yellow jersey for Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, both from Team Visma | Lease a Bike–Cervelo is officially out today with its flagship and most high-end climbing and race bike.

Before we unpack the new tech and what makes the R5 one of our all-time favorite road bikes, we have to say it: this is a damn beautiful bike.

As a former R5 and current Aspero owner, I can own up to my bias when it comes to a Cervelo rig. But with clean lines, a classic silhouette, and a subtle swagger that evokes speed and style without having to shout it from the rooftops, for my money the R5 almost feels like the Porsche 911 of road bikes. The 911, with its sleek slopeback, rear engine layout, and rounded headlights, boasts an industrial design that is so timeless and legendary that the brand has more or less stayed the course aesthetically for decades, keeping what makes the 911 iconic while continuing to innovate and iterate, inside and out.

So it is with Cervelo and the R5.

Rather than overhaul a bike that is already equal parts performance and panache, Cervelo is bringing intentional, impactful refinements to the R5 platform. From a lighter frame to enhanced ride quality, one-piece cockpit to front-end geometry that seamlessly crosses over to the S5, the new R5 is better in just about every way, all while maintaining the look that we've come to know and love.

What's New: Key Features of the Cervelo R5

So let's get into it. Top to bottom, front to back, below are the R5's top 5 new features that stand apart for the Contender team, and what we're most excited to test ride in the coming weeks and months.

• Lighter Frame (657g): with the new R5, Cervelo trimmed 46 grams from the previous frame, netting out at just 657 grams (size 56, painted). That's lighter than most Tour-ready frames, but what's important isn't just the number. It's the fact that this weight was removed while maintaining bottom bracket stiffness (+13%) and improving ride feel. For a racer, that means an extra edge on long climbs. For a recreational rider, it means a bike that feels lively under power but never flimsy.

• Ultra-Thin Seat Stays: the rear triangle on the R5 now uses 10x10mm seat stays—the slimmest Cervélo has ever built. This saves weight, but more importantly, it improves compliance over rougher roads and longer rides. For the everyday rider, this means less fatigue after long hours in the saddle–ideal for long haul fondo's like Logan to Jackon (LotoJa), for example. For the racer, it's an edge in conserving energy when the road surface is less than perfect.

• Aligned, Cross-Over Geometry & UDH Compatibility: With this release, Cervélo has unified cockpit geometry across its flagship road bikes, with the R5 (lower stack height, longer reach) now on par with the aero focused S5. For those lucky enough to have both a climbing and an aero bike in their quiver, this means they can now move seamlessly from bike to bike, without changing cockpit setup and overall bike fit. Rounding things out, the bottom bracket drop has also been adjusted for larger tires (designed around a 29c), and Cervelo has added in UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) compatibility. The net is an R5 that is now more precise and crash protected, flexible and future-proof, with easier drivetrain setup and compatibility across both Shimano and SRAM platforms.

• One-Piece, HB18 Cockpit: Cervélo's new integrated cockpit (handlebar and stem) drops an impressive 134 grams compared to the previous two-piece setup. It mirrors the fit and leverage of the aero-focused S5 bar, poised to deliver enhanced stability and a more predictable ride feel while descending, along with more leverage in the drops. Worth noting: Cervelo is permitting a one-time swap out of the R5's stock cockpit, free of charge, within 30 days of purchase. For riders who require or simply want a different setup, this is a great option.

• Through-Bolt Front Brake Mounts: borrowed from the Áspero 5 gravel bike, the new through-bolt design secures the brake caliper directly into the fork leg. This eliminates the need for adaptors, saving weight while also cleaning up the aerodynamics around the fork. Racers will notice more consistent braking at high speeds, while enthusiasts will appreciate easier service and a cleaner overall look.

R5 Build Kits

Every complete R5 build shares a common DNA: the R5 frame, Cervélo's HB18 one-piece cockpit, Reserve's 34|37 wheelset, and an included power meter. From there, the choice comes down to drivetrain, hubs, and budget. Specifically, the R5 build kits are as follows:

• R5 Red XPLR AXS 1x: top of the line SRAM wireless shifting with a Quarq spider power meter and Reserve 34|37 wheels laced to DT 180 hubs. This is the no-compromise race build for the rider who wants every competitive advantage, including drivetrain simplicity–and reduced weight.

• R5 Red AXS 2x: shares the same wheels and Quarq power meter as above, but with a traditional double chainring setup. Perfect for riders who want the crispest shifting and widest range, while maintaining a traditional 2x setup.

• R5 Dura-Ace Di2: Shimano's flagship groupset with a 4iiii dual-sided power meter. Reserve 34|37 wheels with DT 180 hubs keep weight to a minimum. Ideal for the rider who prizes Shimano's legendary ergonomics and reliability.

• R5 Force AXS: brings the performance of SRAM's wireless shifting to a more accessible price point for most riders. Equipped with a Quarq spider power meter and DT 240 hubs, this build delivers race-worthy performance without breaking the bank.

• R5 Ultegra Di2: Shimano's most popular electronic drivetrain, paired with a 4iiii dual-sided power meter and Reserve 34|37 wheels with DT 240 hubs. A perfect option for riders who want pro-level tech with day-in, day-out durability.

• Contender's Note: for now, Cervelo is only offering the R5 in the US market as a complete bike, and not as a frameset.

High End Climbing and Race Bikes: What Else Contender Stocks

Cervelo and the R5 (sadly) not your jam? Or just curious what else is out there?

Not to worry. When it comes to high-end climbing and race bikes, Contender has the deck stacked, with speed, efficiency, and all-day comfort as a common thread on everything we carry. Among others, we're big fans of the following bikes:

• BMC Teammachine SLR 01 One: Swiss-engineered for stiffness and precision the Teammachine is a true WorldTour bike, with a touch more compliance than the R5. For a deeper dive on the Teammachine SLR 01 One, check out our recent Journal post from when this bike debuted back in late June.

• Scott Addict RC Pro: ultra-light chassis with aggressive geometry. Stiff, fast, and a favorite for riders chasing grams and speed in equal measure.

• Orbea Orca: a modern reimagining of the classic climbing bike, the Orca blends a lightweight carbon layup with subtle aerodynamic shaping. With an integrated cockpit, electronic shifting, and a factory-installed power meter, it's built for riders who want a cutting-edge race platform with European pedigree.

Learn More

Have questions on the R5? Want our candid thoughts on how it stacks up to its peers? Or better yet, ready to hit the road on a test ride?

We'd love to help out. Give us a call, shoot us a message, or drop by the shop Monday-Friday from 9a-7p and Saturdays from 9a-6p.