Cervélo S5
The Cervélo S5 is a top-tier aerodynamic road bike engineered for maximum speed, efficiency, and sustained high-speed performance. Designed for competitive cyclists and racers, the S5 excels in reducing drag through advanced deep tube shaping and an integrated cockpit system while maintaining incredible stability and precise handling at race pace. Built with Cervélo's advanced carbon technology, the lightweight yet stiff frame delivers excellent power transfer with every pedal stroke, making it ideal for time trials, criteriums, flat terrain, rolling courses, and road races.
The fully integrated cockpit design enhances the aerodynamic profile by minimizing wind resistance, while disc brakes provide reliable stopping power and optimal control in all conditions on fast descents and tight corners. Purposefully engineered to reward sustained efforts and explosive sprint acceleration, the S5 prioritizes speed without compromising comfort, offering a smooth ride even in aggressive racing positions. With its sharp handling, sleek aesthetics, and measurable aerodynamic advantages, the Cervélo S5 stands as one of the most formidable and fastest aero race bikes on the market.
Highlights and information
THE CERVÉLO S5: AERO, AGGRESSIVE, UNAPOLOGETIC
The S5 stands out through system-level aerodynamic integration. Frame shaping, fork depth, and cockpit design work together to minimize drag and optimize airflow. Despite increased surface area, weight remains competitive for race applications. It is built for riders who prioritize aerodynamic performance as the primary driver of speed.
WHO SHOULD RIDE THE S5?
The S5 is ideal for competitive cyclists racing on flat or rolling terrain. It excels in breakaways, time-sensitive efforts, and sprint-heavy events. Riders who value aerodynamic efficiency and high-speed stability will benefit from its design. It suits athletes focused on maximizing sustained power output against the wind.
WHAT CONTENDER BICYCLES LIKES ABOUT THE S5
- Integrated aero system: Frame and cockpit designed as a unified aerodynamic platform.
- High-speed stability: Confident handling under power.
- Race-focused design: Built for measurable drag reduction.
FRAME MATERIAL
The S5 features a Cervélo carbon aero frame engineered for aerodynamic performance and stiffness. Deep tube shaping and integrated front-end components reduce drag while maintaining structural rigidity. Internal routing further improves airflow efficiency. The frame is designed as a cohesive aerodynamic system rather than a collection of separate parts.
GEOMETRY AND FIT
Race geometry tuned for aerodynamic positioning.
- Aggressive front-end stance: Supports reduced frontal area.
- Stable wheelbase proportions: Maintains composure at speed.
- Optimized stiffness zones: Efficient during sprint and sustained efforts.
HIGHLIGHTED MODELS AND COMPONENTS
Cervélo S5 SRAM Red AXS
- Frame: Cervélo Carbon Aero Frame and Fork
- Drivetrain: SRAM Red AXS 12-speed electronic
- Wheels: Reserve 57|64 Turbulent Aero carbon wheels
Cervélo S5 SRAM Force AXS
- Frame: Cervélo Carbon Aero Frame and Fork
- Drivetrain: SRAM Force AXS 12-speed electronic
- Wheels: Reserve 57|64 carbon wheels
NOT EXACTLY WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?
- Cervélo R5: A lightweight climbing platform focused on mountainous terrain.
- Cervélo Soloist: Balances aerodynamic shaping with versatile race performance.
- Orbea Orca Aero: An aerodynamic road platform designed for high-speed efforts.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Cervélo S5 is a purpose-built aerodynamic race machine engineered for maximum speed and efficiency, explosive sprint acceleration, and rock-solid stability. It's ideal for competitive cyclists chasing every second in their races.
The Cervélo Caledonia is a high-performance endurance road bike built for riders who want speed, stability, and long-distance comfort in one refined carbon platform. Designed as a modern all-road bike, it combines aerodynamic shaping, hidden cable routing, and clearance for up to 36mm tires, making it ideal for rough pavement, fondo events, and year-round road riding.
Endurance-focused geometry delivers predictable handling and balanced weight distribution for confident descending and sustained efforts. The adjustable D-shaped steerer and shared cockpit ecosystem provide greater fit flexibility than many fully proprietary platforms, while the T47A bottom bracket enhances durability and drivetrain efficiency.
Positioned as the more accessible alternative to the Caledonia-5, the standard Caledonia offers similar ride character in a more customizable package. Available in Force AXS, Rival AXS, Shimano 105 Di2, and 105 builds, it provides multiple entry points into premium endurance road performance.
The Cervélo Caledonia-5 is an ultra-endurance road bike built for riders who demand both race-level performance and all-day comfort on their most ambitious rides. Designed to excel on ultra-distance adventures, gran fondos, and high-speed endurance events, it blends aerodynamic efficiency, stiffness, and real-world versatility with deeper integration and performance refinement. The carbon frame features dropped seatstays for comfort, a stiff downtube for power transfer, aerodynamic tube shapes, and fully internal cable routing for reduced drag and a clean silhouette. With 36mm tire clearance, fender mounts, and integrated in-frame storage inspired by the P-Series, it's ready for any condition or distance. Its endurance-oriented geometry balances stability and agility, making it confident on descents yet responsive in corners while maintaining sharp performance focus. In essence, the Caledonia-5 redefines endurance performance, fast, comfortable, aerodynamic, and versatile, proving you don't have to choose between speed and comfort when pushing your limits.
The Cervélo R5 is a high-performance road bike designed for speed, agility, and precise handling, engineered as the brand's lightweight climbing and all-around race platform. Its lightweight carbon frame with AeroGeometry optimizes aerodynamics and comfort while delivering minimal weight, high stiffness, and immediate acceleration on steep terrain. The stiff bottom bracket ensures efficient power transfer for climbing and sprinting, while its carbon construction offers both strength and weight savings.
Equipped with electronic drivetrains, the R5 delivers smooth, precise shifting on any terrain, and integrated disc brakes provide excellent stopping power in all conditions, enhancing safety and control. Aerodynamic tube shaping reduces drag to further improve speed, while aggressive positioning and precise handling inspire confidence during technical descents and high-speed cornering. Whether you're pushing for victory on challenging climbs or tackling technical race courses, the Cervélo R5 balances lightweight performance, responsiveness, and composed race-day control, making it the perfect choice for serious cyclists who prioritize climbing performance.
The Cervélo Soloist redefines aero efficiency by making high-performance road cycling accessible to competitive riders who demand versatility without compromise. Positioned between the lightweight R5 and the aero-focused S5, the Soloist bridges climbing agility with measurable aerodynamic gains, creating a race-ready platform suited for varied terrain and training demands.
The race-derived geometry and refined integration deliver a responsive, smooth ride whether you're tackling long training rides or competing on race day. Designed for serious cyclists who want one bike capable of handling climbs, sprints, and endurance efforts, the Cervélo Soloist balances speed, comfort, and practicality, making it a top choice for ambitious riders and racers alike.
The Cervélo Áspero is a race-oriented gravel bike engineered for speed, efficiency, and responsive handling across dirt roads and mixed terrain. Its lightweight carbon frame balances stiffness and compliance to deliver efficient power transfer while maintaining a lively, road-inspired ride character that sets it apart in the gravel category. Featuring modern compatibility with a threaded bottom bracket and UDH support for simplified maintenance and drivetrain flexibility, the Áspero prioritizes performance over expedition load capacity. Built for competitive riders who demand race-level speed and sharp handling on gravel, the Cervélo Áspero redefines what a gravel bike can be; fast, agile, and ready to attack any terrain.
The Cervélo Aspero 5 is a gravel race platform engineered to maximize aerodynamic efficiency without sacrificing responsiveness. Built for sustained speed on dirt and mixed terrain, it integrates refined carbon shaping and in-frame storage into a purpose-driven race chassis. Designed with competitive gravel events in mind, it maintains sharp handling while reducing drag at higher speeds. The Aspero 5 is Cervélo’s most aerodynamic gravel bike, built for riders who prioritize measurable efficiency in fast gravel conditions.
Wheel Size: 700c | Drive Unit: Fazua Ride60 (60Nm) | Battery Size: 430wH
The Cervélo Rouvida integrates electric assistance into a performance-driven gravel platform. Built around the Fazua Ride60 system, it extends range and enhances climbing capability while preserving natural ride feel. Its carbon construction and refined integration maintain balanced handling at higher assisted speeds. The Rouvida is designed for riders who want to ride farther, maintain pace, and tackle demanding terrain with seamless electric support.
At Contender Bicycles, our best tools for selling bikes are the people who ride them. Everyone at Contender Bicycles has extensive experience riding bikes across many brands. If you have any questions or want to discuss build options, we are here to help.