Cervélo Soloist

Wheel size: 700c | Tire clearance: 36mm

The Cervélo Soloist redefines all-around race performance by combining lightweight climbing efficiency with meaningful aerodynamic gains in a platform built for competitive riders. Positioned between the featherweight R5 and the aero-focused S5, the latest Soloist is 8.6 watts faster and 267 grams lighter than its predecessor, making it an even more capable choice for riders who demand speed across every type of road ride. Whether you're attacking climbs, driving a fast paceline, or lining up for race day, the Soloist delivers the balanced handling and responsive feel that have made it one of Cervélo's most versatile performance road bikes.

Designed around the same race-focused fit philosophy as the R5, the Soloist pairs refined aerodynamic shaping with thoughtful real-world features, including clearance for tires up to 36mm, a service-friendly T47A bottom bracket, and compatibility with the latest drivetrains, including SRAM Transmission. Premium touches like the lightweight one-piece HB18 cockpit, carbon wheels, integrated power meters, and included aero bottles elevate every complete build, giving riders a bike that's ready to perform straight from the showroom floor.

Compare the Soloist with other Cervélo road platforms if you're deciding between speed, climbing feel, and all-day versatility. The Cervélo R5 is the lighter climbing specialist, the Cervélo S5 is built for maximum aerodynamic race speed, and the Cervélo Caledonia emphasizes endurance comfort for long-distance road riding. You can also browse all road bikes when comparing fit, gearing, wheels, and frame style across brands.

Looking for something more aero? Take a look at the S5.
Looking for a climbing bike? Check out the R5.

Cervélo Soloist
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Highlights and Information

The Cervélo Soloist: Lighter. Faster. Ready to Race.

Wheel size: 700c | Tire clearance: 36mm

The Cervélo Soloist is built for riders who want uncompromising race performance without the singular focus of a pure aero bike. Sitting between the lightweight R5 and aerodynamic S5, the Soloist blends low weight, wind-cutting efficiency, and sharp handling into one balanced platform. It is designed for competitive cyclists, fast group rides, and ambitious riders seeking a bike capable of excelling across nearly every type of road ride.

The latest Soloist represents a substantial evolution over its predecessor, arriving 8.6 watts faster while shedding 267 grams from the complete system. Updated tube shaping, a refined carbon layup, and a lighter cockpit all contribute to a bike that accelerates quickly, climbs efficiently, and maintains aerodynamic efficiency without sacrificing everyday usability.

WHY THE Cervélo Soloist STANDS OUT

The Soloist is designed to maximize real-world race performance, combining aerodynamic efficiency, lightweight construction, and balanced handling into a complete race platform.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) development and extensive wind tunnel validation allowed Cervélo engineers to refine every tube profile, resulting in measurable aerodynamic gains over the previous Soloist. At the same time, a lighter frame, fork, seatpost hardware, and one-piece HB18 cockpit reduce overall system weight while improving stiffness and responsiveness.

The result is a bike that feels equally at home attacking climbs, riding aggressively through technical descents, or maintaining speed in fast pacelines.

WHO SHOULD RIDE THE SOLOIST?

The Soloist is built for racers, competitive enthusiasts, and performance-focused riders who want one bike capable of doing nearly everything well.

It suits riders who regularly tackle fast group rides, road races, gran fondos, and mountainous training routes where both low weight and aerodynamic efficiency matter. Cyclists looking for a dedicated aero machine may prefer the S5, while pure climbers may gravitate toward the R5. For riders seeking the ideal balance between the two, the Soloist occupies the sweet spot within Cervélo's lineup.

WHAT CONTENDER BICYCLES LIKES ABOUT THE SOLOIST

We love the Soloist's balanced performance: It's aerodynamic and efficient without excessive weight, its geo offers race-proven handling, and its practical integration keeps things clean and service-friendly. Additionally, the Soloist features:

  • Cervélo's HB18 one-piece carbon cockpit, which is both lighter and more aerodynamic than traditional two-piece setups. Integrated cable routing creates a clean front end while maintaining easier serviceability than many fully proprietary systems.
  • Carbon wheels, integrated power meters, and the HB18 cockpit, minimizing the need for aftermarket upgrades. Two included aero bottles provide additional aerodynamic savings while remaining compatible with standard bottle cages when desired.
  • Compatibility with SRAM Transmission drivetrains, generous 36mm tire clearance, and a T47A bottom bracket ensure the Soloist remains practical to maintain while accommodating evolving component standards.

FRAME MATERIAL

The Soloist utilizes Cervélo's premium all-carbon frame and fork construction to maximize stiffness while minimizing weight. Both the frame and fork were redesigned with improved aerodynamic shaping and lighter construction, creating a platform that is simultaneously faster and easier to accelerate.

Thoughtful refinements, including a revised fork cable exit, updated brake mounts, and a lighter seatpost clamp system, improve both serviceability and manufacturing precision without compromising performance.

GEOMETRY AND FIT

The Soloist shares its performance-oriented fit philosophy with the Cervélo R5 while incorporating subtle updates that improve stability and rider confidence.

  • Lower Bottom Bracket: 2mm lower than previous version, lowers the rider's center of gravity
  • New Size-Specific Chainstay Lengths: Maintain consistent handling characteristics across every frame size.
  • Balanced: The soloist feels quick and responsive while remaining composed during high-speed cornering and long race efforts.

Despite its race pedigree, the Soloist also improves rider comfort, delivering a smoother ride that reduces fatigue without dulling its responsive character.

HIGHLIGHTED MODELS AND COMPONENTS

Cervélo Soloist Force AXS

  • Frame: Cervélo All-Carbon Soloist Frame and Fork
  • Drivetrain: SRAM Force AXS 12-speed electronic
  • Wheels: Reserve 49|42 TA carbon wheels

Cervélo Soloist Force AXS 1

  • Frame: Cervélo All-Carbon Soloist Frame and Fork
  • Drivetrain: SRAM Force AXS 12-speed 1x with SRAM Force XPLR AXS
  • Wheels: Reserve 49|42 TA carbon wheels

Cervélo Soloist RED AXS

  • Frame: Cervélo All-Carbon Soloist Frame and Fork
  • Drivetrain: SRAM Red AXS
  • Wheelset - Reserve 42/49TA with DT Swiss 240 Dicut hubs

NOT EXACTLY WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?

  • Cervélo R5: A lighter climbing-focused platform built for mountainous terrain.
  • Cervélo S5: A dedicated aerodynamic road bike engineered for maximum drag reduction.
  • SCOTT Foil: Offers lightweight race performance with precise road handling.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The newest Cervélo Soloist builds upon an already successful platform with meaningful gains in both speed and weight. By combining aerodynamic refinement, lightweight carbon construction, premium component integration, and race-proven geometry, it delivers one of the most complete all-around performance road bikes in Cervélo's lineup. For riders who refuse to choose between climbing efficiency, aerodynamic speed, and confident handling, the Soloist lives up to its name as the modern race bike for nearly every road.

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