Cervélo officially presents the new R5: One of the lightest road bikes in the world

In contrast to many other manufacturers, including those who are represented as team suppliers in the World Tour, Cervélo is sticking to its two-wheel strategy in the race segment. In addition to the aerodynamically optimised S5 The R5 complements the portfolio as a light mountain bike and is available to professionals at Visma | Lease a Bike as an alternative for high mountain stages. At the Tour de France Femmes, Ferrand-Prévot rode her climber to a decisive lead on the way to her overall victory.

In addition to winning the Tour de France Femmes a new Triple Everesting world record on the Cervélo R5. Max Riese, who lives in Salzburg, has cycled up the Gaisberg 95 times to reach the height of Mount Everest three times.

Cervélo R5: The most important facts

• Weight of complete wheel: from 5.97 kilograms (size 56)
• Frame/fork weight: 651/298 grams (size 56)
• Stack/Reach/STR: 568/391 millimetres/1.45
• Max. tyre clearance: 34 millimetres
• Frame sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
• Prices complete wheel: 8999 to 12999 Euro
• Price frame set: 5699 Euro

The current version is one of a series of new models that represent a small renaissance in lightweight construction. The revised top version is said to weigh an impressive 6.0 kilograms, built up ready to ride with standard components and in frame size 56. TOUR can confirm the fabulous weight: During this year's Tour de France, we had Visma's noble helper Matteo Jorgensen's workhorse on the hook of the TOUR scales, which also met the manufacturer's specification in frame size 58.

This makes the Cervélo one of the lightest disc production bikes in the world. In our ranking, only the Schmolke Leggerissima TLO and the Scott Addict RC Ultimate in front of the novelty. The flyweight from Schmolke hung on the scales at an incredible 5.40 kilograms, but with its sensitive lightweight components and limited weight release, it is somewhat out of competition. For a first top version of the Addict RC, we determined a total weight of 5.88 kilograms. The Swiss sent a model weighing 5.98 kilograms for a driving test.

The radical diet of the R5 extends to all components. The frame and fork weigh a total of 100 grams less thanks to slimmer tube shapes, among other things; the new one-piece cockpit is said to be almost 140 grams lighter than the previous handlebar-stem combination. In total, the new components from the company's own production should save 326 grams. According to Cervélo, a further 380 grams have been saved on components from third-party suppliers. The TPU tubes alone are 115 grams lighter than classic butyl tubes.

Riding stability and torsional rigidity of the R5 should be at the same high level as the previous model despite the lower weight. The geometry is based on the racing S5, which is in a different league in terms of aerodynamics. According to the manufacturer, the new R5 has become slightly faster thanks to the new handlebar/stem unit, but the gap to the fast racer is still likely to be more than 20 watts. On the other hand, the new lightweight model presumably offers significantly more suspension comfort than the aero machine.

Cervélo R5: Equipment and prices

As you might have guessed, the new lightweight fleet from the North Americans is not exactly cheap. The R5 with Force AXS or Ultegra Di2 costs at least 8999 euros. The top versions are priced at 12999 euros. As with the S5, Cervélo is once again offering a variant with 1x13 drivetrain (Red XPLR AXS), which we will soon be presenting in TOUR 11/2025 and on www.tour-magazin.de in detail. A power meter is on board all versions, and the Red models also come with a computer (Hammerhead Karoo) to match the groupset.

R5 Force

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Force AXS (2x12; 48/35, 10-33 t.; Powermeter)
• Brakes: SRAM Force
• Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed TLR (26 mm)
• Impellers: Reserve 34|37 TA
• Price: 8999 Euro

R5 Ultegra

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano Ultegra (2x12; 52/36, 11-34 t.; Powermeter)
• Brakes: Shimano Ultegra
• Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed TLR (26 mm)
• Impellers: Reserve 34|37 TA
• Price: 8999 Euro

R5 Dura-Ace

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano Dura-Ace (2x12; 52/36, 11-34 t.; Powermeter)
• Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace
• Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed (26 mm)
• Impellers: Reserve 34|37 TA
• Price: 12999 Euro

R5 Red

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Red AXS (2x12; 48/35, 10-33 t.; Powermeter)
• Brakes: SRAM Red
• Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed (26 mm)
• Impellers: Reserve 34|37 TA
• Price: 12999 Euro

R5 Red 1

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Red XPLR AXS (1x13; 48, 10-46 t.; Powermeter)
• Brakes: SRAM Red
• Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed TLR (26 mm)
• Impellers: Reserve 34|37 TA
• Price: 12999 Euro