Jens Voigt, Fabian Cancellara, Stuart O'Grady: the list of well-known ex-professionals goes on and on. They all have one thing in common: in the early 2000s, they piloted the Cervélo Soloist to several World Tour victories. However, with the introduction of the more aerodynamic S series from the Canadians, the Soloist disappeared from the scene. Now, 14 years later, it is back.
Lighter than S5, faster than R5
The new product is "by no means only intended for professionals, but has been developed for amateur racers", says Cervélo, placing the competition bike between the lightweight model R5 and the Aero-Boliden S5that Jonas Vingegaard had under the saddle on his triumphant ride to Paris. The Cervélo Soloist is said to be around 16 watts faster than the R5 and around 250 grams lighter than the S5. According to the manufacturer, the frame weighs 920 grams and the fork 345 grams. Cervélo did not mention complete bike weights.
It differs from the Caledonia marathon bike in its more aggressive frame geometry. With an STR of 1.44, the riding position is decidedly race-like. For comparison: We calculated a quotient of 1.48 for the R5 (TOUR 12/2021), while the Caledonia (TOUR 8/2021) achieved a value of 1.51.
Clamped aluminium handlebars
Striking: Cervélo designed the Soloist as a "simple road bike" and relies, among other things, on a clamped aluminium handlebar, the cables are routed under the stem into the head tube. This should make maintenance and height adjustment easier. The threaded T47 bottom bracket also promises improved ease of maintenance. The Cervélo Soloist rolls on 28 millimetre wide Vittoria tyres as standard. The frame and fork leave room for tyres up to 34 millimetres wide.
Six models of the Cervélo Soloist from 4299 euros
Six equipment variants of the Cervélo Soloist with mechanical or electronic shifting from Shimano or SRAM will be available at the start of sales in October. The "cheapest" model with 105 and aluminium wheelset from Alex Rims costs 4299 euros, while the top model with Force eTap, integrated power meter and carbon wheelset from Reserve costs 8599 euros. A frameset is also available for 3699 euros. Six sizes and three colour options (white, black, gold) are available.
- Soloist 105 (Alex Boondocks 5; aluminium): 4299 Euro
- Soloist Ultegra (Fulcrum Racing 600; aluminium): 5399 Euro
- Soloist 105 Di2 (Fulcrum Racing 600; aluminium): 5799 euros
- Soloist Rival eTap (Fulcrum Racing 600; aluminium): 5999 euros
- Soloist Ultegra Di2 (Reserve 40/44; Carbon): 7899 Euro
- Soloist Force eTap (Reserve 40/44; Carbon): 8599 Euro
- Soloist frameset: 3699 Euro
Julian Schultz
Editor
