Marathon bikes for around 4000 euros: The Cervélo Caledonia 105 Di2 on test

While the Canadian bike manufacturer modernised the top version of the endurance racing bike last summer, the "normal" Caledonia is already in its fifth season. The endurance bike occasionally shows this. The main criticism is the low comfort of the frameset. The voluminous tyres, which are 34 millimetres wide around the rims, are able to compensate well for the tight chassis on passable roads.

As a result, the Caledonia feels a little more comfortable than the measured values from the TOUR lab suggest. However, the Cervélo reaches its limits on poor roads or off-road tarmac. As the maximum tyre clearance of 34 millimetres refers to the measured width, the bike can only be set up more comfortably with a tubeless setup. Nevertheless, if you have a trained seat, the Caledonia is a loyal companion for long stages.

Cervélo Caledonia: Relatively favourable

The riding position is slightly upright, the steering is well tuned and the straight-line stability is solid. The Canadians were ahead of the times by thinking of mounting points for a top tube bag and mudguards right from the market launch for the 2021 season. The new and more expensive Caledonia-5 continues this development with a "boot" integrated into the down tube. Compared to the top model, which we will be reviewing in TOUR 4/2025, the version presented here rides more sluggishly. Due to the rather high overall weight and the relatively sporty gear ratio with a semi-compact crank, you'll need the lowest gear more often than you'd like on the climbs.

On the other hand, the older Caledonia is more maintenance-friendly and makes it easier to adjust the position. This is a welcome approach in times of system integration and increased labour costs. However, the thin round handlebars are not exactly comfortable. Our test riders also complained that the rear brake hose gets in the way when pedalling. It is not yet known if and when Cervélo will revise the Caledonia. The bike shown with 105 Di2 and simple aluminium wheels from Vision is the second cheapest in the range (€ 2999 to € 4299). For the Caledonia-5, a surcharge of at least 2000 euros is due.

The Cervélo Caledonia 105 Di2: info & test grade

• Price: 3999 Euro
• Weight of complete wheel: 8.9 kilos
• Frame sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 (test size bolded)
• TOUR grade: 2,4

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 498/565/157 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 592/382 millimetres/1.55
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 642/567 millimetres/1.13
• Wheelbase/caster: 1010/60 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano 105 Di2 (2x12; 52/36, 11-34 t.) | Grade: 1.0 (5 % share of the overall grade)
• Brakes: Shimano 105 (160/160 mm) | Grade: 2.0 (5 % share of the overall grade)
• Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro 32 mm (eff.: 34 mm) | Grade: 2.0 (5 % share of the overall grade)
• Impellers: Vision Team i23 30
• Impeller weights: 1543/2034 grams (front/rear)

Measured values

• Weight of complete wheel: 8870 grammes | Grade: 4.0 (25 % share of the overall grade)
• Rear comfort: 178 N/mm | Grade: 2.7 (20 % share of the overall grade)
• Comfort front: 118 N/mm | Grade: 3.3 (10 % share of the overall grade)
• Front stiffness: 9.0 N/mm | Grade: 1.0 (10 % share of the overall grade)
• Bottom bracket stiffness: 66 N/mm | Grade: 1.0 (10 % share of the overall grade)
• Lacquer: Grade: 1.0 (5 per cent share of the overall grade)
• Maintenance/adjustment: Grade: 1.0 (5 % share of the overall grade)

Advantages and disadvantages of the Cervélo Caledonia 105 Di2

• Plus: Good-natured steering behaviour, easy to maintain, eyelets for bag and mudguards
• Minus: low frame comfort, relatively heavy

All 12 bikes in the comparison test

• Canyon Endurace CF SLX 7 Di2
• Cervélo Caledonia 105 Di2
• Cube Agree C:62 SLX
• Focus Paralane 8.8 >> available here
• Giant Daffy Advanced 0 >> available here
• Koga Roqa Premium >> available here
• Merida Scultura Endurance Rival Edition
• Rose Reveal 04 105 Di2 >> available here
• Scott Addict 30 >> available here
• Stevens Izoard Pro
• Storck Fascenario.3 Comp
• Veto B983

>> We have compiled all the information about our test here.