R5 has one job—get to the top, fast. But for all the glory and fanfare that comes with a summit finish, they’re rarely the only climb of the day. And while a race isn’t usually won on a descent, they can certainly be lost.
A climbing bike that can’t carve a hairpin is a bit like a cup of decaf coffee. This is the fourth iteration of the R5, and while weight and stiffness have varied over the years, the handling, poise, and unmatched prowess on a
descent have been consistent since day one.
The new R5 frame is 130g lighter than the previous model—a 16% reduction from an already-light frame. The new frame is 703g, and the new fork is 329g, bringing the frames to just a hair over the kilogram mark.
We also pulled some weight out of the parts that are included with the bike—the handlebar and stem are each 12g lighter, and the seat post’s 20g lighter. You won’t have any trouble building a bike that meets the 6.8kg UCI minimum.
And while aerodynamics weren’t a focus with this frame the way they would be on an S5 or P5, bringing the cables inside reduced drag by 25g, too. It’s faster in every direction.
If the previous-generation R5 had one knock, it was the stiffness—its goat-like climbing abilities came at the expense of a bit of bone jarring. While this wasn’t much of a problem for most riders, our World Tour teams felt the bikes got more uncomfortable as the weeks of a Grand Tour wore on. So—reduce stiffness? In a climbing bike? It seemed crazy, but we dove in.
Our engineers had found previously that a specific ratio between head tube and bottom bracket stiffness is the magic formula for ride quality, but we’d never applied it to the R5, being in pursuit of stiffness like we were.
We worked on a couple different layups, tested them ourselves, and also sent them over to Team Jumbo-Visma for testing. Tom Dumoulin, having previously ridden and loved an R5 at Sunweb, was the prime candidate for early testing. The verdict? Unreservedly positive.
Dumoulin felt he could climb just as efficiently on the bike, and that the added compliance would result in less fatigue and more effective recovery. Jumbo-Visma verified this, and we were off to the races.
With the primary objectives achieved, we set to work on refinements—bring the cables inside, increase tire clearance, and get to work on the bar, stem, and post to make the package even lighter and faster. And you can put a 34mm tyre in it. Just don’t call it a ‘cross bike.
R5 BY THE NUMBERS:
Model number: R5
Project number: FM140/FK140
HT Stiffness : 99 Nm/deg
BB Stiffness: 221 n/mm
Fork Lateral Stiffness: 6.34 kg/mm
Fork Longitudinal Stiffness: 10.6 kg/mm
Frame Weight (56cm): 703g
Fork Weight: 329g
BB/W: 0.314 (N/mm)/kg
HT/BB Ratio % (45% ideal): 44.8
Features:
- Fork Cervélo All-Carbon, Tapered R5 Fork
- Headset FSA IS2 1-1/4 x 1-1/2
- Thru Axles Cervelo Aero Thru-Axles, 12x100/142, Removable Handle
- Handlebar Cervélo HB13 Carbon
- Stem Cervélo ST31 Carbon
- Seatpost Cervélo SP24 Carbon
- Accessories Cervelo Handlebar Front Computer/Light
- Mount, Cervelo Rear Accessory Mount
Product Code | CER-F-0H0R5GFS1X54 |
---|---|
Brand | Cervelo |
Colour | Black |
Manufacturer Colour | Five Black |
Gender | Unisex |
Ready to ride
Every bike from Start Fitness is fully checked & assembled before despatch and will arrive, almost, ready to ride. Each bike is assembled by one of our CyTech accredited mechanics and then packed into one of our custom boxes.
*This process has a lead time of 5-7 working days.
Unfortunately during peak times this may be slightly delayed. We will however, aim to despatch your bike as quickly as possible. Minimal assembly, with basic tools, is required before you can ride. Assembly tools are not usually included.
Making sure you are home
Once fully checked and boxed, we will contact you to arrange a suitable delivery date when you will be home to take delivery. Our bikes are despatched with a premium delivery service which usually delivers next working day (excludes weekends & bank holidays) for mainland UK orders, it may take slightly longer for some areas, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands and outlying Scottish areas. European bike deliveries usually take approximately one week.
Taking Delivery
Any mechanical or cosmetic issues need to be reported to us within one week of the delivery date. If you do not plan on using the bike straight away, we advise that you remove it from the box and check it over ASAP as we cannot be responsible for any reported issues (other than standard warranty issues) later than one week from the date that the bicycle was delivered.
First Service
After a few weeks of riding (we recommend around 6-8 weeks, regardless of how much the bike has been used), a new bike will need a service to make final adjustments and to re-check all nuts and bolts. This is necessary as the bike goes through a ‘bedding in’ phase, after which, final adjustment may be necessary. We recommend that this is carried out by a CyTech qualified mechanic.
It is important to have these checks carried out to prevent any avoidable problems which may not be covered by warranty and to ensure the smooth running of your bicycle. If you’re local to us, we’re able to offer this first service free of charge* at our Newcastle store (NE1 6JE). You’ll just need to call our workshop on 0191 917 3825 to book your service in, and don’t forget to bring your proof of purchase when you drop the bike off with us.
If you’ve had the bike delivered, it will be your responsibility to ensure a first service is carried out at a trusted bike shop local to you, preferably by a Cytech certified mechanic. Start Fitness are unfortunately not able to cover any costs associated with this service if carried out by another store.
*Please note that this complimentary check-over does not include any labour to replace worn parts or to fit new accessories. All bikes should be delivered to us in a clean and serviceable condition, or a £15 cleaning charge will be payable.
Bike Servicing
Bicycles need to be serviced regularly, as a guideline we would advise on at least one full service per year and/or a standard service twice a year. If the bike is used regularly in adverse conditions, more regular servicing may be required.
Still not sure? Need some advice?
Book a call with one of our experts to get more information on this product.
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