Flaunting the UCI minimum weight limit, Cervelo just unveiled a fresh lineup of R5 road bikes with updated drivetrains, wheels, and cockpit that gives them two models under 6kg.
Both the top-level SRAM Red and Shimano Dura-Ace builds come in at a claimed 5.97kg (13.25lbs). That’s 900g under the UCI’s 6.9kg minimum weight limit for race bikes, so you better start looking for spots to hide those fishing weights.
The frame is no slouch, having propelled Pauline Ferrand-Prevot to victory at this summer’s Tour de France Femmes. Yet they’ve managed to make it lighter than ever.
The R5 has always been their lightweight race bike, and this latest model is designed to handle the biggest mountain stages (including the descents) and the strongest riders. The new R5 claims to maintain the stiffness required for quick accelerations, high-speed corners, and razor-sharp pack handling…all while dropping a combined 100g from the frame and fork.
The new R5 frame is just 651g (claimed, size 56), and the fork is just 298g.
Then add careful component selection from their own catalog (remember, they’re owned by PON, which owns Reserve Wheels), where they managed to shave 326g from all house-brand components on the bike.
The result? A bike for non-UCI racers that’s as light as possible without sacrificing ride quality or strength. Oh, and it now fits 29mm tires thanks to a couple of small geometry tweaks (don’t worry, they say it handles nearly identical to the prior model…which is to say, it’s a race bike, not an endurance bike).
Key Lightweight Components
The incredible engineering of the two drivetrain brands’ top groups notwithstanding, the two parts are responsible for the bulk of the weight savings are the wheels and one-piece bar-stem.
The new HB18 saves about 150g compared to a traditional two-piece bar and stem combo. It’s also more aerodynamic, and, they say, more comfortable and stuffer. And all sizes are UCI legal.
More importantly, your local Cervelo dealer will help you get the right size for your fit at no extra charge…which is a big deal, you’re not stuck riding whatever size some product manager spec’d for a given frame size. More brands should do this. Between widths and stem lengths, they have 15 different options to choose from.
New Reserve 34/37 wheels were designed specifically for this build and use front- and rear-specific profiles and depths. They saved about 60g from the prior version, yet retain the same stiffness and strength.
Tucked into the spec list are a CeramicSpeed SL bottom bracket, Prologo Nago R4 Nack (carbon), and Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed TLR G2.0 tires in a healthy 26mm width.
There’s a 1x Build, too
Wanna tackle the steepest climbs? Or just be ready for a future Classified 2x hub upgrade? Check out the Red XPLR AXS build with 1x front chainring and wide-range cassette.
Prices, specs, and all build options now live on their website.
