If you have questions or require perspective on one of the most impressive road bike designs out there, the Cervelo R5 Ultegra, Excel Sports is here to help. Although we cannot sell Cervelo bikes online, you can visit our Boulder, CO showroom or give us a call at (800)627-6664 for fit and sales assistance from our expert staff.

The story of Cervelo's R-Series bikes and frames is often overshadowed by the the hype and performance of the Canadian company's aero bikes. Though most Cervelo-sponsored professional racing cyclists seek every scintilla of aerodynamic advantage via the S5 design, there are still more than a few that have opted for the R5 as their every day chassis, and still others who will turn to it for the distinctly different requirements of the cobbled races of the spring, and the highest climbs in the Alps. This tells you the R5 design is special, and more than capable of all-around excellence. As for non-racing cycling enthusiasts who live to challenge themselves differently, the R5 is the clear choice, as comfort, weight, and feel drive the decision over a purely aerodynamic design that while much improved every year, still rides a little rougher and pays a slight weight penalty. We have long experience with R-Series bikes and how the design has been upgraded and evolved over time, and we are happy to share that wellspring of knowledge with you.

The R5 advances due to the practical and theoretical work that has gone into the handmade Project California Rca. This iteration of the R5 is the production construction version of the same frame, and though the Rca has some tricks up it's sleeve and comes in under 700 grams (!), the R5 is no heavyweight, at easily under 850 grams. The evolution a key component of the R-Series frames, the Squoval tubeset, has been the product of Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and structural engineering to maximize the twist and flex resistant square-oval tube shapes to increase strength and torsional stiffness through advanced carbon layups. The FEA process also advanced the aerodynamic shapes of the tubes and how the design- from the fork and headtube all they way back along the frame integrate to maximize whatever aerodynamic benefit that can be had- to the tune of a 7.4 watt advantage over the previous generation, despite the lack of more traditional aero tubes shapes.

The tapered headtube and fork steerer tube of the R5 feature the Evolved Steerer design, which creates greater lateral stiffness and concurrent front end control through the 1⅛ to 1⅜ tapered design, without adding weight. The fork is also derived directly from the Rca, and the structural engineers have effectively decoupled lateral and longitudinal fork stiffness, delivering a 15% increase in lateral stiffness and a 7% decrease in longitudinal stiffness, ensuring greater control and steerer precision, while increasing the compliance and overall ride quality. When those headtube, steerer and fork improvements are mated via the 3rd generation Squoval tubeset to the oversized BBright bottom bracket, overall torsional stiffness as measured at the bottom bracket has been increased by 9.5%, an impressive achievement.

The asymmetrical nature of the BBright design counter balances the forces of the right side drivetrain with the left, and the massive chainstays transfer all that power and efficiency through the stays to the rear wheel through the full carbon dropouts. The seattube of the R5 carries a 27.2mm diameter seatpost, which allows the rider to modify ride quality via seatpost choice. That comfort is accentuated by the slim carbon seatstays, the ellipses of which have been realigned for greater aerodynamics. From the front of the bike to the rear, the R5 frameset screams efficiency, performance, and comfort; and a better balance cannot be found in a production bike.

There is no such thing as "small details" to the Cervelo engineers. The Future Proof cable management system can integrate and direct any form of mechanical or electronic drivetrain or braking system. The massive bottom bracket follows suit, especially for mechanical shifting, with the integrated, modular Reduced Friction cable guide, which keeps said cables directed in natural curves to eliminate unnecessary resistance. Cervelo's finish work is impeccable, as is the braze-on front derailleur mount and perfectly aligned brake mount holes.

Though Cervelo offers the R5 in several complete builds, the Ultegra 6800 Complete Bicycle is a best seller. There are many reasons, but getting onto the frame in a complete bike at the best price point is certainly a factor. But don't discount the 11-speed mechanical Ultegra 6800 groupset, which can easily be upgraded to Di2 or Dura-Ace due to Shimano's penchant for system integration. The performance of 6800 is also excellent, approaching Dura-Ace level with a small weight penalty. The only variation from Ultegra 6800 is found with the crank and bottom bracket assembly, which must be BBright compatible. Cervelo opts for the 3D30 52-36 Compact crankset from BBright partner Rotor, who also supplies the PF-30 bearings for the bottom bracket. The 52-36 works perfectly with the Ultegra chain and 11-25 cassette, which delivers not only impressively fast and smooth shifting performance, but also a great gearing range combination for most road cyclists when controlled by the short cage 6800 rear derailleur and braze-on front model. Crucial stopping power and braking control comes from the 6800 STI Shift/Brake levers and the outstanding Ultegra 6800 Brakeset.

As you find on many OEM builds, the wheels seem to be under spec'ed, but Cervelo anticipates you will chose to upgrade those based on your needs. Still, Mavic's Aksium S wheels will make a great training partner. These wheels come equipped with Mavic's 700x25 Aksion clincher tires. Your cockpit front to rear consists of a 31.8mm alloy FSA Energy Compact Handlebar, FSA SL-K alloy stem, 27.2x350mm FSA K-Force Carbon Seatpost, and a Fizik Antares Saddle. Cervelo's standard bar wrap finishes things off, all for only a $1000 over the R5 frameset price.

We highly recommend the Cervelo R5. With it's compact design, traditional geometry and incredible performance, most of our staff will quickly admit that the R5 design is the best riding, most responsive, most enjoyable bike they have every ridden. Whether you race, ride for the pure pain and pleasure of it, tackle century level rides every weekend, or head for the nearest steep uphill every chance you get, the R5 will inspire your best performance, and more than a few huge smiles, every time out.