Cervelo's introduction of the Squoval.Max tubeset with the latest R5 is just one of several upgrades and changes for the road race bike. One of the most important has been the reworking of the R5 geometry back to more of a pro-fit starting point, but still with the ability to easily run 28mm tires at all times, even on 25mm wide rims. Cervelo aficionados will quickly identify the aero, square back seattube and seatpost. With this R5 Ultegra R8070 Di2 Disc Bike you get the ultra precise and super responsive Di2 electronic shifting system, impressive hydraulic disc braking, and wonderful ergonomics.

The massive square-oval design of the downtube makes the most impressive statement about Squoval.Max, but every tube on the R5 has been redeveloped to reduce weight, increase lateral stiffness without compromising vertical compliance, and maximizing aerodynamics. From front to back, the redesign fortifies at junctions for increased torsional stiffness to the tune of 21% at the headtube junction and 13% at the bottom bracket, while increased shape integration delivers 14-gram improvement in aerodynamics. The bottom bracket has been lowered, with a 72mm drop. The accompanying D-shaped Aero seatpost features a new rear fastening system, that gets hidden by a fitment that covers the entire junction, improving aerodynamics. The seattube/seatstay cluster exits out the back with a flattened section that adds torsional stiffness before reducing into the thin, vertically compliant stays the R-series bikes are known for.

The lowered bottom bracket, longer reach, lower stack, and shorter headtube of the R5 lengthen and drop the cycling position, in favor of a pro bike fit and weights the bike appropriately. The Cervelo R5 Disc carbon fork was built like the frame, with enhancements to the lateral base stiffness, tire clearance and aerodynamics. As aero research has pushed wheel manufacturers to wider rims, larger tires, and frame/fork air flow integration, cyclists have noticed that 25-28mm road tires can be fast, aero, and reduce road noise and impact. This race-ready R5 Disc bike takes full advantage.

Cervelo's aero integrated Future Proof cable routing that accommodates mechanical and electronic drivetrains carries over, along with the Reduced Friction Bottom Bracket Guide. The Di2 e-Tube wires run down into headube/downtube junction from a port just behind the headtube, similar to the aero-road S5 design. The disc brake model features 12mm thru-axle drop outs to complement the Flat Mount disc set-up, create consistent, perfect rotor alignment with increased overall stiffness and stability with greater tire clearance. Now these developments are catering to the pros, many of who ride dual-pivot caliper brakes, but are looking for the full suite of advancements that come more effectively to frame design with the use of disc brakes.

A long standing key to R5 and other Cervelo bike's lateral stiffness and performance has been the 79mm wide asymmetric BBright bottom bracket design. Cervelo simply changes the carbon lay-up in the fork and frame, through the SquovalMax tubeset to adapt the set-up for disc brake use. Cervelo adds their integrated Reduced Friction Bottom Bracket Guide, and Future Proof internal routing and interchangeable stop system for hydraulic, electronic or mechanical systems. A braze-on front derailleur tab is used, and the rear thru-axle dropout features a replaceable rear derailleur hanger. A rear facing, flush mount wedge system is used to secure the seatpost.

As a complete bike, the R5 Ultegra R8070 Di2 Disc takes full advantage of Shimano's mainstay Ultegra R8070 11-speed Di2 electronic drivetrain, which like it's Dura-Ace R9170 sibling features improved ergonomics of the Dual Control levers to the incredibly efficient R8050 Di2 derailleurs. The short cage rear derailleur handles an 11-30 cassette and the front offers great frame and tire clearance as chainlines get wider with the ruthlessly efficient shifting only Di2 can perform. Cervelo specs the complete bike with the R8000 52-36 crankset and 11-30 cassette, so you get great road range. The hydraulic disc brake calipers are the Ultegra R8070 models for the flat mount standard, and Cervelo stays on-key with the new Ultegra SM-RT800 160mm disc rotors.

The equipped kit is a great match for the drivetrain and overall specifications, yet more cost effective than a comparably equipped Dura-Ace version. The Tubeless Ready DT Swiss PRC 1450 Spline 35 Center Lock Disc wheelset is a great example. The 35mm DT rims and high quality DT hubs make for an exceptionally durable and sure handling platform.The wheels are equipped with 700x25 Continental GP4000s II clinchers (but are Tubeless Ready). With good grip, excellent puncture protection, and smooth, long wearing ride, these are a great match for the wheelset. Cervelo supplies the SP-18 Carbon Seatpost, and their Carbon road stem. The alloy handlebar is the Cervelo Carbon AB06 Aero- which is finished with Cervelo bar tape. A Prologo Zero 2 STN saddle fits and suits many cyclists. Finally, Cervelo provides an FSA IS-2 headset for the full carbon R5 Disc Fork with the tapered 1⅛" to 1½" steerer tube. It is important to note that Cervelo features the RAT thru-axles for both front and rear to speed up wheel changes and ensure a locked-in, reliable closure.