Geometry has been engineered for a balanced riding position and stable, responsive handling fromh a tall headtube, increased fork rake, longer chainstays, more relaxed headtube angle, and an increased bottom bracket drop. The design tracks well, corners more like a road bike than any other gravel bike we have ridden, and never feels edgy despite the taller headtube. Combined with the tubeset's superior ride quality and compliance of the thin, arcing seatstays, the geometry provides the rider with the necessary confidence to descend on gravel, whistle through the corners on pavement, and power through numbing miles on gravel roads that run straight as the eye can see. Cervelo is an engineering company at its very core, and every frame and bike design starts with an essential understanding of what the rider intends to use it for. Then the frame engineered and designed to meet and exceed those expectations. The frame and fork of the C5 are a perfect example of this process.

Shimano provides an 11-speed partial groupset for this C5 build, adding to the Rotor 3D+ BBright 50-34 crankset and accompanying Rotor PF-30 bottom bracket. As many of you know, the ST-R685 mechanical shifter/hydraulic disc brake STI levers were developed to be shared between 1st gen Dura-Ace and Ultegra 11-speed groups. An 11-28 9000 level cassette delivers great range and standout Dura-Ace shifting, with the 9000 front and rear derailleurs driving the action of the HG9000 chain. Hydraulic calipers are the BR-R805 flat mount versions, and the premium RT99 IceTech Freeza disc brake rotors come as 140mm front and rear. These brakes deliver exceptional stopping power through the 12mm thru-axle HED Ardennes Plus LT Disc wheelset. Rear wheel spacing is 142mm. The 25mm (21mm internal) Plus rims are Tubeless Ready compatible, and carries the stock Continental Grand Prix 700x28mm Continental Grand Prix clincher tires effortlessly.

FSA provides most of the cockpit, with the K-Force carbon bar and 27.2 seatpost. The OS-99 carbon/alloy stem is light and stiff, while the Fizik Antares VS Saddle rounds out the set-up. Geometry and components are specific to frame size, which runs close to standard for most cyclists. Keep in mind the taller headtube reduces overall standover height, even with the sloping toptube design. Our take on the C5 is straightforward. If you are looking for a fast, performance oriented endurance bike with disc brakes, it is an ideal choice. For those who want to ride harsh, aggressive gravel or trail and require tire volume over 30mm, this is not your best option. Yes, there is some specificity in bike options. Cervelo has mastered aero, aero road, and road race. Now the considerable talents and experience of this engineering company have mastered performance endurance with the C5 and the mechanical drivetrain/hydraulic disc brake combination in this ist gen 11-speed Shimano Dura-Ace equipped bike. It offers a great balance of features, capability and cost effectiveness with tremendous versatility and overall riding potential.