Cervelo carries forward the excellent 2nd generation R5 Disc frameset, with the ability to easily run 28mm tires at all times, even on 25mm wide rims. This is a crucial change from the 1st gen version. The gen change also a marked increase in lateral stiffness in the frameset over it's already excellent predecessor, as well as improved aerodynamics and overall ride quality. Cervelo aficionados will quickly identify the new aero, square back seattube and seatpost. With this R5 Disc Frameset the added tire clearance is great for training and racing, but a 700x25 on a wider rim is still a great option for disc brake road race performance. Now that the UCI and more pro cyclists/teams have embraced disc brake use, and with the improved aerodynamics of the Squoval.Max tubset, this race-developed frameset built with with race-level components has been taking back rider use from it's S5 brethren.

The massive square-oval design of the downtube makes the most impressive statement about Squoval.Max, but every tube on the R5 Disc has been redeveloped to reduce weight, manage disc brake forces, and 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 18% at the headtube junction and a stout 26% at the 79mm BBright bottom bracket, while increased shape integration delivers 14-gram improvement in aerodynamics. The bottom bracket has been lowered, with a 72mm drop, rising up in a D-shaped flatback seattube that carries to the top. 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 lower in favor of a pro bike fit and weights the bike appropriately. The fit set-up centers rider weight, holding the power of the pedaling position at an aggressive hip angle, while ensuring the proper distribution over the front wheel required for aggressive corning and overall stability. The overall frame construction and geometry of a 56cm feature a shorter 151mm headtube, 410mm seatstays and a 993mm wheelbase, all of which lead to impeccable, agile handling at any speed.

The tapered 1½ to 1⅛" Cervelo Carbon Disc Fork was built like, and complements the frame, with enhancements to the lateral base stiffness, tire clearance and aerodynamics. The end result is a bike that carves mountain descents, rips criterium corners, and rolls true and balanced on the flats. Increased comfort comes not only from the more compliant D-shaped seatpost, but also with larger volume tires. As aerodynamics research has pushed wheel manufacturers to wider rims, larger tires, and frame/fork air flow integration, we know 25-28mm road tires can be fast, aero, and reduce road noise and impact. This race-ready R5 Disc 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 derailleur cables or wires run down into headube/downtube junction from a port just behind the headtube, similar to the aero-road S5 design. You get all the pieces and parts needed for any drivetrain set-up, along with a chainstay protector and an optional shroud for the frame based seatpost fastening system.

Although one of the engineers' tasks with the R5 was to develop disc brake and non-disc version to be a close as possible in fit, function, feel, and frame performance; disc brakes do have different requirements and move the actual braking effect lower to the road, at the hub, versus upon the fork crown and seatstays. The R5 disc brake model features 12mm thru-axle drop outs, now with Cervelo's DT-style lever hollow thru-axles. Every R5 Disc rider will benefit from the stability and stiffness of thru-axles, while being able to remove and reinstall a wheel in any conditions.

Of course safety is also tied to disc braking, specifically the newer lighter lever/caliper options that manage heat on a long descent, elicit subtle feel and performance while cornering, as well as delivering power that won't fade or diminish in wet or dry conditions. The caliper standard is the Flat Mount system, front and rear, with integrated internal hose routing. The braking set-up had been optimized for 160mm calipers/rotors but 140mm can still be used. Most of the new road brake rotor designs meet the UCI's requirement for a rounded edge, which further minimizes potential injury in a group crash.

We appreciate that the R5 Disc has a purer race geometry to best suit serious racing cyclists and enthusiasts who can exploit a more aggressive fit, overall position and frame geometry. Even better, the overall ride quality of the frameset is still forgiving without feeling soft, especially at the rear, where the intelligently engineered SP-18 Carbon Seatpost offers just the right amount of flex when needed, taking advantage of the sloping toptube design. The R5 disc fork feels a bit harsher vertically than the rim brake version, which likely reflects the extra strength and stiffness of the thru-axle and engineering that ensures braking safety and performance. Our advice is experiment with your dropping front tire pressure 3-5 psi if you seek more compliance.

If you are looking for a suitable Shimano, SRAM or Campagnolo groupset and or a full build kit, and require assistance, please email sales@excelsports.com, or give us a call at 800.627.6664 and we can help you build the ultimate road disc performer.