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, using the RAT thru-axle system for much faster wheel changes- crucial to the racing world. Again, this is catering to the pros, but with excellent safety as well, every R5 Disc rider will benefit from the stability and stiffness of thru-axles, while being able to quickly and easily 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.