The super clean, fully internal housing and wiring system increases aero efficiency, as does the integrated leg taper and "chinned" crown of the new R5 fork with the downtube. With a reduced factor downtube and subtly improved Squoval™Max tubes, small gains are achieved, with a total improvement of 19 grams in reduced drag, or 2.5 watts, which may not sound like much, but the previous generation R5 was pretty efficient, and remember- the R5 is not a pure aero design- that is what the S5 delivers.

Cervelo was able to outfit the updated R5 with 34mm tire clearance, yes- really, without using a dropped driveside chainstay, by maximizing the oversized asymmetric nature of the BBright bottom bracket shell and vertically oversized chainstay design. Remember, the R5 has been strongly informed by the previous development of the R3 Mud- built for the Classics and famous for wider tire clearance, as well as the premium vertical compliance of the minimalist seatstays. A 410mm chainstay length delivers clearance but keeps the handling responsive. The designers maintained the 73mm seattube angle with a 57.5mm fork Trail on a 28mm tire in all sizes, and carry over the same size-specific Stack and Reach.

With the new, lighter R5 Carbon disc brake fork, Cervelo ships a C-shaped steerer expansion plug, which will thankfully make steerer tube height cutting a simpler task. The headset upper bearing cover now comes in a super low 7mm stack height, as well as a mid-height 22mm. By adding 30mm of the fork-specific spacers, up to a max 52mm stack height is an option. Cervelo also changed their D-shaped seatpost offerings. The new 400mm long SP24 is available in a Zero offset- shipped with 48 and 51 cm sizes, as well as a 15mm Setback version- coming with all other sizes.

One note on tire size and bike choice. The Caledonia model can handle the 34mm tires "width as measured" while running fenders- which the R5 is not equipped for. While the Caledonia-5 is a seriously capable bike for endurance riding and racing, pure road racing requires quicker handling with a more nimble geometry. Cervelo expects most racers to regularly ride 28-30mm tires on the R5, but they may train on 30-34mm tires. In races such as Paris-Roubaix, the pros will opt for higher volume.

With this spectacular complete build Cervelo includes the reconceived Reserve Carbon rim disc brake wheelset. The clincher/tubeless ready design now features 20 hole front (34mm) and 24 hole rear (37mm) specific depths as well as internal widths for a better balance of low-mid profile aerodynamics as well as better stability and handling characteristics. The wheels are a key element to the overall performance and value of this Force eTap AXS HRD equipped bike.