651 grams. That's the frame weight for a size 56 Cervelo R5, a number that places this carbon chassis among the lightest production road frames ever manufactured. The complete bike builds to 5.97 kilograms in this Red XPLR AXS 1 configuration, undercutting the UCI's 6.8-kilogram minimum by nearly a full kilogram. For amateur riders unconstrained by racing regulations, that weight advantage translates directly to climbing performance and acceleration response. The R5 has earned its reputation across two decades of professional racing, from the R5CA that redefined weight limits to the current generation carrying victories at the Tour de France Femmes.

This iteration combines the climbing-focused R5 platform with SRAM's Red XPLR AXS groupset, a pairing that reflects an emerging trend toward eliminating front derailleurs from road bikes entirely. The 1x13-speed configuration uses a 48-tooth aero chainring paired with a 10-46T cassette, providing gear range comparable to traditional 2x road setups while removing the mechanical complexity of a front derailleur. The 46-tooth climbing gear opens gradients that would require cross-chaining on a standard double, and the sequential shifts across thirteen speeds minimize the jumps between gears. SRAM's wireless electronic actuation delivers crisp, consistent shifts regardless of cable tension or housing condition.

Cervelo revised the R5's fit geometry to match the S5 aero platform, reducing stack height by 5mm compared to the previous generation. Riders who switch between climbing and aero bikes now find identical positions, eliminating the adjustment period when changing platforms. The bottom bracket drop sits 2mm lower to accommodate modern wider tires while maintaining a sportive, aggressive stance. Handling geometry remains consistent with classic R5 characteristics: precise steering, stability through technical descents, and responsive acceleration out of corners.... Read More