The tapered headtube and fork steerer tube of the R5 feature the Evolved Steerer design, which creates greater lateral stiffness and concurrent front end control through the 1⅛ to 1⅜ tapered design, without adding weight. The fork is also derived directly from the Rca, and the structural engineers have effectively decoupled lateral and longitudinal fork stiffness, delivering a 15% increase in lateral stiffness and a 7% decrease in longitudinal stiffness, ensuring greater control and steerer precision, while increasing the compliance and overall ride quality. When those headtube, steerer and fork improvements are mated via the 3rd generation Squoval tubeset to the oversized BBright bottom bracket, overall torsional stiffness as measured at the bottom bracket has been increased by 9.5%, an impressive achievement.

The asymmetrical nature of the BBright design counter balances the forces of the right side drivetrain with the left, and the massive chainstays transfer all that power and efficiency through the stays to the rear wheel through the full carbon dropouts. The seattube of the R5 carries a 27.2mm diameter seatpost, which allows the rider to modify ride quality via seatpost choice. That comfort is accentuated by the slim carbon seatstays, the ellipses of which have been realigned for greater aerodynamics. From the front of the bike to the rear, the R5 frameset screams efficiency, performance, and comfort; and a better balance cannot be found in a production bike.

There is no such thing as "small details" to the Cervelo engineers. The Future Proof cable management system can integrate and direct any form of mechanical or electronic drivetrain or braking system. The massive bottom bracket follows suit, especially for mechanical shifting, with the integrated, modular Reduced Friction cable guide, which keeps said cables directed in natural curves to eliminate unnecessary resistance. Cervelo's finish work is impeccable, as is the braze-on front derailleur mount and perfectly aligned brake mount holes.

Though Cervelo offers the R5 in several complete builds, the Ultegra 6800 Complete Bicycle is a best seller. There are many reasons, but getting onto the frame in a complete bike at the best price point is certainly a factor. But don't discount the 11-speed mechanical Ultegra 6800 groupset, which can easily be upgraded to Di2 or Dura-Ace due to Shimano's penchant for system integration. The performance of 6800 is also excellent, approaching Dura-Ace level with a small weight penalty. The only variation from Ultegra 6800 is found with the crank and bottom bracket assembly, which must be BBright compatible. Cervelo opts for the 3D30 52-36 Compact crankset from BBright partner Rotor, who also supplies the PF-30 bearings for the bottom bracket. The 52-36 works perfectly with the Ultegra chain and 11-25 cassette, which delivers not only impressively fast and smooth shifting performance, but also a great gearing range combination for most road cyclists when controlled by the short cage 6800 rear derailleur and braze-on front model. Crucial stopping power and braking control comes from the 6800 STI Shift/Brake levers and the outstanding Ultegra 6800 Brakeset.

As you find on many OEM builds, the wheels seem to be under spec'ed, but Cervelo anticipates you will chose to upgrade those based on your needs. Still, Mavic's Aksium S wheels will make a great training partner. These wheels come equipped with Mavic's 700x25 Aksion clincher tires. Your cockpit front to rear consists of a 31.8mm alloy FSA Energy Compact Handlebar, FSA SL-K alloy stem, 27.2x350mm FSA K-Force Carbon Seatpost, and a Fizik Antares Saddle. Cervelo's standard bar wrap finishes things off, all for only a $1000 over the R5 frameset price.

We highly recommend the Cervelo R5. With it's compact design, traditional geometry and incredible performance, most of our staff will quickly admit that the R5 design is the best riding, most responsive, most enjoyable bike they have every ridden. Whether you race, ride for the pure pain and pleasure of it, tackle century level rides every weekend, or head for the nearest steep uphill every chance you get, the R5 will inspire your best performance, and more than a few huge smiles, every time out.