CERVÉLO R5 DISC FORCE ETAP AXS
Cervélo's race-ready climbing bike is the R5. In fact, it was the bike that enabled Primoz Roglic win the Vuelta for the third time in a row in 2021. It's lightweight and climbs like a dream, as you'd expect. However, it has a wonderful blend of stiffness and compliance, making it swift, agile, and quite comfortable. It descends remarkably well for a bike designed to ride upwards, delivering plenty of confidence at speed. The R5 is available in a variety of high-end build options, including Dura-Ace Di2 and Red eTap AXS electronic groupsets from Shimano and SRAM, respectively.
However, in the age of "aero is everything," such belief has weakened. There are plenty of watt counters these days espousing the merits of spreadsheets over feelings. That's not to imply the R5 completely disregards aerodynamics. The fork crown flows beautifully into the down tube to assist ease the airflow on the bike's vital leading edge. According to Flo Cycling, hiding the cables has also reduced aero drag by 25g, which translates to about 3 watts at 48kph. On a bike like this, though, this feature is likely worth more in terms of looks than pure performance.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Frame: Cervélo R5 carbon
- Groupset: SRAM Force eTap AXS
- Wheels: Reserve 34/37 tubeless ready
- Weight: 7.4kg
REASONS TO BUY
- Perfectly balanced handling
- Plush ride, especially at the rear
- Traditional looks
REASONS TO AVOID
- High cost - £8,999/US$8,400
BUY NOW: sigmasports.com/item/Cervelo/R5-Force-eTap-AXS-Disc-Road-Bike/VV5L
