Cervelo R5 Road Bike | Lighter Than Ever | First Ride & Impressions

Meet the featherweight that still punches uphill like a heavyweight. In this Competitive Cyclist first-ride review, Bike Gearheads Jonno and Ian take the all-new Cervélo R5 into the high mountains and break down what’s changed, what matters, and who should put this rocket at the top of their wish list. Why watch? Because this R5 isn’t just lighter—it’s smarter. We dig into the ride feel, real-world gearing choices, and those little spec details that make a big difference on your home roads. What you’ll learn ✅ Weight & frame: a size-56 frame around 651 g with a ~298 g fork—plus smart gram shaving across small hardware for a startlingly light complete build. ✅ Ride quality: increased stiffness without the “pingy” carbon feel; noticeably comfy over chatter, stable on descents, and shockingly quick out of the saddle. ✅ Braking & control: native 160 mm front / 140 mm rear rotors (and why heavier riders might bump the rear to 160). ✅ Fit parity: geometry and fit align with the S5, so swapping between bikes is seamless. ✅ Cockpit: new HB18 one-piece bar/stem—dialed ergos, subtle flare, easy spacer tuning, and fully UCI-compliant widths. ✅ BB & hanger: BBright press-fit with CeramicSpeed options; UDH opens the door to modern drivetrain compatibility (including a 1x build). ✅ Wheels & tires: Reserve 34/37 SL ultralight rims with DT 180 or 240 hubs; stock Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed 26 mm, designed around ~29 mm with clearance up to 34 mm. ✅ Builds: RED AXS (1x and 2x), Dura-Ace Di2, Force AXS 2x, Ultegra Di2—all with dual-sided power meters (4iiii for Shimano, Quarq for SRAM). ✅ Sizes & finish: 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61. Ultra-thin “Five Black” paint with gold or silver decals (top build = gold). Real numbers, real talk Our size-58 test bike hit 6.26 kg (13 lb 14 oz) on the shop scale without pedals—and felt even lighter on punchy ramps and long grades. It carries speed well, knifes through switchbacks, and begs you to stand and dance. Related Products: ➡️ Cervelo R5 Force eTap AXS Road Bike: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/ce... ➡️ Cervelo R5 Dura Ace Di2 Road Bike: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/ce... ➡️ Cervelo R5 Red eTap AXS Road Bike: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/ce... ➡️ Cervelo R5 Ultegra Di2 Road Bike: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/ce... ➡️ Shop All Cervelo: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/br... ➡️All Road Bikes: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/ca... ➡️Road Bike Shoes: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/ca... ➡️Cycling Components: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/ca... ➡️ All Cycling Apparel: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/rc... ➡️️ Our Road Bike Guide: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/ca... Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 0:29 – Lineup 0:48 – Pro proof 1:48 – Weight drops 3:01 – Stiffness/ride 3:46 – Brakes 4:06 – Fit & post 5:12 – Wheels/hubs 6:17 – Bar/stem 8:39 – BB, UDH, builds 9:38 – Build options 10:00 – 1x vs 2x 10:48 – Extras 12:00 – Tires, saddle, sizes 13:42 – Colors/finish 14:32 – Climbing 16:39 – Descending/braking 19:02 – Sprinting & tires 21:45 – Comfort & who 23:55 – Disc vs rim 25:28 – Weights 27:17 – Other models 28:42 – Outro Connect With a Gearhead: 1.888.276.7130 or Email: [email protected] Competitive Cyclist offers the ultimate road cycling shopping experience. With a curated selection of top-tier road cycling brands, expert guidance from our Gearheads, and an industry-leading assembly process, we provide the professional service of skilled bike builders and in-house mechanics. Combine that with the convenience and selection of online shopping, and you have a one-stop destination for all your family’s road cycling needs. Follow Along for More Content! YouTube:    / @competitivecyclist   Instagram:   / competitivecyclist   TikTok:   / competitivecyclist   Facebook:   / competitive.cyclist   CC Content Hub: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/ca...