The Cervelo R5 is sleek and attractive, with all models utilizing wireless shifting.
The R5’s long wheelbase and low bottom bracket offer riders stability descending at speed.
A stiff carbon frame and skinny seat stays provide excellent power transfer for accelerating on the bike.
Riders were pleased to find that the bike has clearance for tires up to 28mm. Wider tires help dampen road vibration on the bike.
Cervelo uses a D-shaped integrated seat post on the R5. This is aerodynamic and compliant.
The Cervelo aero bars and carbon stem allow riders to maneuver the bike through corners, with ease.
The bike is lightweight, making it easy to maintain speed on climbs.
Test riders appreciated that the bike is available in six sizes, allowing them to find a bike that best fits their height.
Disc brakes provide consistent stopping power to riders of the R5, even in rainy conditions.
Cervelo uses a thinner carbon layup on the tubing of the R5's downtube, to reduce its weight. This makes it more aerodynamic.
Experts found the R5 to be an all-around road bike. It is efficient enough for climbing, racing and keeping up on group rides.

3 reasons not to buy

Cervelo uses the RAT system to secure the wheels on the R5. Experts found this design feature made swapping wheels a slow process.
Testers agree that the price of the bike is high.
The bike's Fizik saddle was not the most comfortable for all test riders. Many suggested swapping it.

Bottom line

The race-worthy Cervelo R5 is lightweight and powerful on the asphalt. The bike's long wheelbase, clearance for 28mm tires and low bottom bracket provide riders with stability through corners. The bike has several aerodynamic features that make it a quick descender. These include an integrated D-shaped seat post, carbon tear-dropped bars and slim seat stays. Cervelo uses the RAT wheel attachment system for quicker wheel swaps. This did not work well on the R5. Many experts agree that the Cervelo R5 has a high price tag. Despite this high price, riders rave that if this bike is within your budget, it is a quality choice.

Expert Reviews

88/100 based on 4 scored reviews (11 reviews in total)

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BikeRadar

Level 5 expert

Cervélo R5 Disc Review

Level 5 expert

Cervélo has revised the geometry on the R5, making it more race orientated, with the stack dropping by 8mm and getting a little longer reach.

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Cyclist

Level 5 expert

Cervelo R5 Review

Level 5 expert

Cervélo’s new R5 is certainly a step on from its previous R5, which itself set a pretty high benchmark.

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Road.cc

Level 5 expert

Cervélo R5 Disc

Level 5 expert

The new R5 is better than the previous bike, with changes that reflect the modern requirements of an all-round race bike.

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Cycling Weekly

Level 5 expert

Cervélo R5 Disc SRAM E-Tap AXS

Level 5 expert

The Cervelo R5 isn’t perfect: its lack of big aero credentials sees it fall behind other bikes in its class, and personally I would need to invest in a few tweaks to get the fit spot on.

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Bike Chaser

Level 1 expert

Cervelo R5 Review (Versus the Specialized Tarmac SL6)

Level 1 expert

It’s got aerodynamic attributes throughout the bike – including a Cervélo-engineered all-carbon aero stem and bar – and the Zipp 302 wheels added to the mix.

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ride media

Level 1 expert

Story of My Bike: Cervelo R5 by James Werner

Level 1 expert

There are a range of options if you want an off-the-shelf R5, with the spec completed before the box is shipped to the shop. Or you could do as James has done and build the frameset up and give it a bit of a custom touch.

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Cycling Weekly

Level 5 expert

Cervélo R5 Disc | Review | Cycling Weekly

Level 5 expert

It is Cervelo’s climbing bike so it’s lightweight, perfect for the mountains where it was launched and it was really exciting to ride it.

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Road Bike Action Magazine

Level 5 expert

Bike Test: Cervelo R5

Level 5 expert

With an all-new frame geometry, the R5 is completely redesigned from its previous generation. Whether you’re a die-hard rim-brake rider or someone looking to add disc brakes to their lineup, the Cervelo made sure to make the R5 available in both versions.

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Active

Level 1 expert

Bike Review: Cervelo R5

Level 1 expert

While we couldn’t necessarily discern the aero side benefits on a mountainous climb, we did find the bike rides like a dream; sensitive without being twitchy, and certainly not resonant over chattery roads.

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Velo

Level 5 expert