Cervélo S5

91/100
BikeRide Score
?
Where to buy
We earn affiliate commission. Learn more
Bike Size Charts

BikeRide finds and shows you the best prices of the bikes you want to buy. Prices constantly change and it’s impossible to compare them all yourself.

We search for prices on over 120 bike retailers to guarantee that we find the lowest prices – to save you time and money.

It’s a promise we stand behind: If you find a lower price on a bike elsewhere, we will sell it to you for 10% less. For example, if you find a bike for $480 that we have listed at $500, we will offer you to buy it for $432 through BikeRide. The bike must be the same color and size, sold in the US and not include the use of a coupon.

If you find a lower price, email us at [email protected] with documentation of the price. We’re committed to making sure that the cost of a bike does not keep you from cycling!

Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
16.68, 17.22, 17.5 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Cervélo S5. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

11 reasons to buy

  • The Cervélo S5 has a stiff headtube, carbon frame, and wide bottom bracket that create efficient power transfer and speed.
  • The fishbone-shaped handlebars are extremely aerodynamic. Experts describe how the bars 'slice' and 'cut' through headwinds.
  • Experts agree that the bike's handlebars are ergonomic. They provide comfort to riders' hands and wrists on long rides.
  • Disc brakes allow the S5's riders to stop quickly, even in wet conditions.
  • The bike’s handlebars come apart with three bolts. This makes it easy to take them off when transporting the bike.
  • The handlebars and stem are two different pieces. This allows riders to adjust the handlebar angle and height.
  • The tires on the Cervélo S5 come tubeless-ready. Running tubeless tires makes the bike lighter and reduces flats.
  • The wide and stiff bottom bracket makes the S5 an excellent sprinter.
  • Testers were pleased that there is clearance for tires up to 28mm on the bike.
  • Internally routed cabling gives the S5 a tidy appearance.
  • There are two water bottle positions on the Cervélo S5. One position is more aerodynamic. The other position makes the bottle easier to access.

5 reasons not to buy

  • The handlebars of the S5 look strange and ugly, according to some testers.
  • Cervelo's price point on the bike is expensive.
  • There is a limiter in the fork. One expert found that this part could cause damage to the inside of the frame.
  • Toe overlap can be an issue with smaller-sized builds of the Cervélo S5.
  • The brake levers are longer than those found on other road bikes. One expert found they had to reach to engage them. This took time to get used to.

Bottom line

The Cervélo S5 is a fast and efficient aero road bike with a high price tag. The handlebars have a unique shape that allows the bike to cut through headwinds and excel through sprints. The bike has reliable disc brakes. The handlebars are comfortable and easy to remove for transport. The tires come tubeless-ready. Experts found few flaws when testing the S5. The most notable concerns the fork's steering limiter, which fits into the frame and can cause damage to the frame's internals.

Expert Reviews

87/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews
90
Cycling Weekly

Cervélo S5

One of the best bikes I’ve ridden this year. It’s super fast, compliant and futuristic looking. Don’t be put off by the bar and stem, it’s easy to work with and adjust.

Visit full review
90

Cervelo S5 Ultegra Di2 Disc

Cervelo admits it was forced to go back to the drawing board and be better in order to satisfy the demands of the fastest riders in the world, and the S5 project started by aiming to create a whole aerodynamic ‘system’ rather than trying to improve individual components.

Visit full review
80

Cervélo S5 2019 Review

The S5 smacks you between the eyes like an angry Eubank. The first person I showed it to described it as ‘fugly’.

Visit full review
Cycling Tom

Is the $_____ 2020 Cervelo S5 the Bike of the Future?

The Cervelo S5 is probably the best looking bike on the market, at the moment.

Visit full review
Cam Nicholls

Cervelo S5 First Impressions (A Super Stiff Aero Road Bike!)

Cervelo has done an excellent job with making this bike not only stiff but super fast.

Visit full review

Bike Review – 2019 Cervelo S5: Part 2, Workshop

I seem to be hitting 30, 40, and then 50k an hour a lot easier than I do on my bike.

Visit full review
Luescher Teknik

Cervelo Design Fail!

It’s not a cheap bike. It is a very expensive bike.

Visit full review
Loading…
Ic3coldwolf

2020 Cervelo S5 Disc Dura-Ace Di2

The only difference between the 2020 and 2019 frame is cosmetic. There are no structural changes.

Visit full review
Todd Sapio

2019 Cervelo S5 Disc Review

This is 17.5 lbs which is actually not bad for an aero road bike.

Visit full review
Canadian Cycling Magazine

Living With a Super Bike – 2019 Cervelo S5

It holds speed like a time trial bike but handles like your favorite road bike.

Visit full review
Gran Fondo

Cervélo S5 Review

Fans of classic frame shapes will probably struggle with the looks of Cervélo’s S5 model. And yet, the message is clear: ‘screw the rules, we want speed!’.

Visit full review

User Ratings

0/100 based on 0 ratings
  • 5 star
    0%
  • 4 star
    0%
  • 3 star
    0%
  • 2 star
    0%
  • 1 star
    0%

Bike Comparison

Cervélo S5 in comparison to averages

Forum Discussions

Discuss which bike to choose in the forum