In this comparison, I’ll dissect two popular bike models; the Cervelo R5 vs BMC Teammachine SLR.
I’ll compare their lineups, bike specifications, and suggested retail prices in USD, then discuss the carbon fiber technology ( and BMC ACE+) and frameset technologies.
The goal is to give you a better understanding of Cervelo R5 and BMC Teammachine SLR to help in your decision-making.
| Cervelo R5 | BMC Teammachine SLR | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Lightweight, all-rounder | Lightweight, all-rounder |
| Frame material | Cervelo carbon | Premium 01 carbon Premium carbon |
| Frame sizes | 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 | 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | Internal | Internal |
| Price (USD) | $9,000 to $13,000 | $4,599 to $15,999 |
Cervelo R5
The Cervélo R5 is an all-rounder road race bike. The Cervélo R5 sits at the top with the best components and is ridden by Jonas Vingegaard to win the 2022 and 2023 Tour de France.
Cervélo R5 and R-Series (discontinued in 2022) share the same carbon fiber material. Cervélo calls the carbon tubing design, the Squoval Max, a reference to the combination of Square and Oval tube shapes to achieve a balance between weight, stiffness, and aerodynamic benefits according to their CFD analysis.
The Cervélo R5 is disc-only with an integrated cockpit. It’s also available in a frameset only.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cervelo R5 | Carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Reserve 34/37 | $13,000 |
| Cervelo R5 | Carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Reserve 34/37 | $13,000 |
| Cervelo R5 | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Reserve 34/37 | $9,000 |
| Cervelo R5 | Carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Reserve 34/37 | $9,000 |
BMC Teammachine SLR
The BMC Teammachine SLR is an all-rounder, pure-breed race bike.
Cadel Evans won the Tour de France in 2011 on the same BMC Teammachine SLR01 model, albeit an older generation model. At first glance, the naming convention of the Teammachine SLR01 can be confusing and looks to be all over.
There are two versions available; BMC Teammachine SLR01 (higher grade) vs BMC Teammachine SLR (standard).
Both models have the same frame geometry but differ in carbon fiber grade (Premium 01 Carbon vs Premium Carbon vs ), internal vs external cable routing, and components.
The range-topping model is the BMC Teammachine SLR01 Ltd, the same bike the AG2R Citroën Team rode at the 2023 Tour de France. It’s followed by the One, Two Three, Four, and Five models. Top-of-the-line BMC Teammachine SLR01 models are equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 or SRAM Red AXS. Mid-range models are equipped with Shimano Ultegra Di2 or SRAM Force AXS.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMC Teammachine SLR01 Ltd | Premium 01 carbon | Campagnolo Super Record EPS | Campagnolo Bora Ultra Disc WTO | $15,999 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR01 One | Premium 01 carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Zipp 353 NSW | $14,999 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR01 Two | Premium 01 carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | DT Swiss ARC 1100 DICUT | $12,999 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR01 Three | Premium 01 carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | DT Swiss ARC 1650 | $9,299 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR01 Four | Premium 01 carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | CRD-351 SL | $8,499 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR01 Five | Premium 01 carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | CRD-351 SL | $7,499 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR One | Premium carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | CRD-351 | $6,499 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR Two | Premium carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | DT SWISS P1800 | $5,999 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR Three | Premium carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | XRD-522 | $5,599 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR Four | Premium carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | XRD-522 | $5,199 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR Five | Premium carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Mavic Open Disc | $4,599 |
BMC Teammachine SLR vs others
Cervelo vs BMC carbon fiber
Cervelo Carbon
Cervelo doesn’t publicly release information about the types of carbon fiber used on their road bikes.
From my observation of the current Cervelo bikes lineups, there are at least two carbon fiber grades used.
- Highest grade. Cervelo R5 and S5 could be using the highest carbon fiber grade of all the models. These are pure race bikes used by the pros and would likely have the best carbon fiber available at Cervelo.
- Mid-grade. Cervelo Caledonia and Soloist could be using a mid-level carbon and heavier fiber grade of all the models. These are endurance bikes that prioritize comfort over stiffness. So it’s not a surprise to see a lower-grade carbon fiber being used here.
BMC ACE+
The BMC ACE+ (Accelerated Composites Evolution Technology +) is the latest carbon fiber layup technology used on all BMC road bikes.
ACE+ operates by determining the cross-sections of the frame, the arrangement of the carbon layers, and the geometric structure based on targeted performance values. Subsequently, it generates thousands of virtual models to pinpoint the ideal equilibrium of performance, focusing on three fundamental aspects; Stiffness, Weight, and Compliance.
BMC has two different carbon grades, 01 Premium Carbon and Premium Carbon, in their road bike frames. The choice between the two carbon grades depends on the rider’s preferences, budget, and desired level of performance.
- 01 Premium Carbon is a high-grade carbon fiber material with superior performance, stiffness, and weight savings. It provides enhanced ride quality with improved power transfer and responsiveness. Premium 01 carbon is used on all BMC models with 01, such as Teammachine SLR01 and Roadmachine 01.
- Premium Carbon is a mid-range carbon fiber material that balances performance, weight, and affordability. It is used on all BMC models without the 01.
Frameset technologies and innovations
Cervelo R5 and BMC Teammachine SLR framesets incorporate advanced technologies to enhance their bikes’ performance and ride characteristics.
Here’s an overview of the technologies used in each bike model.
Cervélo R5
Unlike other road bike brands, there is minimal information about the technologies used in the Cervélo R5 frameset. The most obvious, and talked-about feature is the Squoval tube shapes.
Squoval stands for square-oval tube shapes. They are a unique design feature that combines the benefits of both square and oval tubes to produce frames that are stiff, light, and aero.
According to Cervélo, the seat tube doesn’t undergo much stress compared to the down and top tubes. Hence, the Cervélo engineers designed a smaller, thinner, and lighter seat tube. On the other hand, the down and top tubes are beefed up to be stiff, and strong while using as little material as possible. This led to the square-oval design seen on the R5.
BMC Teammachine SLR
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Accelerated Composites Evolution Plus (ACE+) | ACE+ utilizes advanced computer algorithms and simulation techniques to optimize the layup and design of carbon fiber frames and components. With BMC ACE+, engineers can explore various design possibilities and fine-tune the carbon layup to achieve specific performance objectives. This technology allows precise control over stiffness, compliance, weight, and aerodynamics. ACE+ enables BMC to create frames that offer optimal balance and performance characteristics by analyzing numerous virtual prototypes and conducting virtual testing. |
| Aerocore Design System | An advanced aerodynamic design approach used by BMC to optimize the aerodynamic performance of their road bikes. It is a holistic system that integrates multiple bike elements, including frame shapes, tube profiles, component integration, and overall bike geometry, to minimize aerodynamic drag and maximize efficiency. |
| Integrated Cockpit System (ICS) | Seamlessly integrates the handlebar, stem, and fork to improve aerodynamics, enhance stiffness, and provide a clean, integrated look. The elimination of external cables reduces drag and improves handling responsiveness. |
| Tuned Compliance Concept (TCC) | TCC optimizes vertical compliance by strategically tuning the carbon layup and tube shapes. This technology improves the frame’s ability to absorb road vibrations and bumps, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride without sacrificing performance or power transfer. |
| D-Shaped Seatpost | BMC’s D-Shaped Seatpost features a flattened shape that enhances vertical compliance and comfort by absorbing road vibrations. This design provides a smoother ride experience, particularly during long-distance or rougher road surfaces, while maintaining aerodynamic performance. |
Where to buy
Cervelo retailers
- Cervelo retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Cervelo retailers.
BMC retailers
- BMC retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest BMC retailers.
Bernard Lu has 7+ years of experience working in a bicycle shop, overseeing the retail and workshop operations. He’s a qualified bicycle mechanic who understands a cyclist’s needs and speaks the same cycling lingo.
If you meet him at the cafe, he will happily talk to you for hours about all the intricacies of bikes and cycling tech. Just buy him a coffee next time you see him.