Cervélo road bikes are divided into three models; R (lightweight), S for (aero), Soloist (all-rounder), and Caledonia (endurance).
| Cervelo model | Type of Cervelo bike | Price range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| R5 | Lightweight race bike | $9,000 to $13,000 |
| S5 | Aero race bike | $9,000 to $13,000 |
| Soloist | All-rounder bike | $3,400 to $6,800 |
| Caledonia 5 Caledonia | Endurance bike | $4,700 to $11,500 |
Cervélo 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 |
More reading : Cervélo R5 Geometry Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) vs SRAM Red eTap AXS Groupsets
Cervélo S5
The Cervélo S5 is all about aerodynamic performance and maximizing speed.
This can be seen throughout the frame’s design. Most road cyclists would concur that the Cervélo S5 is among their top choice for an aero road bike. They come with 25mm tires, but the frame allows up to 30mm.
The Cervélo S5 has a very aggressive frame geometry, placing the rider much lower on the bike and reducing their frontal area. A size 54 Cervélo S5 has a 13mm lower stack and 6mm longer reach than a size 54 S-Series (discontinued in 2022). The Cervélo S5 has an extended seat tube cutout; a close-fitting curve in the seat tube fully shields the rear wheel’s leading edge.
The Cervélo S5 is available in a complete bike setup or frameset only.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cervelo S5 | Carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Reserve 52/63 | $13,000 |
| Cervelo S5 | Carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Reserve 52/63 | $13,000 |
| Cervelo S5 | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Reserve 52/63 | $9,000 |
| Cervelo S5 | Carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Reserve 52/63 | $9,000 |
More reading : SRAM Force eTap AXS vs Shimano Ultegra Di2 (12-speed) List of Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) Groupset Bikes
Cervélo Soloist
The Cervélo Soloist is the latest addition to Cervélo’s road bike range. It sits between the Cervélo S5 (aero) and Cervélo R5 (lightweight), making it a versatile bike across all terrains.
It was first launched in the early 2000’s and before being refreshed with disc brakes, wider tire clearance (34mm), and extra comfort and compliance. Depending on the frame size, Cervélo claims it’s about 250g heavier than R5 and 250g lighter than S5.
One of the major differences between the Cervélo Soloist and other Cervélo models is the use of the new BBrighT-47 bottom bracket standard. Cervelo says it maintains the stiffness characteristics of the BBRight but simplifies the installation and replacement.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cervelo Soloist | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Reserve 40/44 | $6,800 |
| Cervelo Soloist | Carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Reserve 40/44 | $6,800 |
| Cervelo Soloist | Carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Reserve 40/44 | $5,200 |
| Cervelo Soloist | Carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Reserve 40/44 | $5,200 |
| Cervelo Soloist | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra (R8000) | Fulcrum Racing 600 DB | $4,300 |
| Cervelo Soloist | Carbon | Shimano 105 (R7000) | Alexrims Boondocks 5 | $3,400 |
More reading : SRAM Rival eTap AXS vs Shimano 105 Di2 Compared List of Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) Groupset Bikes
Cervélo Caledonia 5 and Caledonia
The Cervélo Caledonia is an endurance bike for comfort and long-distance riding over tarmac, backroads, and smooth, hardpacked gravels.
Compared to the Cervélo R5 and S5, the Cervélo Caledonia has a much more relaxed geometry with a higher stack and shorter reach. This puts the rider in a more upright position for comfort rather than aero. Cervélo Caledonia 5 and Caledonia share the same carbon fiber and frame geometry and can take tires up to 34mm wide.
The major difference between the Cervélo Caledonia 5 and Caledonia is in aerodynamics.
- Cervélo Caledonia 5 has a better aerodynamics profile with a slimmer head tube, cleaner front end with internal cable routing, and a D-shaped seatpost.
- Cervélo Caledonia has a more traditional look with a rounder head tube with external cabling and round (27.2mm) seatpost.
Here are all the available Cervélo Caledonia 5 and Caledonia models and builds.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Reserve 40/44 | $11,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Reserve 40/44 | $11,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Reserve 40/44 | $8,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Reserve 40/44 | $8,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Fulcrum Racing 600 DB | $6,000 |
| Cervelo Caledonia | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Fulcrum Racing 900 DB | $5,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia | Carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Fulcrum Racing 900 DB | $4,700 |
| Cervelo Caledonia | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra (R8000) | DT Swiss E1850 | $3,600 |
More reading : Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) vs Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) Groupsets
Cervélo bikes FAQ
What is the difference between Cervélo R5 and S5?
This table summarizes the main differences between the Cervélo R5 and S5.
| Feature | Cervélo R5 | Cervélo S5 |
|---|---|---|
| Type of riding | Versatile, climbing, all-around | Racing, high-speed, aero-focused |
| Riding Position | Balanced, efficient | Aggressive, aerodynamic |
| Bike Handling | Stable, precise | More responsive |
| Comfort | Greater comfort for long rides | Less comfortable for long rides |
| Power transfer | Excellent power transfer & efficiency | Good power transfer |
| Aerodynamics | Good aerodynamics | Optimized for aerodynamics |
What is the difference between Cervélo Soloist and Caledonia 5?
Here’s a summary table highlighting the key differences between the Cervelo Soloist and Caledonia 5 in terms of riding experience.
| Feature | Cervelo Soloist | Cervelo Caledonia 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Type of riding | Racing, high-speed riding | Long-distance, mixed-surface riding |
| Riding position | Aggressive, aerodynamic | Stable, comfortable |
| Bike handling | More responsive | More stable |
| Comfort | Less comfortable for long rides | Greater long-distance comfort |
| Power transfer | Good power transfer | Better power transfer and efficiency |
| Aerodynamics | Optimized for aerodynamics | Less aerodynamic |
What is the difference between Cervélo S5 and Soloist?
The Cervélo Soloist and S5 have many similarities in their riding characteristics and are both geared towards high-speed racing with an aerodynamic focus.
| Feature | Cervélo Soloist | Cervélo S5 |
|---|---|---|
| Type of riding | Racing, high-speed riding | Racing, high-speed, Aero-focused |
| Riding position | Aggressive, aerodynamic | More aggressive, aerodynamic |
| Bike handling | Responsive | More responsive |
| Comfort | Less comfortable for long rides | Not suited for long rides |
| Power transfer | Good power transfer | Excellent power transfer |
| Aerodynamics | Optimized for aerodynamics | Very optimized for aerodynamics |
What is the difference between Cervélo R5 and Caledonia 5?
The Cervélo R5 is a versatile bike for various types of riding, including climbing and all-around performance, while the Caledonia 5 focuses on providing a comfortable and stable experience for long-distance and mixed-surface riding.
| Feature | Cervélo R5 | Cervélo Caledonia 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Type of riding | Versatile, climbing, all-around | Long-distance, mixed-surface riding |
| Riding position | Balanced, Efficient | Stable, comfortable |
| Bike handling | Stable, precise | More stable |
| Comfort | Greater comfort for long rides | Greater long-distance comfort |
| Power transfer | Excellent power transfer and efficiency | Good power transfer and efficiency |
| Aerodynamics | Good aerodynamics | Less aerodynamic |
How long is Cervélo’s warranty?
Cervélo road bike frame and fork have a lifetime warranty for the original owner except for paint and decals. More about Cervélo’s warranty policy.
How long is Cervélo’s warranty?
Cervélo road bike frame and fork have a lifetime warranty for the original owner except for paint and decals. More about Cervélo’s warranty policy.
How long is Cervélo’s warranty?
Cervélo road bike frame and fork have a lifetime warranty for the original owner except for paint and decals. More about Cervélo’s warranty policy.
Does Cervélo have a women-specific model?
Cervélo doesn’t have a women-specific model. Their frame sizing starts at 48, which fits riders from 5′ 3″ (160cm) and above.
Which professional cycling team does Cervélo sponsors?
Cervélo’s entry into pro cycling began in 2003 with Team CSC. When they started the partnership, Team CSC was ranked 14th in the world. When the partnership ended in 2008, Carlos Sastre had just won the 2008 Tour de France onboard a Cervélo bike.
In 2009, it sponsored its own team, the Cervélo TestTeam, and it evolved to become Garmin-Cervélo from 2011 to 2014. From 2016 to 2018, Team Dimension Data and its various incarnations rode on Cervélo with former world champion Mark Cavendish.
After a brief period away from pro cycling, Cervélo is back with Team Jumbo-Visma from 2021 onwards.
More reading : Which Bike Brand Won the Most Tour de France?
Alex Lee is the founder and editor-at-large of Mr. Mamil. Coming from a professional engineering background, he breaks down technical cycling nuances into an easy-to-understand and digestible format here.
He has been riding road bikes actively for the past 12 years and started racing competitively in the senior category during the summer recently.