This article compares the differences between the Cervelo S5 and Trek Madone.
The comparison covers the model lineups, specifications, and retail pricing. It compares the carbon fiber technology ( vs Trek OCLV) and frameset technologies on each bike.
The objective is to provide you with a clearer understanding of Cervelo S5 vs Trek Madone before making the purchasing decision.
| Cervelo S5 | Trek Madone | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Aero | Aero |
| Frame material | Cervelo carbon | OCLV 800 carbon OCLV 500 carbon |
| Frame sizes | 48, 51, 54, 56, 58 | 47, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | Internal | Internal |
| Price (USD) | $9,000 to $13,000 | $5,199 to $13,199 |
Cervelo 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 |
Trek Madone
Dubbed the ultimate superbike, the Trek Madone is all about maximizing aerodynamics and speed.
Trek refreshed the Madone in June 2022, just before the Tour de France started. The new Trek Madone features a radical-looking seat tube with a big hole. The previous IsoSpeed system, which allows the seatpost to flex for extra comfort, is replaced by the IsoFlow Technology. According to Trek, the IsoFlow technology adds an aerodynamic advantage, reduces weight, and smooths the road ahead.
The range-topping Madone SLR is built on the Trek’s lightest OCLV 800 carbon, with a one-piece carbon handlebar. The Madone SL models are still based on the previous Madone frame design and use the OCLV 500 carbon.
The Madone SLR frameset is also available separately.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trek Madone SLR 9 AXS | OCLV 800 carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 | $13,199 |
| Trek Madone SLR 9 | OCLV 800 carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 | $12,749 |
| Trek Madone SLR 7 AXS | OCLV 800 carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 | $9,699 |
| Trek Madone SLR 7 | OCLV 800 carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 | $9,049 |
| Trek Madone SLR 6 AXS | OCLV 800 carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 | $8,399 |
| Trek Madone SLR 6 | OCLV 800 carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 | $7,999 |
| Trek Madone SL 7 AXS | OCLV 500 carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 | $7,499 |
| Trek Madone SL 7 | OCLV 500 carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 | $6,999 |
| Trek Madone SL 6 | OCLV 500 carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Bontrager Aeolus Elite 50 | $5,199 |
Cervelo vs Trek 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.
Trek OCLV carbon
The OCLV (Optimum Compaction, Low Void) carbon is a proprietary carbon fiber manufacturing technology developed by Trek.
- Optimum Compaction refers to the heat and pressure applied during the curing process to squeeze out excess resin and ensure that the carbon layers are compacted to the optimal density.
- Low Void refers to the goal of reducing microscopic air pockets or voids that can occur in the carbon fiber and create weaknesses.
One of the key advantages of OCLV carbon is its ability to achieve an optimal balance between stiffness, strength, and weight. Trek engineers carefully tune the carbon layup and utilize varying modulus carbon fibers to create stiff frames in certain areas to maximize power transfer while maintaining compliance in other areas to enhance comfort and ride quality.
The OCLV carbon is available in 800 and 500 series.
- OCLV 800 is the highest-grade carbon fiber used by Trek. The carbon modulus is higher in OCLV 800, making it stiffer and lighter. The manufacturing process is more refined, using more advanced carbon and resins, leading to a bike frame that provides top performance levels for stiffness, weight, and strength. OCLV 800 is used in all models with SLR.
- OCLV 500 is a lower-grade carbon but still offers a high level of performance. It has a slightly lower carbon modulus, meaning it’s a bit less stiff and heavier than OCLV 800. OCLV 800 is used in all models with SL.
It’s worth noting that the different OCLV grades don’t only refer to the material itself, but also to the manufacturing techniques used to form the carbon fiber into bike frames. Higher-grade carbon requires more precise manufacturing techniques to take full advantage of its superior material properties.
Frameset technologies and innovations
Cervelo S5 and Trek Madone 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 S5
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| V-stem | The V-stem was launched in 2018 with the previous generation S5. It was controversial at that time as there was nothing like that on the market before. Cervélo wanted to route the shifting cables and brake hoses internally, but the bend between the handlebar and stem could have a negative effect on mechanical shifting performance. Hence, the Cervélo engineers designed a V-shaped stem to minimize the bend. Today, the Cervélo S5 is available only in electronic shifting builds, but the V-stem design remains. It’s now part of the S5’s identity. |
| HB14 carbon handlebar | The HB14 carbon handlebars are designed specifically for the S5’s V-stem. It’s available in 380, 400, 420 and 440mm. |
| 34mm tire clearance | The tire clearance for the S5 is a massive 34mm, which is very wide for an aero bike. |
Trek Madone
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| OCLV Carbon | Optimum Compaction, Low Void (OCLV). A carbon fiber technology used in Trek frames. Employs advanced layup techniques and precise carbon compaction to create lightweight, strong frames with a balanced blend of stiffness and compliance. Available in two grades; OCLV 800 and 500. A higher number indicates a higher grade carbon. |
| H1.5 geometry | Trek’s geometry design that strikes a balance between aggressive racing positioning (H1) and rider comfort (H2). H1.5 geometry provides a slightly more relaxed riding position than the racier H1 geometry, making it suitable for a wider range of riders. |
| IsoFlow Technology | A design element in Trek’s new Madone road bike that replaces the previous IsoSpeed technology. The aim is to improve the overall aerodynamic performance, reduce weight, and provide ride comfort by effectively managing airflow and reducing drag in the seat tube area. |
| IsoSpeed Technology | An innovative solution for improving rider comfort on rough surfaces. The IsoSpeed decoupler allows the seat tube to flex independently from the rest of the frame, increasing vertical compliance and smoothing road vibrations. |
| Kammtail Virtual Foil (KVF) | An aerodynamic tube shaping technology used on the Trek Madone. The trailing edge of a traditional airfoil is truncated, creating a virtual tail effect that maintains aerodynamic efficiency while offering a more practical and versatile design. |
| Project One | Trek’s customization program that allows riders to create personalized and unique bikes. With Project One, riders can customize various aspects of their bikes, including frame color, paint scheme, components, drivetrain, wheels, and other details. |
Where to buy
Cervelo retailers
- Cervelo retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Cervelo retailers.
Trek shops
- Trek online shops. Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States
- Trek retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Trek 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.