Is The Cervelo S5 a Fast Bike?

TLDR Why Riders Love The Cervelo S5

• Super fast
• Great handling
• Very comfortable
• More user-friendly handlebars

The Cervélo S5 is considered one of the fastest aero bikes available. Designed specifically for speed, with an emphasis on aerodynamics, stiffness, and handling. Is the Cervelo S5 a Fast Bike? Yes!

Aero bikes have a reputation for being on the heavier side, the S5 belies this and rides so light. It’s stiffer than most, as the design wizards at Cervelo have incorporated that stiffness into a bike that rides incredibly smoothly, aided by the 28 mm tubeless tyres when run between 65-70 psi. The S5 looks fast, and rides faster.

The S5 has one job—get to the line before everyone else. Under the likes of Wout van Aert, Marianne Vos, and Christophe LaPorte, the new model has already proven itself as a tool without equal. In the 2022 Tour de France, this bike propelled Wout to the highest ever Points Classification score of the modern era. At 480, Wout was some 194 points ahead of his nearest rival—tangible proof that Cervélo keeps delivering aerodynamic gains to our World Tour athletes.

The new S5 has reduced drag by 65 grams, and increased the frame’s surface area while still reducing overall weight. The deeper frame sections maximise the shapes allowed by the UCI. The iconic V-stem has been further refined and a new fork designed to simplify the entire front end.

Ground-breaking new wheel design concept has been co-developed with Reserve to increase stability and reduce drag in turbulent aero conditions.

Is the Cervelo S5 a Fast Bike? Yes!

Key Features of the Cervélo S5:

• Aerodynamic Frame Design:
  • Optimised to reduce drag, allowing for better air flow and minimal turbulence.
  • Frame and fork integration smooths the design for reduced air resistance.
  • Strategic tube shapes minimize drag, especially in the front triangle and rear triangle.
  • Ideal for riders looking for top speeds during time trials or flat courses.
• Lightweight Yet Stiff Construction:
  • Not the lightest bike, but relatively light for an aero bike.
  • Light weight enhances acceleration and climbing ability.
  • A stiff frame ensures energy is transferred efficiently from the rider’s legs to the bike.
  • Outstanding power output during sprints and fast accelerations.
• Integrated Design and Components:
  • Internal cable routing and hidden brakes for a cleaner, more aerodynamic look.
  • Integrated design reduces air resistance from cables, brakes, and frame components.
  • Optimised for speed by reducing drag at every possible point.
  • Aerodynamic wheels and tyres that complement the frame’s design to minimize rolling resistance.
• Aggressive Geometry for Speed:
  • Designed to place the rider in an optimal aero position, reducing drag from the body.
  • Geometry makes the bike responsive and agile, essential for handling in racing conditions.
  • Ideal for time trials, criteriums, and flat course racing where speed is crucial.

Key Takeaways:

• The Cervélo S5 is a high-performance aero bike that excels in minimising drag and maximising speed.
• It balances aerodynamic efficiency with stiffness and handling for a fast, responsive ride.
• Perfect for competitive cyclists or anyone seeking a bike designed for speed.
• Integrated components, aggressive geometry, and aerodynamic design, make the S5 one of the fastest bikes on the market today.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Cervélo S5 good for climbing?

The larger tyres (29mm) on the Cervélo S5 equates to confidence inspiring grip and more comfort to go fast. The S5 is a purpose built machine made for uncompromising speed on all but the steepest courses. While the S5 can climb, riders looking to tackle double-digit grades will find the R5 their weapon of choice.

What does cervélo mean in Italian?

brain

Cervélo’s name comes from the Italian “cervello” for brain and the French word “velo” for bike. This play on words portamento nicely captures the incredible ingenuity that goes into every Cervelo bicycle.

Do Cervélo frames have a lifetime warranty?

Cervélo wants riders to enjoy their bikes for as long as they own them. That’s why Cervélo tests their bikes beyond industry standards so you can have peace of mind every time you head out on your ride. But if you do need support, every Cervélo frame comes with a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner.

How much does the Cervélo S5 weigh?

The S5 with SRAM or Shimano weighs around 8kg, give or take a few grams on either side of the scale. This makes the S5 not only aero, but capable of climbing without feeling held back or weighed down. The sheer stiffness makes the S5 feel much lighter than the scales indicate.

Did You Know

Cervélo is/are:

Engineering driven. No major bike company has a higher percentage of engineers on their staff.

Originators. No manufacturer has invested or knows more about aerodynamic tube shape and bike design than Cervelo.

Cervélo makes race capable bikes. One of the most versatile and broadest fitting TRI/TT frame geometry options on the market.

Focus.  Road and Tri bikes are what Cervelo does.  Do you want a bike designed and built by a company that is trying to do it all or one from a company that is focused on building bikes for the type of riding you are doing?

Cervélo’s frame geometry tends to follow a very linear and smooth stack and reach progression across the sizes.

Looks.  We’ll admit that aesthetics and emotion count for something and Cervélo makes fast and stunning looking bikes.

What Riders Say About the Cervelo S5 in Reviews

• The Cervélo S5’s stiff headtube, carbon frame, and wide bottom bracket “create efficient power transfer and speed.”
• ‘V’-shaped stem makes the handlebars extremely aerodynamic. Riders describe how “the handlebars ‘slice’ and ‘cut’ through headwinds and provide comfort to their hands and wrists on long rides.”
• The S5’s disc brakes stop quickly, powerfully and confidently, even in wet conditions.
• This S5’s handlebars attach with 3 easily accessible bolts. This makes it “easy to take them off when transporting the bike”, while maintaining strength and rigidity.
• The S5’s handlebars and stem are two different pieces, allowing riders to adjust angle and height easily and precisely.
• The tyres on the Cervélo S5 come tubeless-ready. Running tubeless tyres makes the bike lighter and reduces flats.
• The wide and stiff bottom bracket makes the S5 an excellent sprinter.
• Reviewers were pleased that there is clearance for tyres up to 34mm (measured) on the bike.
• Internally routed cabling gives the S5 a very clean, aero and tidy appearance that hints at its speed and efficiency.