Cervelo's latest R5 Dura-Ace R9170 Di2 Disc is a fully refined, pro-level race bike built for elite performance, modern geometry, and aerodynamic advantage. At the heart of the frame is the Squoval.Max tubeset, a design that combines square and oval tube shapes to increase stiffness, reduce weight, and improve aerodynamics. Every tube has been reengineered to boost lateral rigidity while preserving vertical compliance. The oversized downtube exemplifies this approach, but enhancements carry throughout the chassis. Torsional stiffness is up 21% at the headtube and 13% at the bottom bracket. Aerodynamics have improved with a 14-gram reduction in drag, and the D-shaped Aero seatpost now uses a rear-mount wedge hidden by a seamless cover to smooth airflow.

The geometry has been revised to suit aggressive riding, featuring a lower bottom bracket, longer reach, and lower stack height. This promotes a more race-oriented position and better weight distribution. The bottom bracket drop is now 72mm, making the bike more planted. The R5’s integrated carbon fork follows the same principles, offering better lateral stiffness, increased tire clearance, and improved aero flow. The entire frame is designed to comfortably clear 28-30mm tires, even on wide 25mm internal rims, making it more capable over rough roads while maintaining high-speed efficiency.

Cervelo’s Future Proof cable routing system allows compatibility with both mechanical and electronic drivetrains, while the Reduced Friction Bottom Bracket Guide ensures a clean setup and efficient power transfer. Shimano’s Dura-Ace R9170 Di2 11-speed electronic groupset handles shifting and braking duties. Shifting is crisp and ultra-responsive via Di2’s e-Tube system and internal battery integration. The drivetrain is built around Shimano's R9100 crankset, 11-30T cassette, and chain. The flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes feature 160mm Dura-Ace SM-RT900 rotors for powerful, modulated stopping in all conditions.

The frame retains Cervelo’s BBright 79mm wide bottom bracket design, offering superior lateral stiffness. This is combined with an asymmetric carbon layup to account for disc brake forces. The 12mm front and rear thru-axles and flat-mount disc standard create a more stable, aligned braking system with added wheel security. The rear derailleur hanger is replaceable, and the front derailleur uses a braze-on tab.

Cervelo equips the R5 with a premium build kit. DT Swiss PRC 1450 Spline 35 carbon wheels are tubeless-ready, with 35mm deep rims, Center Lock disc compatibility, and reliable DT hubs. They’re paired with 700x25c Vittoria Corsa TLR G2.0 tires, delivering low rolling resistance, excellent grip, and solid puncture protection. The cockpit includes Cervelo’s own SP-18 carbon seatpost and aero carbon AB06 handlebar, paired with a carbon road stem. Finishing touches include Cervelo bar tape, a Prologo Zero II NACK saddle, and an FSA IS-2 headset for the full carbon tapered steerer fork. Cervelo also integrates RAT (Rapid Axle Technology) thru-axles to speed up wheel changes and ensure a secure, repeatable interface.

Overall, the Cervelo R5 Dura-Ace Di2 Disc is an uncompromising race machine—rigid, light, precise, and more aerodynamic than ever. It’s built for riders chasing every marginal gain, whether on steep climbs, technical descents, or solo breakaways. Combining top-tier Shimano components, innovative Cervelo engineering, and modern tire and wheel integration, the R5 is ready for serious racing or fast-paced riding where every second counts.