SRAM's Force eTap AXS groupset is the ideal complement to the Cervelo R5 frameset for the cyclist whose budget is substantial, but not unlimited. The wireless shifting system works smoothly, without fail, and offers a great race-grade gearing range with a 2x12 Force AXS powermeter crankset fitted with 48-35T chainrings run against a 10-33T cassette. Speed, climbing range, and overall efficiency give Force a great advantage over other groupsets. With this build you get a spectacular pro-race grade frameset and about 97% of the overall performance of SRAM Red, and at a much more manageable cost, knowing you can shift with the best and enjoy proven all-conditions hydraulic disc braking with the Force HRD disc system.

The Cervelo R5 has long been the all-around and mountains-oriented road race bike that complemented the company's more aerodynamic S5. Few bike concepts have been as well received in World Tour racing and with serious cycling enthusiasts as the R5, and an intimate connection between the R5 and its riders means Cervelo truly listens when they offer feedback. By using incredibly sensitive, detailed topology studies of the frameset, the engineers at Cervelo definitively identified how, where, and which carbon choices could be applied to optimize weight and ride quality without sacrificing stiffness or overall efficiency. As such, Cervelo developed this current R5, which had first been seen in grand tours in 2021. Lighter, more compliant, with greater stability, increased aerodynamic efficiency and better fit/set-up concepts, this R5 frameset has impressive tire clearance while maintaining the same essential geometry and handing. The numbers differ from the last gen, but only to accommodate the updated design and larger tire capability. This bike features a 700 gram frameset in a 56cm (15% lighter) that is ready to race and ride everyday.

The previous R5 was built to seriously improve power transfer, deliver a pro race geometry, and be as efficient as possible in a non-aero bike. Cyclists loved the geometry, power transfer, and handling characteristics, but longed for it to be a bit lighter and more forgiving. The massive Squoval™Max downtube delivered the lateral and drivetrain stiffness required, but added some weight and impacted vertical compliance. Topology studies led to a refined carbon layup schedule, new downtube and headtube, along with fork crown and housing integration. The seatstays and upper rear triangle junction was also changed to lower the seattube/toptube junction, allowing for more exposed seatpost length- which aids in increasing vertical and ride compliance. The clean, fully internal housing and wiring system increases aero efficiency, as does the integrated leg taper and "chinned" crown of the new R5 fork with the downtube. With a reduced factor downtube and subtly improved Squoval™Max tubes, small gains are achieved, with a total improvement of 19 grams in reduced drag, or 2.5 watts, which may not sound like much, but the previous generation R5 was pretty efficient, and remember- the R5 is not a pure aero design- that is what the S5 delivers.

Cervelo was able to outfit this R5 with 34mm tire clearance, yes- really, without using a dropped stay, by maximizing the oversized asymmetric nature of the BBright bottom bracket shell and vertically oversized chainstay design. Remember, the R5 has been strongly informed by the previous development of the R3 Mud as well as the premium vertical compliance of R-series minimalist seatstays. A 410mm chainstay length delivers clearance but keeps the handling responsive. The designers maintained the 73mm seattube angle with a 57.5mm fork Trail on a 28mm tire in all sizes, and carry over the same size-specific Stack and Reach.

With the new, lighter R5 Carbon disc brake fork, Cervelo ships a C-shaped steerer expansion plug, which will thankfully make steerer tube height cutting a simpler task. The headset upper bearing cover now comes in a super low 7mm stack height, as well as a mid-height 22mm. By adding 30mm in spacers, up to a max 52mm stack height is an option. Cervelo also changed their D-shaped seatpost offerings. The new 400mm long SP24 is available in a Zero offset- shipped with 48 and 51 cm sizes, as well as a 15mm Setback version- coming with all other sizes. The SRAM Force eTap AXS complete bike includes the reconceived Reserve 34|37 Carbon disc brake wheelset. The tubeless ready design now features 24 hole front (34mm) and 24 hole rear (37mm) specific depths as well as internal widths for a better balance of low-mid profile aerodynamics. The results show in improved stability and handling characteristics. Together the package deliver this fast, fun, responsive bike.