Cervelo's original introduction of the Squoval.Max tubeset in the 2018 ushered in many advancements and improvements over the previous gen of R5 frames. Unchanged through 2020, the R5 shines as best of class in many areas. One major piece of refinement was the reworking of the R5 geometry back to more of a pro-fit starting point, but still with the ability to easily run 28 tires at all times, even on 25mm wide rims. There is a marked increase in lateral stiffness in the frameset over the it's already excellent predecessor, as well as improved aerodynamics and overall ride quality. Cervelo aficionados will quickly identify the new aero, square back seattube and seatpost. This is a race-developed design with race-level geometry for the serious enthusiast or racing cyclist.

The massive square-oval design of the downtube makes the most impressive statement about Squoval.Max, but every tube on the R5 has been redeveloped to reduce weight, increase lateral stiffness without compromising vertical compliance, and maximizing aerodynamics. From front to back, the redesign fortifies at junctions for increased torsional stiffness to the tune of 21% at the headtube junction and 13% at the bottom bracket, while increased shape integration delivers 14-gram improvement in aerodynamics. The bottom bracket has been lowered, with a 72mm drop, rising up in a D-shaped flatback seattube that carries to the top. The accompanying D-shaped Aero seatpost features a new rear fastening system, that gets hidden by a fitment that covers the entire junction, improving aerodynamics. The seattube/seatstay cluster exits out the back with a flattened section that adds torsional stiffness before reducing into the thin, vertically compliant stays the R-series bikes are known for.

The lowered bottom bracket, longer reach, lower stack, and shorter headtube of the R5 lengthen and drop the cycling position, in favor of a pro bike fit and weights the bike appropriately. This centers rider weight, but keeps the proper proportion over the front wheel required for aggressive corning and overall stability. The Cervelo carbon fork was built like the frame, with enhancements to the lateral base stiffness, tire clearance and aerodynamics. The end result is a bike that carves mountain descents, rips criterium corners, and rolls true and balanced on the flats. Increased comfort comes not only from the more compliant D-shaped seatpost, but also with larger volume tires. As aerodynamics research has pushed wheel manufacturers to wider rims, larger tires, and frame/fork air flow integration, cyclists have noticed that 25-28mm road tires can be fast, aero, and reduce road noise and impact. This race-ready R5 takes full advantage.

Cervelo's aero integrated Future Proof cable routing that accommodates mechanical and electronic drivetrains carries over, along with the Reduced Friction Bottom Bracket Guide. The derailleur cables or wires run down into headube/downtube junction from a port just behind the headtube, similar to the aero-road S5 design. One of the engineers' tasks with the R5 was to develop it, and the disc brake version, to be a close as possible in fit, function, feel, and frame performance. While the disc brake model features thru-axle drop outs, the standard R5 features traditional road 100mm and 130mm quick release versions. Again, this is catering to the pros, who predominantly ride dual-pivot caliper brakes, but also reduces overall bike weight (if not frameset weight)as well.