Note: Component Specifications are subject to change due to supply chain challenges.

Bringing the World Tour level S5 to a greater audience without an unacceptable drop in performance is really only possible for Cervelo via SRAM's Rival eTap AXS HRD 12-speed groupset. The design of Rival AXS actually informed the newest versions of the higher end Red and Force components, while delivering modest weight and solid performance in the wireless shifting/hydraulic disc road genre at an attainable price point.

As a company founded on the principles of aerodynamic efficiency and high-level, informed cycling engineering, Cervelo established itself a a leader in the aero road category long ago. The company's leading aerodynamics research/knowledge enhances an acute focus on rider experience and needs and the current S5 surpassed it's predecessor in integrated design and overall aero efficiency while also affording a more comfortable ride. To achieve this the R&D team went back to the aerodynamics drawing board and challenged themselves to see every component shape in fresh ways. Then, instead of continuing to refine components, they changed their focus in two ways. First, they considered entire zones on the bike, establishing four that integrated the component sections in each zone. Second, they minutely examined how bike and rider work as a total aerodynamic system. This gave engineering group far more design space in which to balance stiffness, handling, and comfort while maintaining their driving objective- delivering speed.

The results are direct and clear. Start with aerodynamic savings of 5.5 watts (42 grams of drag) achieved compared to the 2nd gen S5. How about increasing head tube junction stiffness by 13% to improve handling, and a massive 25% increase in bottom bracket stiffness to deliver every pedal input as well as complement the additional head tube stiffness? If that was it, you'd have a pro tour podium entry. The rider’s center of gravity was lowered via the BB, providing greater stability during high speeds and cornering. Importantly, new trail values were unified, for superior ride and handling qualities in each frame size, a particular benefit for smaller frames. The result is Stack and Reach measurements that are proportionate and appropriate for every size without compromising handling thanks to a different size and spec fork based on each frame size.

For virtually everyone considering this bike, the S5's integrated CS28 V-shaped stem and AB08 aero drop road carbon handlebar system is key. It is fast, it is stiff, it is technical, and it is designed to be easy to work with for electronic or mechanical shift systems. It is also far more adjustable than you might think, and it is clear the engineers considered every contingency- made all the more simple by the wireless eTap AXS shifting system. Slip-in spacers can be used to adjust stem height and bar tilt without detaching any cables, making adjustment far simpler than a typical aero bike. The stem was designed to minimize the angle of housing bends, so riders get both perfect shifting/braking and the full aero benefit of hidden housing. The headset bearings are held in tension by a compression stem cap and internal tensioning rod, not a standard steerer. The rod helps support the bearing preload and gives plenty of room for running cables from the stem to the rear of the bike. The cap connects the external fork steerer and tensioning rod. Along with the tensioning rod it helps create bearing preload, incorporates cable guide holes, and provides a fork stop to prevent over-rotation. The cables pass through the center of the upper bearing and on through the space created within the head tube. This design ensures that the fork and bar rotate freely.

The usability of the set-up is excellent for such a deeply integrated design. You can change stem stack range up to 30mm (in 5mm increments). You can change the bar stack range by 2.5mm- independent of the stem, and bar pitch adjustment in two steps, to 2.5 or 5 °. The system is modular: wing, V, mount, and cap. You can easily run 700x28mm tires on 28mm external rim width wheels, and depending on rim (generally narrower) and actual width as measured- you technically can fit 30mm tires.

The S5's SP20 Carbon aero post was redesigned for the frame. An easy-to-use thumbwheel allows you quickly set saddle angle. Familiar S5 and Cervelo features are here: with the Extended Seattube Cutout, dropped down tube, BBright™ bottom bracket, Dropped Downtube and TrueAero™ shapes for the frame, fork, bar, and seat post. The front wheel cutout is based on a true airfoil section. The use of Flat Mount disc brake and 12mm Cervelo threaded lever thru-axle systems ensures consistent disc brake alignment set-ups, fast and safe wheel changes along with adding stiffness from the hubs into the frame and fork. The rear stays have an updated S5 shape for more vertical compliance and reduced vibration.

Taken as a whole system, the frameset is incredibly efficient, even with a rider aboard, which is accentuated by the simplicity and effective performance of the SRAM S5 Rival eTap AXS HRD groupset. If you are looking for a reachable complete bike that can compete in any racing format or give you an advantage during your most intimidating group ride, look no further.

Note: The S5 complete bikes must be shipped assembled due the integrated hydraulic lines and set-up of the handlebar-stem. They require our oversized Ready 2 Ride Shipping box, (see item # 015000 for detailed info and video), and for a limited time we are allowing S5 buyers to pay the $79 standard shipping charge for the Ready 2 Ride box. Please contact us with questions: 800.667.6664.