It is difficult to find another bicycle manufacturer that has had a greater impact on aerodynamic bike engineering and design than Cervelo. The aero road concept has largely been driven by the Canadian company's development of the Soloist/S series bikes. Cervelo sets strong benchmarks for their own work, persisting until the engineers can truly eclipse an existing version. The 2020 Cervelo S5 epitomizes this process and the new S5 aero road design will be even more difficult to improve on. The Gen III 2019 version outstrips the Gen II in aero efficiency, weight (100 grams), ride quality, torsional stiffness, tire width capability, improved geometry and ride characteristics across all sizes, and adds disc brakes, thru-axles, and an incredible fork, stem, and handlebar system that give the 2019 S5 an iconic look. Now add in the lightweight, wireless AXS Red 12-Speed drivetrain and all bets are off in the fast, light, stiff and efficient aero road bike category.

Cervelo’s leading aerodynamics research/knowledge enhances an acute focus on rider experience and needs. First, the team went back to the aerodynamics drawing board and challenged themselves to see every component’s 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. Expanding their thinking this way gave each design and 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 2014 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 worthy entry. The rider’s center of gravity was lowered via the bottom bracket, providing greater stability during high speeds and cornering. Trail length was increased also to provide greater stability, but more importantly trail values were unified across all sizes, for superior ride and handling qualities for each frame size, a particular benefit for smaller frames. The result is Stack and Reach measurements that are proportionate and appropriate for very size without compromising handling. How? Cervelo made a different size and spec fork for each frame size.

For virtually every one considering this bike, the S5's integrated CS28 V-shaped stem and aero drop carbon handlebar system has to be the focal point. It is fast, it is stiff, it is technical, and while it may be a little complicated at first glance it is actually designed to be easy to work with for electronic or mechanical shift systems, is actually far more adjustable than you might think, and it is clear the engineers considered every contingency. The entirely re-conceptualized aero cockpit achieves it's goals. Slip-in spacers can be used to adjust stem height and bar tilt without detaching any cables, making adjustment far simpler than in a typical aero bike. The stem was specifically designed to minimize the angle of cable bends, so riders get both perfect shifting/braking and the full aero benefit of hidden cables. 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- no cable interference, which in this case pertains only to the rear disc line, as AXS eTap wireless makes the install fly by.

The usability of the set-up is excellent. 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. If later you need more options, Cervelo offers a cap and mount (sold separately) for standard stems and handlebar. Other facts? You can easily run 700x28mm tires, and depending on rim and actual tire measurements, you technically can fit 30mm tires. The S5 aero post was redesigned for the frame, though it is similar to the previous version. An easy-to-use thumbwheel allows you quickly set saddle angle. The 48 and 51cm sizes will come with a zero offset post, while all other will feature the 20mm setback version. Familiar S5 and Cervelo features are here: with the extended seat tube cutout, dropped down tube, BBRight™ bottom bracket, 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 RAT thru-axle systems ensure great braking, fast, secure wheel changes and add significant stiffness from the hubs into the frame and fork. The rear stays have a new shape coming up and out of the dropout to allow for more vertical compliance, reduced vibration.

This lightweight, wireless 12-speed SRAM Red AXS drivetrain features hydraulic disc brakes, the BLE accessible AXS system, truly innovative 2x gearing, DUB system bottom bracket for BBright, and full Red AXS equipment. You'll love the DT Swiss Arc 1450 DiCut 48mm carbon disc brake road wheels, which carry 700x25 Continental GP4000s II clincher tires and 160mm Red disc rotors. Cervelo is using a direct BBright SRAM DUB bottom bracket. Stable, no creaks, no adapters. It is a fantastic build and keeps the overall price a little lower on this exceptional pro tour level frameset. The geometry is true road race and aggressive. The position favors the design and vice versa. This is no path cruiser or trophy bike, but a machine built for superior performance at the highest levels of the sport, in every size. If you seek such a bike, and want every advantage Cervelo can provide, you need the S5 SRAM Red AXS Disc Bicycle.