Cervelo's New R5 Dips Under 6kg, Laughs at UCI Weight Limit
Cervelo unveils its new R5 lineup, featuring an ultralight frame and optimized components to create a production road bike weighing an astonishing 5.97kg.
Cervelo has just thrown down the gauntlet in the featherweight division, unveiling a new lineup of R5 road bikes that brazenly undercut the UCI's minimum weight limit. With two top-tier builds tipping the scales at a claimed 5.97kg (13.25lbs), the new R5 is a staggering 900g lighter than the 6.9kg mandated for professional racing. This isn't just an update; it's a statement piece for the discerning rider who isn't bound by UCI regulations and craves the ultimate climbing advantage. The R5's race pedigree is already cemented, having been ridden to victory by Pauline Ferrand-Prevot at this summer’s Tour de France Femmes, and this latest iteration builds on that winning formula.
The incredible weight was achieved through a multi-pronged approach. The frame and fork themselves shed a combined 100g, with a size 56 frame now weighing just 651g. The rest of the savings come from a meticulous selection of house-brand components, including the new HB18 one-piece bar-stem (saving ~150g) and the bespoke Reserve 34/37 wheelset (saving ~60g). While engineered for minimal mass, Cervelo maintained the stiffness required for elite-level performance and even increased tire clearance to a modern 29mm, creating a machine that is as capable on descents as it is dominant on climbs.
Key Specifications
- Claimed Weight: 5.97 kg / 13.25 lbs (SRAM Red & Shimano Dura-Ace builds)
- Frame Weight: 651g (claimed, size 56)
- Fork Weight: 298g (claimed)
- Key Components: Cervelo HB18 one-piece cockpit, Reserve 34/37 wheelset, CeramicSpeed SL bottom bracket
- Maximum Tire Clearance: 29mm
