Cervelo C5

As the newest option in the Cervelo range, the C-Series packs in a staggering amount of technology into a lightweight carbon frame that represents the Canadian brand’s first concerted effort in the endurance road bike segment. Like the R5, the C5 aim to provide a smooth and comfortable ride quality, while delivering stiffness in the areas where it counts – the bottom bracket and head tube. The difference between the C-Series frame and the R-Series frame however is in the geometry. Whereas the R5 is a high intensity race machine, the C5 relaxes the geometry a touch to deliver a more upright riding position and added stability thanks to longer chain stays. Along with a revised carbon layup and tyre clearance for up to 28c wide rubber, the Cervelo C5 offers more fatigue-fighting comfort to better suit longer rides and races.

Despite the C5 packing in more stability and comfort into its shapely carbon chassis, it may surprise some to learn that it’s one of the lightest endurance road bikes in the world. With an 850-gram frame, the C5 gives up little on the climbs, whilst ensuring you have plenty of stability and poise for speeding down alpine descents to really cement your breakaway from the peloton. Aiding with descending confidence on the C5 are hydraulic disc brakes, which have been purpose-built into the frame and fork. Flat-mount callipers offer a lower profile, while 12mm thru-axles ensure the wheels are tightly secured to the dropouts of the frame and fork. Although hydraulic disc brakes offer more overall power than a rim brake system, it’s predominantly their increased modulation and control of that power that makes them a worthy upgrade over regular rim brakes. Like the R5, the C5 features the wider BBRight bottom bracket system and an oversized tapered fork steerer for plenty of strength and stiffness. There’s internal cable routing, and a specially moulded cable guide at the bottom bracket to help ensure smoother shifting with mechanical systems.

The top-end C5 is available with a Shimano Dura-Ace groupset, and you can choose between mechanical and electronic shifting options. Both models feature HED wheels and Rotor 3D+ cranks with BB30 axles.