The Cervélo R5 FORCE ETAP AXS has one job—get to the top, fast. But for all the glory and fanfare that comes with a summit finish, they’re rarely the only climb of the day. And while a race isn’t usually won on a descent, they can certainly be lost. A climbing bike that can't carve a hairpin is like a cup of decaf coffee. This is the fourth iteration of the R5, and while weight and stiffness have varied over the years, the handling, poise, and unmatched prowess on a descent have been consistent since day one.

FASTER IN EVERY DIRECTION

The R5 frame is 130g lighter than the previous model—a 16% reduction from an already-light frame.  Aerodynamics wasn’t a focus with this frame, but the way they would be on an S5 or P5, bringing the cables inside, reduced drag by 25g.

DARKER THAN NIGHT, LIGHTER THAN AIR

The color black may absorb all light, but Cervélo Five Black is anything but heavy. This ultra-minimal graphics and paint package results in a significantly lighter frame—they’ll never even see you coming.

LESS STIFF, STILL FAST

The R5 is stiff, but not too stiff—the Goldilocks of climbing bikes. Poise, stability, and power transfer feel “just right” to keep you fresh and ready to take on the road ahead. 

SRAM INTEGRATED POWER

Red and Force build include Quarq Zero power meters integrated into the crank. Integrating a power meter results in better stiffness, lighter weight, and improved accuracy over aftermarket solutions—and the DZero delivers power measurement accurate to +/- 1.5%, even in variable temperatures.