R5 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 a bit 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. The new R5 frame is 130g lighter than the previous model—a 16% reduction from an already-light frame. And while aerodynamics weren’t a focus with this frame the way they would be on an S5 or P5, bringing the cables inside reduced drag by 25g. Specifications Frame Cervélo Carbon Fork Cervélo All-Carbon, Tapered R5 Fork Rims/Wheels New Reserve 34/37mm Tubeless Ready Hubs DT240 XDR, Center-Lock Spokes N/A Tires Vittoria Corsa TLR G2.0 25c Crankset SRAM Red AXS with Power Meter Chainrings 48/35 Bottom Bracket Ceramic Speed Dub Chain SRAM RED 12 spd Front Derailleur SRAM RED AXS 12 spd Rear Derailleur SRAM RED AXS 12 spd Cassette/Rear Cogs SRAM RED 12s, 10-23 Shifters SRAM RED AXS HRD 12 spd Handlebars Cervélo HB13 Carbon Stem Cervélo ST31 Carbon Brake Levers SRAM RED AXS HRD Brakes SRAM Red HRD w/SRAM CenterLine XR 160mm Saddle Prologo Scratch M5 NACK OR Selle Italia FLITE BOOST SuperFlow Carbon Seat Post Cervelo SP24 Seatpost Extras Cervelo Faceplate Front Computer/Accessory Mount, Cervelo Rear Accessory Mount