The new year is quickly approaching and the new ’11 model bikes are starting to roll in at both City Cycle and Paradigm Cycles. Two of the most exciting new models are the R5 and R5CA from Cervelo. Building on the success of the “R” model Squoval tubed frames like the R3 and
R3SL, the R5 frames take performance and light weight to the next level. Some small but significant changes have been made to geometry as well, benefitting both the racer and the sport rider.
The geometry changes are primarily to the front of the bike. The head tubes have been made slightly taller to provide a more comfortable fit for sport riders, while not being too tall for racer-types. The head tube and fork steerer tube are tapered, being 1 1/8” at the top and 1 3/8” at the bottom. This increases the stiffness of the front end of the bike, making the handling just that much better. On the smaller sizes, the head tube and fork rake have been adjusted to reduce toe overlap that smaller riders have experienced in the past.
The R5CA is the new flagship model, the lightest frame that Cervelo has ever made, and it is produced in their Southern California engineering facility at the rate of approximately 1 frame per day. The materials and lay-up schedule have been optimized for light weight and performance. We recently received the first frame at City Cycles, and the 54cm size including bottom bracket bearings and seat collar weighed in at a scant 750g! The bottom bracket on the new R frames have been updated as well. Cervelo has developed a new bottom bracket standard called “BBright” that both reduces weight and increases efficiency. The R5CA frameset will include a superlight 280g fork, integrated/tapered headset w/ NORGLIDE bottom bracket bearings, Rotor crankset and chainrings. The whole package will retail for $9600.00
The R5 frame will be produced in Cervelo’s overseas facility, and utilize a slightly less labor intensive carbon lay-up. The ride quality will be virtually identical to the CA, just slightly heavier, although still lighter than the previous R3 models. The ‘normal’ R5 frameset will include the superlight fork, the tapered headset, bottom bracket bearings and the 3T Dorico LTD seatpost. It will retail for $4900.00.
All R5 frames will be black, the CA being unpainted for lieghtweight, the R5 will be gloss black w/ either green or yellow highlights.
If you’re looking for a new frame or complete bike and lightweight is at the top of your must-have list, check out these new frames from Cervelo!
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