Cervelo R5 SRAM Red XPLR AXS

The R5 is legendary. From the limits-shattering R5CA to Wout van Aert’s winning day on Mont Ventoux, R5 has been part of Cervelo’s story for over two decades. This all-new R5 is an incredibly light (5.97kg in RED and Dura-Ace builds) road bike that’s also stiff enough to compete at the highest levels of professional cycling—as Pauline Ferrand-Prevot proved when she rode it to victory at this summer’s Tour de France Femmes. 

It’s easy enough to make a light bike, but to make a light bike that’s stiff enough to accelerate quickly and transfer power from the sport’s biggest motors? That’s another challenge entirely. R5 is the bike for big days in the high mountains of the Tour de France, and the punishingly steep climbs of the Vuelta a Espana. Bikes built for the mountains must not only accelerate rapidly and climb exceptionally, but descend confidently and predictably. While the UCI mandates a minimum weight of 6.8kg, those of us in the ‘mere mortal’ category will benefit from having the lightest road bike on the market