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.

The new R5 in a size 56 builds up to just 5.97kg, a full 900 grams under the UCI’s minimum weight limit. The frame is just 651 grams (size 56), and the fork is 298 grams. In addition to the 100g reduction in frame/fork weight, we’ve turned our attention to every single component on the bike, for a total weight reduction of 326g from all Cervelo components.

While the handling geometry on the new R5 is nearly the same (aside from a small change to BB drop to account for 29mm tires), we changed the fit geometry to match that of the S5. Whether you’re switching between the models like Team Visma|Lease A Bike or R5 is your only ride, you’ll be in a stronger position for the fastest group rides.

The all-new HB18 bar/stem not only dropped nearly 150 grams from the weight of the bike, but it also helps the bike be two Watts more aerodynamic than the previous R5. We applied learnings from the S5 handlebar to develop a comfortable, fast, and stiff handlebar, ideal for big days in the saddle and hard fights to the line. All bar sizes are UCI-legal, even in light of the most recent regulations change.