The combination of a multiple race-winning frame, deep carbon wheels and wireless groupset makes the S5Force eTap AXS Disc Road Bikeby Cervelo an enticing prospect for anyone who relishes riding at speed.
The slippery carbon frame has been tweaked in line with the UCI’s slightly more relaxed regulations, with some deeper tube shapes and a reworked cockpit setup to reduce drag by a few more precious grams. This frame is now only compatible with electronic shifting and has sufficient tyre clearance for 34mm rubber within its sculpted shape.
The instantly-recognisable aerodynamic V-Stem and handlebar arrangement is more adjustable and simpler now, with a small drop in weight into the bargain. Its lauded aerodynamic and handling advantages remain impressive and give the S5 an extremely purposeful-looking stance even when standing still.
SRAM’s Force eTap AXS groupset communicates wirelessly between shifters and derailleurs, so there are no cables to stretch or get damaged. This means that not only are ratio changes rapid, accurate and effortless but also that they remain so ride after ride. The X-Range concept uses smaller chainrings and a 10t sprocket at the rear to provide a wide range of gears for climbs and descents, yet still has smaller jumps between ratios than a traditional drivetrain.
Shifting is simple using the two large paddles and connection to the smartphone AXS app provides the opportunity for some personalisation of shifting functions whilst compatible head units can show information such as gear selection and battery charge. The chainset includes an integrated power meter for effective training and post-ride analysis.
Cervelo has taken advantage of its in-house Reserve wheel brand and developed a 63/52mm tubeless-ready carbon wheelset that integrates perfectly into the frame. This not only reduces drag when tested in the wind tunnel but also shows improvements when faced with real-world situations where the yaw angle is constantly changing, leading to more stable handling and added speed.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Cervelo S5 All-Carbon TrueAero frame and S5 All-Carbon fork with external head tube nose section
- SRAM Force eTap AXS 12-speed electronic groupset
- SRAM Force hydraulic disc brakes
- Quarq power meter
- Reserve 63/52mm carbon wheelset with Zipp ZR1 hubs and Vittoria Corsa TLR G tubeless-ready tyres