Reviews of Products

Product Pros/Cons

Our Take

Model Overviews

Company Statistics:

Location: Canada.  While corporately registered in Switzerland, Cervelo was started in Canada and operations remain primarily based in Toronto.

Materials Used: Carbon Fiber.

Frame/Bike Point of Origin: Cervelo bikes are engineered and designed in Canada and manufactured in Asia.  Cervelo does have a R&D facility in the U.S. that produces limited runs of the top of the line bike, the Cervelo R5ca.

Delivery: Cervelo bikes are stock/production geometry.  There are times when Cervelo’s availability of their high demand product can be limited.

Specialty: Cervelo makes no bones about it, they build race capable bikes for road and triathlon.

Unique Attributes: From the ground up, Cervelo bikes are designed to minimize weight, maximize lateral stiffness and be exceptionally aerodynamic.  No bike company has demonstrated as much focus on frame aerodynamics as Cervelo.

Web Site: www.cervelo.com

• Engineering driven.  No bike company has a higher percentage of engineers on their staff.
• Originators.  No manufacturer has invested or knows more about aerodynamic tube shape and bike design than Cervelo.
• Cervelo makes race capable bikes.
• Focus.  Road and tri bikes are what Cervelo does.  Do you want a bike designed and built by a company that is trying to do it all or one from a company that is focused on building bikes for the type of riding you are doing?
• Static 73 degree seat tube angle philosophy bridges all road frame sizes and offers small size frame options that fit different from any other production bike.
• Looks.  We’ll admit that aesthetics and emotion count for something and Cervelo makes fast and sexy looking bikes.

Considerations of Cervelo Cycles:

• Some Cervelo models can be more race oriented than some consumers want.  Choose a model that makes sense for your use.
• Cervelo has markedly improved the fit of their bikes in recent years.  This being said, there is not a single production bike company that fits everyone well.  Cervelo bikes fit certain riding positions well and do not fit others.  Get fit first and make sure a Cervelo fits you well before you get one.
• No custom option.  Cervelo builds production frames/bikes.

Our Take:

Cervelo Cycles Overview/History:

Cervelo = “Brain Bike”

Cervelo was born in 1995 from a very competitive background.  Cervelo designers Gerard Vroomen and Phil White were hired by a top pro cyclist to build a faster TT bike. The result was the Cervelo Barrachi  -  to say it was a radical departure from the average bike would be a distinct understatement.   The Barrachi (possibly named after the Trofeo Barrachi, a two person TT in the early ‘90’s?) was a full carbon frame that used a beam saddle design, radical deep aero section front and an integrated bar/fork/stem design – it was undeniably fast and hard to build.  If it were not for the UCI’s restrictive parameters on what a bike should look like, this shape would be to pro cycling what the P3 is currently.  Why?  The design is likely aerodynamically faster, more vibration absorbing and stiffer than  anything designed since.  This being said, we live in a world where the UCI does regulate cycling and Phil and Gerard understood that.  In 1996 Phil and Gerard took their show live with the goal of presenting a true TT frame for the masses that met all UCI regulations currently and the changes that were slated for year 2000.   In 1996, the Cervelo Eyre and P2 rounded out the Cervelo TT models and the Eyre Road was introduced as the road bike.   Looking back on those bikes, over fifteen years later, you can see that Cervelo understood that if you want a truly aero frame, you need to pay attention to the details of your aero shape and aspect/chord ratio.

Things started out relatively slow for Cervelo, but their first few P2 models paid off in short order as the bikes went on to win a few National championships in Canada and Germany and people started asking just what these “Kurvelo” bikes were all about.  The start-up was moving forward and, in a few years, had made a real name for itself by producing the slipperiest UCI legal TT frames money could buy.  People liked the fact that you did not even need a whole lot of money to buy them and soon Cervelo started popping up in a forward thinking bike dealer or two.

You likely know most of the rest of the story – a few triathletes began riding Cervelo frames with great success and then a couple big name pro cyclists started using Cervelo frames for TT with their competing sponsors bike logo installed on the frames…  Cervelo sponsored Team CSC in 2003 and, for the first time ever, a company known for their TT/tri bikes (Cervelo) successfully bridged over to become one of the most recognized road bikes in the pro peloton.

So, is all this pro athlete success the reason you should consider a Cervelo and why we like them?   Not in the least.  When we picked up Cervelo in 2001, it was because of their focus on aerodynamic excellence and commitment to their engineering ideals and forward thinking.  These are the same reasons we carry Cervelo today and remain New England’s oldest original Cervelo dealer.

Cervelo has two distinct lines of road bike offerings – “S” and “R” – as well as the “P” line of TT/Tri bikes and the “T” series of track bikes.

R Bikes: Cervelo “R” series road bikes are designed around creating a performance based chassis that provides as balanced a ride as possible.   By “balanced”, we mean not focusing on just one or two variables at the expense of others.  The Cervelo “R” series bikes provide the smoothest ride, laterally stiffest platform, and lightest frames in Cervelo’s offerings.   While being very race proven, the “R” series bikes are Cervelo’s most versatile road bikes.  They make an excellent platform for most enthusiasts and recreational riders as they do everything quite well – snappy drivetrain response, compliant and smooth ride, excellent main triangle torsional stiffness, a versatile geometry that fits a variety of riders well, low frame weight and better aerodynamics than standard round tubing are all hallmarks of Cervelo “R” series bikes.  From a fit perspective, the R3 and R5 received some nice geometry changes (more stack and a little less reach) in 2011 that helped the bikes fit a wider array of riders well.

S Bikes: At the time, it would have been hard to predict that the Cervelo Soloist, the first “S” series road bike, was starting a revolution when it came out.  While aero shaped road frames are becoming rather common now, back in 2002 they were all but non-existent – “all but” the Cervelo Soloist, the first production aero shaped road bike.  That first year we sold more Cervelo Soloists that were used as tri bikes than we did ones that were used as road bikes.   The aero tubing from the P2K and the reversible seatpost, in combination with the geometry, actually made for a great tri platform that fit a number of athletes who did not fit on Cervelo’s “P” bikes very well.  However, as time has gone on, there has been greater and greater interest in aero road frames and Cervelo has been at the forefront of this.

The aluminum Soloist eventually inspired the Soloist Carbon and soon Cervelo was offering a few levels of aero road frame.   For 2012, Cervelo offers no less than three levels of the new Cervelo S5 platform and four total aero frame road bike options.   It is safe to say that aero road frames are here to stay and we expect to see increased interest and growth in the category for years to come.  Like when the P2/Eyre created the aero shaped TT/Tri bike category, Cervelo created a category with the Soloist that the rest of the industry.

Today, Cervelo “S” bikes are characterized by a similar tube shape to the TT frames in combination with stout stays for a stiff and responsive drivetrain.  In comparison to the Cervelo “R” bikes, the “S” bikes tend to have a bit stiffer and more rigid feel and the frames weigh slightly more (they are still plenty light though).  However, they are also very aerodynamic and this becomes apparent the first time you hit a nice long flat and start to put the power down – these are slippery fast frames that still have snappy and responsive drivetrains.

From a fit perspective, the S5 geometry fits the same as the revised R3, but also offers a multi-position seatpost from the factory that allows for steeper seat angles to be easily achieved.

P Bikes: Cervelo’s “P” series of bikes are dedicated to triathlon and time trial use; they are also where Cervelo as a brand originated and changed the entire marketplace.   Built on the success of the “P” bikes, Cervelo has become the biggest producer of triathlon bikes in the world.   The basic premise of the Cervelo aero tube shape from the mid ‘90’s is still evident in Cervelo’s TT/Tri bikes today.  The precisely shaped teardrop tubing shape that was the early hallmark of a Cervelo lives on today, but the materials and details have all changed.  Today, aluminum has been replaced by carbon fiber; the change in materials opened up a world of design and shaping options and Cervelo has really focused on the subtle details of frame shape to maximize aerodynamics without restricting what bars, stems and saddles may be used with their frames as many other manufacturers have done.   Despite this, Cervelo remains the benchmark that all other brands compare aerodynamically.

From a fit perspective, the P3 and P4 fit on the more aggressive side of things – low and long – while the P2 offers more stack and a little less reach and thus provides the widest fit window of any Cervelo TT/Tri bike.

• R-Series Cervelo Road Bikes
• S-Series Cervelo Road Bikes
• P-Series Cervelo TT/Tri Bikes

R-Series Cervelo Road Bikes

Cervelo R3:

Material: Carbon FiberGeometry: Performance Road  Price Category: Frameset $2500-$3000. Built Bikes $3500+. Components: Ultegra, Rival or Fit Werx Custom.

Who is it for? The rider who values a balanced riding chassis in a well-priced and equipped package.

Noteworthy: On the podium at Paris-Roubaix six straight years since 2006.

Bottom Line: The Cervelo R3 has become one of the most popular performance oriented road bikes for good reason – it does everything well and compromises on little.  From over-sized BBRight bottom bracket and chainstays, ultra-thin seatstays and tapered FK30 fork, the R3 frameset hosts all the latest innovations and does so at a price point that works well for many people.  Both the factory Rival and Ultegra bikes are well specified with a nice assembly of parts from names like 3T and Fizik.  The Team version has a laterally stiffer chassis, Ultegra components and also includes the lighter SL fork.  The changes in frame geometry made to the R3 in 2011 helped the bike fit a wider range of riders than ever before.  The R3 is a well thought out bike that is very good out of the box and only a wheel upgrade away from being great.

Cervelo R5 VWD (Vroomen-White Design):

Material: Carbon FiberGeometry: Performance Road  Price Category: Frameset  $4500+.  Built Bikes $6500+. Components: Red, Super Record or Fit Werx Custom.

Who is it for? The rider looking for an ultralight frameset that does not punish you in exchange for how light it is.

Noteworthy: Basically a R5ca that is made overseas and costs significantly less.

Bottom Line: While the geometry and general aesthetics of the R5 are nearly identical to the R3, it is what is beneath the paint that holds the differences.   The R5 uses a completely different carbon layup schedule that not only reduces weight from the R3, but does so while further enhancing lateral stiffness and preserving ride quality.   A full complement of Cervelo patented innovations, from BBRight to tapered FK33 SL fork, accompanies the R5 VWD and makes for an exceptionally light and balanced riding frame.

Cervelo R5ca

Material: Carbon FiberGeometry: Performance Road  Price: Frameset $9000+. Built Bikes $11,000+. Components: Fit Werx Custom.

Who is it for? The rider who likes the R series concept and wants the absolute best version of it that money can buy.

Noteworthy: Very limited availability.  U.S. made under the direct control of Cervelo’s engineers.

Bottom Line: When we first started carrying Cervelo, almost all of their bikes were being built in North America. As more and more bikes became carbon fiber, manufacturing changed to Asia.  The R5ca represents a bit of Cervelo going back to their roots – building the best bike they can in North America.  The R series at its epitome; the R5ca demonstrates what can be achieved when no detail or quality is sacrificed for cost reasons.

S-Series Cervelo Road Bikes

Cervelo S2:

Material: Carbon Fiber  Geometry: Performance Road Price Category: Framesets $1500-$2500. Built Bikes $2500+. Components: Rival or Fit Werx Custom.

Who is it for? The race oriented rider who is looking for a value priced and proven aero road bike and who doesn’t mind trading compliance for aerodynamic benefit.

Noteworthy: The original carbon aero road bike.

Bottom Line: The S2 has an aggressive geometry, which means it fits some riders and body types better than others.  The S2 is not the smoothest and most compliant riding bike in Cervelo’s line, but it is undeniably aerodynamic, priced aggressively and a proven performer.  With the addition of aerobars, the S2 can also make a nice relaxed geometry tri bike as Cervelo offers a reversible seatpost that allows for a steeper seat angle to be achieved.

Cervelo S5 (Standard, Team & VWD):

Material: Carbon FiberGeometry: Performance Road  Price Category: Framesets $3000+. Built Bikes $3500+. Components: Rival, Ultegra, Di2 and Fit Werx Custom.

Who is it for? The technology oriented rider who is looking for an aerodynamic edge without having to make many compromises in other departments.

Noteworthy: The pinnacle of aerodynamic production road bikes.

Bottom Line: Cervelo had progressed the aero road bike scene through the years – arguably inventing the category.  The aluminum Soloist concept was improved upon by the Soloist Carbon, which became the S2 and led to the next level S3…  However, for 2012 Cervelo created a whole new platform with the S5.   The Cervelo S5 truly bridges the technology Cervelo has developed in their TT frames in a road platform.  The Cervelo S5 improves upon the S2 in every way – it is lighter, more aero, mechanically more straight-forward, laterally and torsionally stiffer and more compliant and better at damping vibration.  The Cervelo S5 is available in three different levels, standard, Team (lighter w/FK33 fork) and VWD (lighter and stiffer carbon lay-up) and the frame geometry is identical to the R series, which means it is more versatile than the S2 or other previous S bikes.  If you want the most aerodynamic road bike on the market, the Cervelo S5 is it.

P-Series TT/Tri Bikes

Cervelo P2:

Material: Carbon FiberGeometry: Performance Tri/TT  Price Category: Framesets $1500-$2000. Built Bikes $2500-$3000. Components: Ultegra mix or Fit Werx Custom.

Who is it for? The triathlete or TT rider looking for a proven and reliable performer that is value priced and well equipped.

Noteworthy: The most popular TT/tri bike on earth and Cervelo’s most versatile TT/Tri geometry.

Bottom Line: Back in 1996, the Cervelo P2 started to redefine what it meant to be a “triathlon bike”.   Cervelo was a much smaller company then, making a name for themselves, and their most popular model was a tried and true 78 degree seat tube angle aluminum frame with a unique feature – a very precisely shaped airfoil tubeset.  The P2 had the look of the exotic uber-bikes of the day like the Lotus and Hotta (many would argue the P2 looked even better), but was priced under a couple thousand dollars and was thus within reach of most athletes.   Needless to say, the concept caught on and Cervelo grew with it.   The P2C came out in ’06 and the frame’s material changed from aluminum to carbon fiber.  With it, the ride became more refined and the bike became even more aerodynamic.   The P2 frame has not needed to be changed much since as it still is the benchmark at its price point.   If it fits you well, a Cervelo P2 with a nice set of wheels is remains the fastest way to the finish line for the least amount of money.

Cervelo P3:

Material: Carbon Fiber  Geometry: Race Tri/TT Price Category: Framesets $2500-$3500. Built Bikes $3500+. Components: Ultegra mix, Dura Ace mix or Fit Werx Custom.

Who is it for? The rider who wants exceptional aerodynamics and lateral stiffness in a well priced and very proven package.

Noteworthy: A benchmark since the day it was born.

Bottom Line: The Cervelo P3 was an immediate success when it was introduced and quickly became the standard that all other TT/tri frames were judged against.  The original Cervelo P3 SL was an aluminum frame that was replaced a few years later by the carbon fiber P3C (now just called the “P3” again).  If you take the general concept behind the P2, beef up the bottom bracket area to increase stiffness, enhance the aerodynamics with a much more aggressive seat tube shape/cut out and use a higher grade carbon fiber lay-up you get the P3 – a P2, but leaner, meaner and even faster.  Over the years, no other frame won more professional level TT’s and triathlons than the Cervelo P3 and the legacy continues today.   Despite massive changes from its competitors, the Cervelo P3 remains virtually unchanged and very competitive; it has taken years for its competitors to start to bridge the gap.   Today, the Cervelo P3 remains a “super bike” on many levels, but the price has come down and it is now within reach of most riders.   If you want Ferrari performance (and looks) at Mustang pricing, and you fit on it well, the Cervelo P3 is a great option.   It is important to note that the P3 does not fit all riders, the geometry is long and low and the frame is designed specifically as a professional level race frame.   Get fit first…

Cervelo PX (Team & VWD):

Who is it for?

Noteworthy:

Bottom Line: