Currently ride a RS with Dura ace which I have owned for 4 years .
Do not race , but ride 80+ days a year.
How much difference is there between the 2 bikes , would go with new 11 speed durace on R5 .
Or are the ride/ feel of these bikes very similar
Almost no difference at all really, just that the R5 will be a few grams lighter.
The R5 will have a BBRight bottom bracket and require BBRight cranksets. Might be a bit stiffer as a result.
But unless you are just looking to upgrade for fun, the RS is still great!
Almost no difference at all really, just that the R5 will be a few grams lighter.
Well, the RS has a taller head tube and slightly longer chain stays. The head tube can adjusted for with spacers, but I suppose 5mm of chain stay might noticeably affect handling?
You obviously do not know much about these non-aero bikes jack.
There is a HUGE difference between the two bikes. The R5 will be MUCH stiffer in every way. It is a harsher ride, but it seems to perform exceptionally well, especially at higher speeds. Descending is a dream on this bike.
The BB is incredibly stiff. I’ve ridden many of the top manufacturer frames out there, and this is by far the stiffest I have experienced. This is one of the reasons I like the frame so much, it just seems to stay so planted even under heavy power.
The R5 will have a shorter wheelbase, making the handling more precise. Depending on size you may encounter toe overlap.
I’ve owned both the RS and now the R5 Dura ace. I’ve had a chance to ride and race the S5 on many occasions, but I prefer my R5. I race Cat 1, and despite the aero advantage of the S series, I would still pick the R5 if given the choice. Cervelo really did their homework with this bike.
PS. The new Dura ace 9000 is unbelievable. Shifting is a dream. I can’t see a reason to go to electronic, it is that good.
Nope, the RS doesn’t have a taller head tube, stack and reach almost identical, I checked…sizes 54 and 56 anyway
Almost no difference at all really, just that the R5 will be a few grams lighter.
Well, the RS has a taller head tube and slightly longer chain stays. The head tube can adjusted for with spacers, but I suppose 5mm of chain stay might noticeably affect handling?
I race cat 1 sometimes too, and probably have more 5 second power than you, and don’t think the stiffness difference is ‘huge’
But then, I’ve never been sensitive to those things. I should get a bamboo bike.
You obviously do not know much about these non-aero bikes jack.
Here’s a perfect example of someone that continuously comments about situations where he really has no clue what he is talking about.
Well the stack and reach being the same, is fact, except in the smallest size:
http://www.cervelo.com/media/docs/RS-Geometry-de7b1cdd-3153-458c-8b11-4ece7674a2dc-0.pdf
http://www.cervelo.com/media/docs/R5-525d891c-6c23-49e2-bf5e-7a1aeec17f01-0.pdf
what other situations are you referring too hedgefund?
Here’s a perfect example of someone that continuously comments about situations where he really has no clue what he is talking about.
Jack…I certainly admire your dedication to ST…and you have much good information to add as I have seen throughout the years.
However, arguing against guys that ride 30+mph TT’s and have access to information that is not publicly available is in vain. There is much that the public will… nor will ever have access too. Simply looking at published specifications is only the tip of the iceberg. Keep up the good work !
Hi hedge,
Jack is most often more right than wrong. There’s also not as much (robust) secret info as people think. And even when there is, guys who ride 30+mph TTs can sometimes make the strangest choices. 
Cheers,