I can’t make my decision whether to get Cervelo R5 or S5.
I have been riding P3 for the past 5 years for all my triathlons except some hilly races where I used my Specialized Roubaix Pro. Now I have to pass the Specialized to my wife and I ll have to get a new road bike that I intend to use more also for triathlon races and lots of training rides here in the mountains (Switzerland).
I am not a strong cyclist at all, more a runner but I loved my Spec Roubaix because it was very comfortable, not stiff and I had always the feeling I could ride 200-300km non stop without any issue
I guess R5 would fit better my requests but for using this bike more on triathlon races (full and half ironman), S5 would fit better.
Is that correct?
Would i leave lot of comfort begind going to S5 instead of R5?
(LBS is also proposing me Cannondale Supersix evo as alternative…)
If you ride on a lot of hills then the R5… Nice ride,awesome handling… If you’re mostly on flats, the S5 especially if you want to use it for the TT’s.
The S5 is also extremely stiff in comparison to the R5, especially if you’ll be going out for some long rides…you may be not as comfortable…
Best way if you’re able too, test ride them both and see… For myself, it depends where you’ll be riding…
split the difference and get the S3. Most of the aerodynamics of the S5 along with most of the comfort of the R series via thin seatstays
thanks, i went reading few S3 reviews after your post and indeed S3 seems to be more comfortable than S5, still aero. quite a mix of S5/R5
it can be the good compromise
also much cheaper!
Buy both, with crank-based power meters. (you need a backup bike) I just ordered will be the Specialized Alu Sprint x1 (no power meter). My R3 is for 80+ milers, S3 for solo TT’s and fast group rides, and the lower cost Specialized for race/race group rides/overall chill-out bike
I have an R5 and a P3. I only use the P3 for tris, R5 is for road rides. I’d only consider using the R5 for tri if I were racing Alpe Duez or Savageman. P3 is fine for other races.
I own an R5 vwd that I’ve had for years and I consider it my “go to” ride for most rides. I have owned an S5 vwd. I also currently own an S3.
The R5 is truly all-day comfortable and it’s light, lively … just an awesome bike. But it’s not aero and I wouldn’t race it in a triathlon if I had any objective beyond merely participating.
The S5 is a very slick and fast bike. It absolutely is NOT all-day comfortable. Two hours on it on the roads I have around me and I’m done. It’s a pretty stiff and unforgiving ride. But it IS fast! Slap on a set of clip-ons or aerobars and it’s a reasonable facsimile of a TT/Tri bike.
The S3 was designed to be a compromise between the two and it is, in reality, precisely that. It has similar front-end aero characteristics to the S5, attached to the rear end of an R5. It’s not as aero as the S5, but it’s still a fast bike and I’ve ridden it on 100 mile days with no problems. My R5 is still more enjoyable to ride, in general. The S3 is somewhat stiffer and less compliant than the R5, but nowhere near as harsh as the S5. But I could see slapping on a set of clip-on bars and using the S3 in a triathlon and turning in a decent split.
None of the above are true TT/Tri bikes and you’re kidding yourself if you don’t think you’re leaving speed on the table using a road bike for tri (unless you’re racing your triathlons in the high mountains).
The S3 looks like a good option for you. Use the savings to get good wheels, etc. I ride the newer R3 and love the comfort; I bought the frame and built it up from there with DA/Ultegra mix, and good handlebars, etc. I race it in triathlons as well: I use a zero offset seatpost anyway, switch to an ISM tri saddle, add clip ons, and throw on some ENVE race wheels. It works great and is very comfortable. The R series has gotten more aero with the kamm-shaped tubes, though it’s obviously not the same as the S series. Most of my races are in hilly areas or mountains, so the R works better there anyway.
I have the S5 and never had any issues with comfort. Done a few 100-120mile days on it, as well as a few multi-day touring rides on it (with a backpack). Love it. Can’t compare it to the S3/R5/etc though
I too vote S3. I got mine, upgraded to DA9000 mech, a TriRig OmegaX front brake, the Cervelo aero bars, a P2M power meter plus some nicer training wheels and I’m still under the cost of the base model S5. Might be losing a watt or two in the aero department but it is a lot more comfortable to ride, IMO.
Edit: I don’t use mine for tri, mostly road races. Our road races here are typically 3k-5k of elevation gain through.
The pre-2015 S5s did not have a good reputation. It was a real black eye to Cervelo when their 2014 TdF team (Garmin Sharp) turned their back on the S5 and rode the S3 instead.
But they got their act together and their 2015 team (MTN Qhubeka) had a very successful Tour with the S5. The S5 is now undoubtedly a better bike than the S3.
However - one caveat on the S5: I have searched in vain for any vendor who makes clip-on aerobars that fit the S5’s handlebars. If this is important to you, one more reason to get the R5…
However - one caveat on the S5: I have searched in vain for any vendor who makes clip-on aerobars that fit the S5’s handlebars. If this is important to you, one more reason to get the R5…
I think you could swap out the stem for a Profile Design Hammer or Lava stem and use the Profile Design Lightning Stryke stem-mounted clip-on aero bars.
They’re not particularly easy to find but are out there.
I can’t make my decision whether to get Cervelo R5 or S5.
I have been riding P3 for the past 5 years for all my triathlons except some hilly races where I used my Specialized Roubaix Pro. Now I have to pass the Specialized to my wife and I ll have to get a new road bike that I intend to use more also for triathlon races and lots of training rides here in the mountains (Switzerland).
I am not a strong cyclist at all, more a runner but I loved my Spec Roubaix because it was very comfortable, not stiff and I had always the feeling I could ride 200-300km non stop without any issue
I guess R5 would fit better my requests but for using this bike more on triathlon races (full and half ironman), S5 would fit better.
Is that correct?
Would i leave lot of comfort begind going to S5 instead of R5?
(LBS is also proposing me Cannondale Supersix evo as alternative…)
Sounds like the bike you really want is a new Madone. Faster than an S5, but the Isospeed makes it probably as comfortable as your Robaix. Light, fast, comfy, cool looking, brakes work well…
