Cervelo R5 Disc Road Frameset

For many, the R5 Disc Road Frameset from Cervelo is an aspirational bike. After all, it's a frameset with an impressive pedigree that's been ridden to victory in some of the toughest races and thanks to its advanced engineering, simply possesses great all-around ride qualities. If racing and fast group rides are part of your training agenda and you value a bike that's ultra-lightweight, super stiff, and comfortable, while still maintaining a bit of an aerodynamic profile, we can't think of many other frames we'd rather throw a leg over. Factor in its aggressive geometry and flat mount disc brake compatibility for powerful stopping in any weather condition and you can begin to see why it's one of the most desirable frames in the peloton.The first thing you notice when you hop aboard an R5 is its impressive stiffness and geometry that magically shapeshifts between stability and agility when you need it most. Cervelo was able to make the R5 stiffer at key points while still remaining featherweight. In fact, it claims the disc model of the R5 is its stiffest road frame to date. By placing such an emphasis on that stiffness to weight ratio it results in a bike that leaps forward with each pedal stroke yet isn't a wet noodle that's unruly on steep, technical descents and remains predictable at speed.Cervelo achieves this feat by building up the frame using special carbon layups and construction techniques, allowing it to reduce the frame's weight while making it stiffer. It uses advanced engineering software like Finite Element Analysis (FEA) that allows it to better understand exactly how each layer of carbon fiber is working and if it's being used properly. Its carbon expertise prescribes a specific frame layup by placing hundreds of individually cut plies of carbon in a mold in a certain order and orientation. By precisely cutting these plies, the frame is able to be made lighter while still achieving the desired strength and reliability. And because different ar...