Cervelo S5 Frameset

The S5 exists to win bike races. The Cervelo S5 Frameset is the platform behind one of the most accomplished aero road bikes in professional cycling — Wout van Aert won the green jersey on it by the largest margin in modern Tour de France history, and Simon Yates rode to the maglia rosa on it. Cervélo's distinctive bayonet fork and V-stem cockpit have been fixtures at the front of the WorldTour peloton long enough to become shorthand for the bike itself. The current generation builds on that foundation and represents the most aerodynamically refined S5 Cervélo has produced. The key changes are concentrated exactly where they matter most: at the front of the bike.

Cervélo's engineers focused this generation's development on the front end of the frame, where aerodynamic drag is most significant. The fork legs and head tube are deeper than the previous S5, and the all-new Cervélo HB19 Carbon cockpit advances the original V-stem concept into its most developed form yet — a true one-piece carbon bar and stem that routes cables internally and presents a cleaner aerodynamic profile than its predecessor. The V-stem was already a differentiator on the previous generation; the HB19 refines the leading-edge geometry and integrates internal cable routing more completely. Because the cockpit is precision-sized to each frame at purchase, there's no choosing between an optimized aero position and one that actually fits you. Cervélo's development data indicates the updated S5 is intended to be over 6 watts faster than the previous generation and 124 grams lighter across a complete build. Cervélo also co-developed the Reserve 57|64 Turbulent Aero wheels specifically for use with the S5 frame — available separately for riders building from the frameset who want to complete the aerodynamic system.

The frame is monocoque carbon — a single-piece construction rather than bonded tubes — with a BBright pressfit bottom bracket shell and no provision for mechanical cable routing. This is an electronic-only platform, designed for SRAM AXS or Shimano Di2. Cervélo's stated goal with this generation was to retain the handling, poise, and stability that the S5 is known for while improving aerodynamic performance — a harder balance to maintain on a fully integrated aero design than it appears. The geometry runs consistent across all six sizes: 700c wheels throughout, a 405mm chainstay, and a 73-degree seat tube angle. The frameset weighs 2.27 kg and ships complete with the Cervélo HB19 Carbon one-piece cockpit, the Cervélo SP34 Carbon seatpost, and Cervélo's front and rear accessory mounts. Thru-axles are Cervélo's aero-shaped design: 12x100mm front (M12x1.5mm) and 12x142mm rear (M12x1.0mm).

Sizing matters more on the S5 than on most road bikes. The one-piece cockpit means bar width and stem length are selected together — not independently — and getting that combination right is central to what makes the aerodynamic position work in practice. Cervélo developed nine bar/stem size combinations across six frame sizes (48, 51, 54, 56, 58, and 61cm) to give most riders a configuration that fits without compromise. When you purchase the S5 frameset through an authorized Cervélo retailer like RA Cycles, the retailer works through the sizing process with you and specs the right cockpit at no additional charge. Have your current fit data ready — stack, reach, and bar drop are all relevant inputs, and the consultation goes faster with accurate measurements on hand.

As a build platform, the S5 frameset is compatible with SRAM Red AXS, SRAM Force AXS, Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, and Shimano Ultegra Di2. The BBright pressfit shell accommodates both SRAM DUB and Shimano-compatible bottom brackets depending on your drivetrain selection. Three colorways are available: Five Black, Carnelian, and Lupine. At $6,500, the S5 frameset is the starting point for one of the most race-proven aero road builds available — with full flexibility to spec it exactly as you want.