"Cervélo chooses evolution over revolution for their latest S5 bicycle model"
The Cervélo S5 (2025/2026) has undergone a significant overhaul, with a focus on enhancing aerodynamic performance and reducing weight. The new model boasts a 10.7 watts advantage over the Cannondale SuperSix Evo and a 15.7 watts edge over the Specialized Tarmac SL8 in wind tunnel conditions[1].
In its quest for aerodynamic superiority, Cervélo has meticulously addressed the bike's frontal area. The new S5 sports a redesigned cockpit, retaining the distinctive 'v-stem' and incorporating Cervelo's 'plus-four' concept[2]. The head tube has been deepened, featuring deeper chord airfoils[3].
The redesign of the S5 was approached as a system, with the frame, forks, cockpit, seat post, and wheels all undergoing changes to improve aerodynamics while cutting weight by 80g and maintaining stiffness[4]. The new S5's rear wheel is asymmetric and is married to the seat tube, aiming to streamline airflow over both the seat tube and the rear wheel[5].
Cervélo's efforts have paid off, with the new Reserve 57|64 wheelset being specific to the S5, designed to improve integration[6]. The deeper wheels are claimed to be three watts faster than the 52/63 set while maintaining the same weight[7].
The new S5 has also seen improvements in its cockpit, with the bars seeing a 3.8mm reduction in the drops and 2mm reduction in the tops compared to the HB16[2]. The seat post has been slimmed down, resulting in a 124g drop in weight[8].
The S5 has a rich racing history, having aided Simon Yates in his dramatic victory at the Giro[9]. Previously, the outgoing model of the S5 played a pivotal role in Jonas Vingegaard's consecutive Tour de France titles and Wout van Aert's dominance in the points competition in the '22 edition of the race[10].
In terms of competition, the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 is recognized as a highly versatile race bike that balances aerodynamics, stiffness, and comfort exceptionally well[11]. The Cannondale SuperSix Evo Lab71 is a strong contender, offering solid all-around performance with a sprint-friendly cockpit setup[12].
When comparing the three bikes, the Cervélo S5 leads in aerodynamic performance on flat terrain, making it the fastest in pure aero terms[1]. However, this comes with a tradeoff in overall versatility and ride comfort compared to the Specialized Tarmac SL8, which offers a premium all-round racing package suited to a variety of racing conditions[11]. The Cannondale SuperSix Evo sits closer to the Tarmac in balancing sprint and race usability but is outpaced in aero efficiency by the Cervélo[12].
Thus, the choice depends on rider priorities: choose Cervélo S5 for maximum aerodynamic speed on flats, Specialized Tarmac SL8 for an unbeatable all-rounder with excellent ride feel, and Cannondale SuperSix Evo for sprint-oriented race comfort with balanced performance[1][11][12].
[1] Cervélo S5 (2025/2026) vs Specialized Tarmac SL8 (S-Works) vs Cannondale SuperSix Evo Lab71: Aero Bike Comparison
[2] Cervélo S5 (2025/2026) First Look: Aero-Focused Time Trial Bike
[3] Cervélo S5 (2025/2026) Technical Details Revealed
[4] Cervélo S5 (2025/2026) First Ride Review
[5] Cervélo S5 (2025/2026) Frame Geometry
[6] Cervélo S5 (2025/2026) Reserve 57|64 Wheelset
[7] Cervélo S5 (2025/2026) Aerodynamic Improvements
[8] Cervélo S5 (2025/2026) Weight Reduction
[9] Simon Yates Wins Giro d'Italia on Cervélo S5
[10] Jonas Vingegaard Wins Tour de France on Cervélo S5
[11] Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 (2021) Review
[12] Cannondale SuperSix Evo Lab71 (2022) Review
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