Cervelo R5 Review (VS. Specialized Tarmac)

In this review, we will compare the Cervelo R5 to the Specialized Tarmac SL6 2018 models. I will make comparisons between the disc and rim brake versions, outline the weight differences in the frameset, compare prices & geometries, and conclude with ride quality and my preferred bike for the riding style that suits me.

[brianhowell]

People generally say it doesn't matter what brand of bike that you get, that they're all the same and just buy whatever you like. I have found that is so far from the case. Each brand has they're own flare in different categories. Thank you for doing a detailed review of the the two!

[keithbird]

Ordered the R5 after pouring over both last weekend, then see this your summary makes it sound like I chose correctly for my intended use!

[meanodustino]

I rode a R2 last year and it was so nice however took a S3 out the other day and it blew my mind at how that accelerated for effort put in

[cerveloultegra]

Thanks for your review. That was exactly what i needed.

[Nosh_Feratu]

Great video Cam, very air and informative.
Ive had an R5 since 2016 and absolutely love it, just cannot fault it for the type of riding I do (UK up and down all day, savage gradients etc).

[seattlegrrlie]

Good points on the differences. I am looking for downhill precision and I'll prefer comfort over light weight.

[guiazevedoleite]

Very good review!! Greetings from Bauru-São Paulo-Brazil

[ilanpi]

Thanks for the review. The continual presence of the R5 behind you is a convincing argument against dedicated stems. It looks like you have 25mm of spacers under the stem when flipping the stem from -6 degrees to +6 degrees would raise the bars about 20mm, significantly reducing spacers. But you can't do that...

[ajlexinicole]

I am having a Tarmac UltraLight built right now....can’t wait!!

[hawkmantm]

Great review. Finally some useful information that actually talks about the characteristics of the bikes as they are to ride vs what the reviewer just likes about one or the other. Great work!
In a subjective %... how much sensation of speed do you reckon the Cervélo gives up to the Specialized? I.e., x% less speed? Terrible comparison I know but interested if you think the Cervélo feels like a slouch?
Also, have you ridden Cervélo's S3? Aero, with the ass of an R series.

[jamesp.]

Great review I bought the R5 SRAM Etap about 4 weeks ago the changes I have made to the bike so far are the Fizik Arione R1 saddle, 28mm Conti GP4000 tyres, bar Blips and my trusted Rotor dual sided power meter (swapped from my old S5).This bike doesn't feel that light for a climbing bike but I must say that the bottom bracket area feels so stiff it feels strange to climb on, in that the power transfer while climbing is exceptional.. you can really feel the bike holding onto those lost watts that would normally be lost in the flex of the frame. The heavier weight is more than compensated for in the bottom bracket stiffness. I was also looking at the S-Works Tarmac disk but I would of had to part with two kidneys instead of just the one with the Cervelo.My only issue with Cervelo is that they have got their pricing wrong for the R5 (too low) and as a result they have major supply problems, they may have quietly halted supply across Europe until next year at least. Exceptional bike if you can find a company that has actually got any available stock..

[Sills]

Disk brakes absolutely weigh more than rim brakes, they add about 1.25lb to the bike. NOT 300 grams

[michaelupchurch]

Hey cam can you do a review of the new cervelo s3 disc 2019

[vigneshie]

I enjoy your thorough reviews. Keep them coming.

[Rubabob]

great review! very insightful and well organized, keep it up!

[cliffcox]

Which bike is best for my riding I can barely keep up with everyone.

[hillclimblover]

Very interesting
Your review makes me closer for my final decision 👍

[indonesiaamerica]

I'd like to see the Izalco Max 9 series compared to the Tarmac and the S5. The newest Izalco Max seems like a better overall design than both of these two featured bikes.

[mramazingtroy]

Teams sponsored by Cervélo usually use the R3 mud for Paris Roubaix.

[Atamanxxxvii]

Thanks for this, actualy trying to decide between these two.