IS THIS THE BIKE YOU SHOULD OWN? The Cervélo Caledonia 5 Long Term Review

Cervélo reached out asking if I would do an in depth long term review of the Caledonia 5 which I have been riding around on for a few years now. In this video I talk about what exactly I love about this bike and some things I would love to see changed in future editions. If you like this video please let me know in the comments as I would love to do more like this.

The following companies (that you'll see in my content) support me either financially or with free stuff, so huge thanks to these guys for helping me with the challenges I take on:

Attacus Cycling, Cervélo, Lazer Helmets, Shimano, Schwalbe Tires, Reserve Wheels, Sungod Eyewear, Tailfin Cycling, Styrkr

[Multistan]

Having rode soloist and Caledonia, I prefer the Caledonia for comfort. Still fast and a very smooth ride. I’m not racing, but this bike keeps up against race machines during weekend, brutal rides at 22 average mph.

[BenFos]

I love my Caledonia 5. Such a great comfortable bike to ride. Got it in the nice purple colour

[melvinmah]

Thank you Chris for this video. The Caledonia 5 is my first road bike and I've been riding it for a year or so now. I often have doubts if it was the right purchase, especially looking at everyone else's race-oriented bikes here in Singapore. I sometimes wonder if I would go faster in one of those. Your video made me take a step back and remind myself, it's a great bike and had brought me on many fun rides without issue. So yea, thanks to you - I love my bike again and shall ride even more.

[deporteshoycanada]

i just bought a Cervelo Caledonia Ultegra DI2 bike and it is 18.11 LBS and its very light. I have not been on the road because of the cold weather but in March or April i will try it. The Di2 setgroup works very well and it charges in about 2 to 3 hours. I got it in Alberta, Canada and the price for 2024 $6, 300 with tax.

[kevinlyon]

Very comprehensive review, I'm sure Cervelo will take on board your recommendations. Be quite happy to see more of these vids with regards to the other Cervelo models and a few of your own.

[redauwg]

thank you for the video Chris beautiful Cervelo

[malijawed]

Nailed it with your recommendations for the next iteration of Caledonia. 1. Tire clearance for 40-42 mm tires 2. Threaded bottom bracket 3. More storage options on the top tube and down tube

[johnbedford]

Had a Domane, wanted the latest Domane SLR, absolutely impossible to find one, was suggested to try the Caledonia 5 and I’ve got too say thank god I didn’t get the latest Domane, I absolutely love my Caledonia 5, used every day for absolutely everything, did the Strada Bianche Gran Fondo on it running 32mm Continental TL, no issues at all, plenty of clearance, always had Size 56 this is a 54 and again, no issues, absolutely superb bike👌

[robertbiaek]

That was my idea of a new frame. Has to be roady feel but in the same time has a possibility to fit wider tire for nice smooth gravel. The only option on the market (to not go for full gravel or CX) was the new trek domain gen4 where you can fit 38mm according to spec (even 40mm with less knobs). Internal storage, bolt on top tube bag, threaded t47 bottom bracket so I think that would tick all your boxes

[christopherhood]

super video, - nice well-proportioned bike. interesting how there are a few bikes out there than can be used for 'everything'.

[markjthomson]

Mounting points! Yes... especially if they are targeting a more explore/adventure type group.

[xmarcika]

Really great review. I have now Trek Checkpoint ALR5 2019 and looking for an upgrade for something lighter and more modern. And the Caledonia looks like the right bike. Not just because of the similar geometry, but looks very good and clean compared to other brands. And here in the UK is hard to live with a race bike haha. I'm happy you are very satisfied with your bike. Didn't find any similar review like yours. Much appreciated. Thanks a lot!

[alekzvelic]

Chris, thank you for the video. I own exactly the same bike and loving it.
Could you do the video how you pack this bike for travel? Packing the bike with hydraulic brakes and integrated handlebars makes packing tricky.

[protonjicari]

My one-two punch is Caledonia and Soloist ! Used to bike at 110kg but now 75-78kg and smaller width tires are fine with me now. I will still use my Gravel but will probably be less as soon as those two orders arrive!😅

[pacfan]

I traded in my Cervelo S 3 for a Caledonia 5, I’m a road cyclist, the Caledonia is heads up a fast road bike and super compliant, could not imagine anything better!

[ianboylan]

Another excellent video Chris. I’m just coming up to 2 years with a Caledonia 5. Very similar thoughts to your own, with a couple of differences. 1. I’ve had the stock Reserve wheels on the bike from new. They seem tough enough, but have proved to be a complete PITA to find tyres that can be mounted and removed without way too much effort (tubeless and clincher). 2. While I agree that it’s generally a stable bike, the big caveat I have is that the very bulky downtube makes for a unpleasantly twitchy ride in crosswinds.

[mickeylana]

You answered every question I had and more. I've been riding my Caledonia on very gnarly dirt and gravel roads in eastern Canada and wondering...am I missing out on a better experience with a different bike? But the truth is it's been excellent in every way. It handles so well, it's fun, stable, fast when it needs to be...all the things you described. That said, I'm using maxxis cyclocross tires and there's probably some room for improvement there!

[eviehawke]

i've been considering a Caledonia so i really appreciate this thorough review. thanks!

[peterthomson]

Thanks for the review. I know Cervelo has had their share of controversy in the past. However I am still a fan. I still own my first Cervelo Soloist I bought back 2005. Still looks good today and still rides brilliantly. The only thing that is not still original are the tyres and break pads. I can only imagine how your new soloist must feel by comparison knowing how good mine is! I road it through London last week and had 7 different people offer to buy it. Lol!!

[sazridesbikes]

My dream bike …. Gorgeous. Thanks for the great video as ever Chris 👌🏻🌟🙌🏻