Cervélo Soloist | Best Road Bikes Of 2024

If you’re looking for one road bike that can do it all, the Cervélo Soloist may be the one you need to see. Taking traits from the S5 superbike and the R5 climbing bike, Soloist is designed to do it all, but with a price tag that’s only about half the cost.

We had the opportunity to personally test ride the Soloist for this year’s Road Bike Guide. This hands-on experience gave us a real sense of how it rides and what components you might want to consider customizing it to your preferences.

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Chapter Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro
1:07 – Soloist Overview
2:03 – Favorite Features
3:24 – Sizes + Geometry
4:34 – Color & Build Options
5:39 – How’s It Ride?
8:27 – What Would Ian Change?
9:26 – Should You Get One?
10:08 – What's It Weigh?
10:46 – Outro

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[HoldenDoesBikeStuff]

I've got 5500 miles on mine and climbed mountains and foothills... and I am still in love with my Soloist 10 months later. Perfect for me.

[LovepreetAujla]

I was absolutely dead set on getting a Canyon CF Endurance -- but the proprietary stem was a dealbreaker for me. Someone pointed me in the direction of the Soloist and I can confidently say I made the right decision. This bike screams quality. It picks up speed quick but it's comfortable enough for longer rides. It climbs and handles like a beast. It's just phenomenal.

P.S. I originally wanted the Gold colorway, but I got a deal on the black. In person, the black Embers colorway is stunning. It's got a metallic flake -- you won't be disapppointed.

[poduss]

I bought the 105 race 1 month ago and it is amazing. Best bang for the buck that I have found. I put a carbon aero handlebar, XT brake discs and new tires and it’s perfect

[julioalbertoumana]

I purchased a 51cm frame and got a super deal, I built it with 105di2, giant SLR1 carbon wheels, cervelo carbon handlebars, without pedals it came out to 17.6 lbs. The bike rides phenomenal, stable for downhills and good climber.

[Circletakesthejake]

Yay - love to see my bike get more love :) I absolutely adore this thing - I will say the embers color gets REALLY pretty in the sun as it sparkles ... it's definitely not just black! Love how it does in the wind, holds speed surprisingly well and climbs great!

[ayanamirei]

I just got it last 2 week as complete bike with Ultegra di2 set and I am soooo obsessed with this bike. Very responsive, smooth, clean and neat look. Only thing I would complain about is the complete bike should come with all carbon instead of alloy parts for handle and saddle.

[tacosnachosburritos]

I picked it up today. Same gold color, it’s gorgeous. I’m doing the Illinois MS150 ride this weekend, I can’t wait to put some miles on it!

[TerjeRiisnaes]

I just built up a 56cm Soloist with Sram Red (not the one that just launched). With Enve 45 Foundation wheels, Ultegra pedals and Elite bottle cages it weighs 16.8 lbs.

[spoon]

i bought the Alpenglow from backcountry, i think its your company as well, I love it, it felt different compared to my older SL5 SWork bike.

[ntorious]

I've put 6300+ miles on my Soloist now and it's been such a dream. Don't forget about the Alpenglow color!

[tacosnachosburritos]

Just put down a deposit, and the shop is doing the build. I’m pretty stoked!

[aleksandrmatyka]

Guys from cervelo, if you read this comment, please bring back the Oasis colorway and add it for the soloist model as well, as it is divine and many took it because of it. The current color schemes sucks

[marcel_frenchy]

Solid overview! I just got mine two weeks ago and absolutely love it. Question I have is where are you riding?? I recognize the desert landscape but can’t quite pinpoint where.

[two-eyedRoy]

Hmmm, Ultegra spec is only 0.5kg off the avg Pro Peloton bike... Well HELLO Dura Ace + different Wheels/Tyres, H'bar/stem.
Comes in my large-ass size (61cm) frame...
Methinks I need to set up a reminder to keep an eye out for the Aug-Sept sales for a frameset.

[AndersonZiller]

I'm considering one, it's a shame the 105 di2 version come wth such a crappy crank not matching the set, but since I don't like 50/34 I'd change it anyway.

[Ar-ArTorollo]

I find myself lost in the vision of my dream bike – the Cervelo Soloist. Its silhouette haunts my imagination, a symbol of unbridled freedom and boundless potential. I yearn to feel its frame beneath my fingertips, to hear the melody of its wheels as they spin in harmony with my ambitions. The Cervelo Soloist is more than just a bike to me; it's a beacon of hope in a world filled with uncertainty. It represents the culmination of my deepest desires, the embodiment of all the roads I've yet to travel and the dreams I've yet to chase. With each passing day, my longing grows stronger, fueled by the belief that one day, it will be mine. To ride the Cervelo Soloist would be to transcend the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary. It's a promise of adventure whispered on the wind, a siren song calling me to explore the far reaches of my own potential. With every pedal stroke, I would write a new chapter in the story of my life, leaving behind a trail of memories as vibrant and colorful as the world around me.
Oh, how I dream of the day when I can finally call the Cervelo Soloist my own. Until then, I will hold onto the hope that one day, my dream will become a reality. For in the depths of my heart, I know that with unwavering determination and a spirit unyielding, anything is possible – even the realization of a dream as magnificent as this.

[ajervin]

How would this bike handle on gravel with 34mm tires? For context, I ride predominately on the road (75/25 split) but every once in awhile like to go on compact, mostly flat trails. I’m between the Caledonia 5 and Soloist Ultegra Di2 right now. Largest worry for me is that I do enjoy feeling fast on the road, and don’t mind a more aggressive seating posture, so am leaning toward the Soloist but want that optionality for gravel if it presents itself. Appreciate any thoughts here

[rangsimon]

Compare with madone sl gen 8 which one is better? in general.

[Juangarage]

I am looking at the Soloist as my next bike. I am curious, what would you change to get the weight down from 7.7kgs?

[gregbrown]

Any estimate on when you guys might have the new Blue colorway in stock?