Cervélo Brings Back the Soloist | A Game Changer Returns

It's been 20 long years since the original alloy Cervélo Soloist debuted way back in 2002. At the time, the Soloist was a true game changer for aero frame design.

Essentially the genesis of the modern aero road bike, it was the bike of choice of the superstar pro team, Team CSC.

Back to the present day, though, and this reimagining of the Soloist isn’t aimed at the lofty ranks of the WorldTour. Instead, the new Soloist is aimed at amateur racers and fast road riders.

That means rather than a range of bikes topped out with range topping groupsets and exclusive components, the new Soloist tops out with the model that we have on review, fitted with carbon wheels and Shimano’s impressive new 12-speed Ultegra Di2.

At $6800, it still isn’t cheap, but that is a saving of $2200 compared to a Cervélo S5 with the same groupset.

In this video we’re going to run you through everything you need to know about this latest Soloist, including Warren Rossiter’s first ride impressions but before you watch, why not subscribe to the channel if you haven’t already!

But what do you think? Is the new Soloist an ideal mix of the lightweight R5 and all-aero S5 or is it jack of all trades and master of none? As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Photo Credits:
Lars Ronbog / Contributor
Lars Ronbog / Contributor

Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:08 Easy to Live with
02:00 Getting the bottom bracket right?
03:06 The Range and Specifications
04:07 How does it ride?

Press-fit Bottom Brackets Are BETTER Than Threaded

Dura-Ace Is Pointless | NEW Shimano Ultegra Di2 Groupset Review

Shimano 105 Di2 ⚡️ ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW! | Budget 12-Speed Electronic Gears

NEW Trek Madone | The Holey $13k Aero Road B̶i̶k̶e̶ Spaceship!

Aero Vs. Climbing Wheels: Which is Fastest?

Giant Propel 2023 | A 6.91KG Aero Road Bike... With Disc Brakes!

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#cervelo #aerobike #soloist

[davidnicholson]

For people complaining about the price: have you been to a bike shop lately? A Madone or Domane with 105 Di2 is now $8, 000. Specialized is selling an Allez Sprint aluminum frame with 105 mechanical for $3, 000. Of course these prices are all very high compared to 2019 but Cervelo is not out of line with the current market at all. Prices need to come down across the market and I think they will next year.

[adamb]

I'll take the mechanical 105 and be very happy with my purchase.

[matthewshaw]

I love how they make the effort to point out that it is obviously expensive about 15 times and comments still complain about the price. I mean how dare they report on bike releases? What are they some kind of bike journalists?

[Ridewithjst]

Ultegra Di2 full groupset is almost $2, 300 now. Tack onto the frame at $2, 700, add some Hunt or random Chinese wheels and you’ve got another $1-$1.5k or $6-$6, 500. Bar, stem, pedals, seat, tires, etc etc and it’s $7k+.

TLDR: inflation is a bitch. Buying the latest tech has and always will be absurdly expensive for marginal if any benefit over older cheaper options. 105 Di2 saves ~$700. 11 spend mechanical even more. Alloy rims even more…or just get an older/less high tech frame. To each his own.

[universe-juice]

This is a smart move! I see bike manufacturers hearing us. These guys aren't stupid. Or maybe they are, I don't know. But they are definitely paying attention to you tube. Very interesting 🤔

[nztowin]

I've owned and am still riding a Carbon Soloist from 2006. I've clocked up a lot of miles over that time and never tired of the bike. Maybe it's time for an upgrade!

[Sam-tnru]

Really great review 👏🏼 is it possible to fit full length mudguards with the same adapters the Caledonia uses?

[JAMESlock]

I hate high prices as much as anyone but look how much it costs to buy a good ATV these days. I had a great ATV and I used my road bike much more and enjoyed it more. The truth is that the price of most things are going up. A bicycle doesn't have an engine and is less expensive to maintain than an automobile, atv, or a boat.

[ironore]

I would love to see or hear how much of an aero advantage a canyon aeroad has over this. I’m looking to upgrade from my 2009 tarmac pro sl. I have more confidence in the cervelo as far as durability and maintenance. I just hearing horror stories of that canyon seatpost. But the million dollar question for me is how much faster is that canyon aeroad?

[Foxy_Fabrications]

Let's be honest this is just a rebranded S3. It's the same relationship of S3 and S5. Great improvements though

[jonathansale]

Would pick this or the Caledonia 5 for an around training and racing bike?

[JogBird]

ultegra is the new dura ace.. and dura ace is basically super record

[willalm]

Is it me, they all look the same ? The same wind tunnel a 3-year waiting list

[blinzi]

yeah... I'll stick to the Ultimate lol

[twatts]

Jack of all trades, master of none.
Still better than a master of one.

[RsE-PR]

This bike it’s like trek Emonda 2022 ? from cervelo ? Aero and climb ?

[stephandelaat]

Aero bike for all at 7k….are you joking me!

[ArteUltra]

Yeah the price is still steep, but honestly this bike still looks awesome!

[luilasblume]

Alternatively you could buy a Canyon Endurace CF 8 for less than a third of the price and put some Cervelo stickers on it :D

[Sills]

This NOT a review. It is a commercial.