Cervelo R5 SRAM REX AXS 2026: Test Ride Review, Pros, Cons, Issues, Performance, Opinions, Everything You Need to Know (Really)

Cervelo R5 SRAM REX AXS 2026: Test Ride Review, Pros, Cons, Issues, Performance, Opinions, Everything You Need to Know (Really)

Cervelo R5 SRAM REX AXS 2026 Test Ride Review: Build Quality

The quality level is extremely high, placing this among the best road bikes commercially available. Everything is well-executed and carefully finished. However, since the bike is very expensive, the price-to-quality ratio is merely adequate and nothing more. It is impossible not to expect the very best at this price point. It is not an economical bicycle—no one offers gifts—but some competitors certainly perform worse in this segment.

Cervelo R5 SRAM REX AXS 2026 Test Ride Review: Frame

The frame is exceptionally well-constructed. It is highly reliable and durable, and it is offered with a broad availability of sizes. It is a beautiful frame, expensive, but well-made, even if it does not represent an absolute bargain. The weight is very competitive at 5.9 kg for a bicycle costing nearly thirteen thousand euros.

Cervelo R5 SRAM REX AXS 2026 Test Ride Review: Assembly

The R5 2025 frame is available in various build kits. Therefore, beyond the top-of-the-range version, less expensive versions can also be favorably selected. In reality, the prices consistently remain very high, although the constructive quality is always maintained.

Cervelo R5 SRAM REX AXS 2026 Test Ride Review: Comfort

The Cervélo R5 has consistently been one of the most comfortable bicycles on the market, and it remains so, even if it is not at the very top of the market in this specific regard. It is a stiffer frame, designed for excellent performance, yet we might have anticipated slightly more in terms of ride comfort. Nevertheless, the overall ride comfort remains high.

Cervelo R5 SRAM REX AXS 2026 Test Ride Review: Handling

The Cervélo R5 has always been a fast racing bicycle to pilot. It is precise and stable at high speeds, although it requires decisiveness on the most demanding descents. While very nimble, conversely, it is less stable and secure on uneven or rough surfaces. It exhibits low sensitivity to crosswinds. Braking performance is excellent. It is an excellent, very fast, yet secure frame, perfect in experienced hands because it successfully combines maneuverability with good steering precision.

Cervelo R5 SRAM REX AXS 2026 Test Ride Review: Performance

This is a rigid and reactive frame, offering an excellent response to pedal input, which translates into outstanding climbing behavior. Performance on flat terrain and rolling hills is excellent. The exceptional traction of the rear wheel is also noteworthy, as it rarely loses contact with the ground. Descending performance is also top-tier, effectively leveraging speed through corner entry, stability, and excellent braking. In certain scenarios, its performance is at the absolute peak, making it a competitive racing bike for events featuring rough roads, numerous curves, and demanding descents. It excels on genuinely challenging climbs. On specific routes, it is a benchmark for performance.

Cervelo R5 SRAM REX AXS 2026 Test Ride Review: Pros and Cons

The Cervélo R5 SRAM REX AXS 2026 is a reference point for endurance and severe climbing bicycles. The overall quality is excellent. Performance remains at the absolute peak for climbing and endurance bikes. It is not an economical bicycle. The high price is its primary drawback.

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Editor's Note: The accompanying photo does not refer to the specific bicycle under test.