2025 Cervélo S5: Building On A Legacy Of Speed
Breaking Down the Performance Upgrades on the New S5
Aerodynamics, Integrations and Real-World Speed
The Cervélo S5 has been a staple in the ever-evolving world of aero bikes for nearly a decade and a half, with a stellar reputation for being at the leading edge of its category through all of its iconic iterations; and the release of the latest generation is proving to be no exception to the rule.
Launched to coincide with the 2025 Tour de France and already raced to victory by Team Visma Lease-a-Bike’s Simon Yates on Stage 10, the new Cervélo S5 claims a 6.3-watt aerodynamic improvement over the outgoing model, while remaining at least five watts faster than key rivals. These changes may be subtle to the eye, but together they deliver meaningful gains - making this new S5 not just a visual evolution, but a true performance upgrade.
What’s new?
Cervélo has focused on the places that count most for drag and tuned these with meticulous attention to detail. You’ll spot a deeper head tube and fork, and the new 1-piece HB19 cockpit which has been slimmed down over the out-going 2-piece model. Cervélo says these tweaks, plus subtle frame shaping around the seat tube and rear wheel, help deliver those headline aero gains while trimming system weight by roughly 124 grams.
Cervélo hasn’t thrown out the S5’s race-proven geometry. Handling remains reassuringly direct and responsive, but the bottom bracket drops a touch to accommodate wider tyres and shorter cranks, reflecting how pro and serious amateur bike fitting has evolved. Tyre clearance remains generous, so you can comfortably run modern 28–30 mm rubber for real-world speed and comfort across variety of road conditions.
A Re-defined Cockpit
The 2025 Cervélo S5 benefits from a brand new handlebar - The HB19 brings a sleeker, narrower profile and improved integration, yet continues Cervélo’s welcome focus on serviceability - If you’ve ever loved the S5’s ability to change stack without cutting the steerer, you’ll appreciate that this remains one of the most user and mechanic-friendly “superbike” front ends on the market.
Running 4cm wider at the drops than the at the hoods, the flared profile allows for a narrow, aerodynamic position when riding on the hoods - ideal for sustained efforts - while still offering enhanced stability and control when sprinting in the drops. It’s also fully compliant with recent UCI regulations, which now stipulate a minimum bar width.
Cervélo recognises that 1-piece cockpits usually present some bike-fitting challenges, and that an aerodynamic setup is limited if the bike doesn’t fit the rider well. That’s why there are 9 different size combinations available in the new HB19, and Wolfi’s are here to help you get the perfect size fitted at no additional cost.
Rolling On New Wheels
The 2025 Cervélo S5 comes equipped with an all-new Reserve 57|64 wheelset, purpose-built to complement the frame’s aero profile and deliver maximum efficiency at high speeds. As the name suggests, the rims measure 57 mm deep up front and 64 mm at the rear—a pairing designed to balance low drag with stable handling, even in crosswinds.
Cervélo and Reserve have co-developed the new rim shapes specifically for modern wider tyres, ensuring that the airflow remains smooth and predictable when running 28–30 mm rubber, which is now standard among pro and serious amateur riders alike.
Lighter than the previous Reserve setup and more responsive under load, these wheels bring tangible improvements not just in straight-line speed, but in the way the bike accelerates, corners, and holds momentum - making them an essential part of the S5’s evolved performance package.
Who is the 2025 Cervélo S5 for?
If you live for fast group rides, sprint finishes, or you simply want the most aerodynamically efficient race bike Cervélo has ever put into production, then this is your machine. Reviewers still call it brutally fast and exceedingly stiff - attributes that translate into clear advantages on the road and when you need to conserve watts in the wind. if speed is your priority, nothing in the line-up eclipses the S5.
Available at Wolfi's
The 2025 Cervélo S5 is now available at Wolfi’s. As Cervélo’s fastest aero road bike to date, it’s built for riders who want every advantage in speed, stiffness, and race-ready performance. Whether you’re eyeing a complete build or a frameset to customise, our team is ready to help you find the right size and setup.
Visit us in-store to see the new Cervélo S5 in person, or get in touch for more details on availability, pre-orders, and build options.
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