Cervelo R5 Review (VS. Specialized Tarmac) 

People generally say it doesn't matter what brand of bike that you get, that they're all the same and just buy whatever you like. I have found that is so far from the case. Each brand has they're own flare in different categories. Thank you for doing a detailed review of the the two!

Ordered the R5 after pouring over both last weekend, then see this video.....but your summary makes it sound like I chose correctly for my intended use!

I rode a R2 last year and it was so nice however took a S3 out the other day and it blew my mind at how that accelerated for effort put in

Great review. Finally some useful information that actually talks about the characteristics of the bikes as they are to ride vs what the reviewer just likes about one or the other. Great work! In a subjective %... how much sensation of speed do you reckon the Cervélo gives up to the Specialized? I.e., x% less speed? Terrible comparison I know but interested if you think the Cervélo feels like a slouch? Also, have you ridden Cervélo's S3? Aero, with the ass of an R series.

Very good review!! Greetings from Bauru-São Paulo-Brazil

Good points on the differences. I am looking for downhill precision and I'll prefer comfort over light weight.

Great video Cam, very air and informative. Ive had an R5 since 2016 and absolutely love it, just cannot fault it for the type of riding I do (UK up and down all day, savage gradients etc).

Thanks for the review. The continual presence of the R5 behind you is a convincing argument against dedicated stems. It looks like you have 25mm of spacers under the stem when flipping the stem from -6 degrees to +6 degrees would raise the bars about 20mm, significantly reducing spacers. But you can't do that...

I am having a Tarmac UltraLight built right now....can’t wait!!

Thanks for your review. That was exactly what i needed.

Disk brakes absolutely weigh more than rim brakes, they add about 1.25lb to the bike. NOT 300 grams

Great review I bought the R5 SRAM Etap about 4 weeks ago the changes I have made to the bike so far are the Fizik Arione R1 saddle, 28mm Conti GP4000 tyres, bar Blips and my trusted Rotor dual sided power meter (swapped from my old S5).This bike doesn't feel that light for a climbing bike but I must say that the bottom bracket area feels so stiff it feels strange to climb on, in that the power transfer while climbing is exceptional.. you can really feel the bike holding onto those lost watts that would normally be lost in the flex of the frame. The heavier weight is more than compensated for in the bottom bracket stiffness. I was also looking at the S-Works Tarmac disk but I would of had to part with two kidneys instead of just the one with the Cervelo.My only issue with Cervelo is that they have got their pricing wrong for the R5 (too low) and as a result they have major supply problems, they may have quietly halted supply across Europe until next year at least. Exceptional bike if you can find a company that has actually got any available stock..

Thorough and well presented. Thanks!

I enjoy your thorough reviews. Keep them coming.

Very interesting Your review makes me closer for my final decision 👍

great review! very insightful and well organized, keep it up!

Teams sponsored by Cervélo usually use the R3 mud for Paris Roubaix.

Which bike is best for my riding style,..... I can barely keep up with everyone.

Honestly am not a Specialized geometry guy but the Cervelo R5 is not as easy as say an R3 to dial it in. Own an R5 Dura Ace mech. rim brakes size 54mm recommended after an extra expensive pre-purchase bike fit session. It’s an awesome racing machine yet even Pros swap bars, stems and seat posts due to way lengthy measurements but for the average Joe it’s an expensive proposition. To make it a simpler and less expensive transition; maybe pick one size smaller frame (talk to Your trusted bike fitter first) and upgrade either shorter stem which is proprietary to Cervelo or switch or a cero set back seat post as opposed to 20mm set back. Handlebars are semi aero yet a royal pain to Clíp on any extra extra stuff on. I switched to Enve road bars and convinced dealer to swap for 90mm stem. ($200 USD price tag) Well dialed in is one of the best pro bikes out there just takes time, patience and extra money on top of expensive bike. Take care guys!

Ok thanks a lot, I just order them.

Great review Cam👍🏾

I'd like to see the Izalco Max 9 series compared to the Tarmac and the S5. The newest Izalco Max seems like a better overall design than both of these two featured bikes.

Great comparison review!

The pros have used the tarmac sl6/sl6 disc and venge vias so far on the cobbels, and not the roubaix.

Hey cam can you do a review of the new cervelo s3 disc 2019

Thanks for this, actualy trying to decide between these two.

pls take the orange sticker from the disc and the black sticker from the di2 cable behind the stem!!! Some love for the details please

I like the look of the sworks, but the Cervelo is "cheaper" from my dealer hmm ..

Great review, thanks.

How was the feel of the Zipp 302's?

For this review to be even a remotely legit comparison, it would have to have been rim vs rim or disc vs disc. Of course the disc is heaver and fells less racy but brakes better downhill, that's how diac brakes are different.

Which climbs better?

Love the bikes but can’t get past the description of a bike is “fast”. It’s the rider of course but this marketing bullshit kills me.

prices?

At the end of the day both bikes are bloody good

Disc brakes WEIGHT more than rim ones

that stem is miles high

...aussie brad wiggins?

dude, it is Cher-velo not Cervelo!!!!

‘More heavier...’

Specialized for sure.

Disk brakes DO NOT HAVE MORE BRAKING POWER. Braking power on a road bike is determined by TIRE TRACTION and road bikes dont have much tire traction. Quit saying something that is untrue.

Personally ill take the r5

specialized tarmac much better than r3