Bicycles

Focus on: Cervelo R5ca

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Parent Category: Bicycles

Category: Cervélo

Published on Thursday, 10 February 2011 06:34

Written by Luca Salvatelli

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The new Cervelo frame R5ca introduces new points of reference, just only for its weight declared only 675 grams in size 56. A value substantially contained well below what until now has brought competition to the majority stood at 900 grams, with some reduction close to 800 grams. Nobody, however, reached the exceptional value of the new Cervelo R5ca. The new frame is still more rigid than 22% compared to the R3 model, indicating that the total reduction in weight has not gone to the expense of rigidity and reliability, since declaring a Cervelo frame fatigue resistance 150% greater than the other frames to date products. To reach the record weight of each component frame has been carefully studied. The head of steering is Cane Creek, and introduces a new standard with bearings 1 inch and 3/8 and 1 inch below and 1/8 above. This solution provides the same stiffness of the bearings by 1 inch and 1/2 and 1 inch and 1/8, but reduces the weight of the headset, fork and less stress on the chassis, improving comfort and reliability. Also new is the fork, specially designed for this frame, carbon fiber monocoque, with straight legs and a declared weight of 330 grams. The bottom bracket has been thoroughly redesigned, similar to BB30, but lighter and stiffer, and combined with a crank Rotor 3D. Standard series 3T Doric LTD seatpost with zero-seatback, to further reduce weight. The main frame tubes have contained a section, like those of the wagon, with very thin high pipes. The bike is available in different assemblies, in the photo you see a proposal with Sram Red group adopted in full, except for the 3D Rotor cranks, stems and 3T Team and Zipp wheels. A bike, but above all a frame that is at the top of the world production of lightness. A specific product for the mountain stages, but will meet in full the lovers of the ultra-light bike. The price is unfortunately the only shortcoming of this model, the only frame kit is priced at around 8500 Euro for the frame kit only. A price well over twice the current high-end frames. Part of the weight as to justify the price, but it is a bike enthusiast. Already, the top range frame is easy to reach the regulatory limit and UCI go far below. The higher cost of the Cervélo frame, with its main competitors, could be favorably "invested" in additional components, super light to make a real special. This model, therefore, is aimed at wealthy enthusiasts who want to create a "super bike" from a record low weight. A light bike, but also with excellent performance and reliable. For racing purposes, however, perhaps it is better to consult on other models, less expensive, heavier, but also more rigid, which still leads always to make a light bike.