The 2026 Cervelo S5

Cervélo has officially announced the latest iteration of its flagship aero road bike, the S5, bringing a range of aerodynamic and structural updates aimed at improving performance without compromising fit or stiffness.

Aerodynamic Refinements and Weight Savings

One of the most significant changes Cervélo has made with the S5 is the use of deeper airfoils on the headtube and fork, resulting in a 6.3 watt faster system. While this modification results in a modest 53g weight gain on the fork, Cervélo have offset that with further reductions elsewhere. Updates to the frame, seat post, and a newly redesigned one-piece bar/stem system contribute to an overall weight reduction of 124g compared to the previous S5.

Redesigned HB19 Cockpit

The S5’s cockpit has undergone a complete overhaul, with the previous 2 piece system replaced with a new one-piece HB19 design, featuring a refined aerodynamic shape and updated fit dimensions informed by Cervélo’s in-house development process. Notably, the handlebar drops are now 3.8mm narrower, and the tops are 2mm slimmer- subtle tweaks that further contribute to better aerodynamics and rider ergonomics.

Despite these updates, fit remains identical to the outgoing S5 so those upgrading from the previous model will find the same stack, reach, and handling characteristics they’re used to.

Reserve 57/64 Wheelset

New, the Reserve 57/64 Wheelset is a faster pairing than its predecessor, the 52/63, but manages to eek out more speed without any additional weight. The 57 front wheel is deeper than the 52 and provides low yaw speed, without impacting handling. The 64 is designed around the asymmetric seat tube and features added spoke offset, boosting the strength of this rear wheel.

No Compromise on Stiffness

Despite the weight savings and aero improvements, Cervélo reports that the new S5 matches the stiffness levels of its predecessor, ensuring riders get the same snappy power transfer and high-speed stability that the S5 has been known for in the pro peloton.

Geometry and Fit

Making the switch for those already riding the outgoing S5 couldn't be simpler, with the new model using the same geometry the S5 is renowned for. It is worth noting though that the bottom bracket has been lowered by 2 millimetres and the fork offset increased by 0.5 millimetres to optimise the handling. The geometry has been optimised for 29 millimetre road tyres, making it compatible with a wide range of options.

With improved aerodynamics, reduced system weight, and subtle geometry tweaks for modern tyre sizes, the 2026 Cervélo S5 is a clear evolution rather than a total reinvention. It positions itself as a more refined version of an already proven race machine and is perfect for riders looking to squeeze out every last bit of performance from their chosen machine.

Shop the Cervelo S5 range