With a new contract between Cervelo and Team Jumbo-Visma – and their world championship ‘cross stars Marianne Vos and Wout van Aert, the bicycle manufacturer knew that they needed to create a world-class cross bike for their world-class stars. The result is the new Cervelo R5-CX.
Marianne Vos has seven rainbow skinsuits hanging in her closet, and Wout van Aert has three in his. Starting from a clean slate, Cervelo was able to turn their preferences and requirements into a bike that’s already captured two World Cup wins.
The R5-CX debuted on the North American World Cup scene under Marianne Vos with a commanding win at Waterloo followed by a top step in Iowa. Now it takes on the European circuit with an official launch at SuperPrestige Boom under Wout van Aert and is reunited with Marianne Vos at World Cup Val di Sole.
This isn’t Cervelo’s first cross bike. In 2007, they made the R3 Cross model for Jonathan Page, one of which he rode straight to being the first American on a World Cup Podium. Like the R3 Cross, the R5-CX draws much of its performance and design from the R5, but with some key differences. The handling and fit are unique to this model, and based on Wout and Marianne’s input. And while we’ve kept the asymmetric cups of BBRight, we’ve threaded them into a T47-sized hole. While a unique-to-us implementation, it uses standard inboard and outboard T47 cups.
The D-shaped seat post (with double clamps, stock), not only adds compliance but was a specific request from Wout and Marianne to keep the saddle facing forward in the event of a crash. All cables route internally, and the frame is only compatible with electronic drivetrains to limit grit and water ingress. There are gobs of clearance for gobs of mud, and it’ll be available in four sizes—51, 54, 56, and 58cm.
The R5-CX is currently pro-only and will be available to the rest of us in Summer 2022
Ron is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.
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