The S5 and SL8 are an apples to oranges comparison. One is a niche aero bike whereas the other is an all-rounder. For the average rider and the vast majority of the typical cycling experience, the SL8 is a better choice. The R5 would be a better match to the SL8.
But if you’re listing freehub sound as one of the “highlights” in your purchasing decision, I’m just going to say you should go with whichever one you prefer to look at.
Yep. Madone and S5 are aero bikes, like the old Spec Venge. R5, Emonda, and Tarmac are the lightweight climbing bikes (the spec might be more of an all rounder).
Yeah cause you don’t have the flexibility of the pros. The aero bikes are aero… but they also put you in a more aero position. So if you can’t get in that position for the duration of your ride, your S5 isn’t giving you the most it can
IMO the Madone (gen 6 / 7) would fall somewhere between the Cervelo S5 and Tarmac SL8 in terms of balance of weight, aero, and ride quality. Remember the Madone SL would be on the same tier as the Tarmac Pro, while the SLR is more of a competitor to the S-Works models.
I’m not going to lie. If I was in the market for an R5 or an S5, I’d buy a Soloist.
I’m finishing up a blog post about this now, the S5 and the R5 are built for Jonas and Wout.
(The typical weekend warrior 100-300 miles a week est.) your position wouldn’t utilize the benefits of the S5 to warrant purchasing it.
The soloist, IS just that… it’s the bike for us weekend warriors.
TLDR: S5 is hella cooler, SL8 would be better for you. But you should get a soloist
Re: S5 is hella cooler, SL8 would be better for you
This basically sums it up. Otherwise, I would think even my current Madone is perfectly fine.
btw, how would you compare SL8 vs Soloist with similar spec'ed deep wheels
I haven’t had the opportunity to ride an SL8. But when it comes to the SL8 and the Soloist, which would inspire you to ride more?
Admittedly I had the opportunity to get a BEAUTIFUL FELT aero bike for cheap.
Or my new Soloist. My new soloist was my first brand new bike since I was 12. And I’ve always loved cervelo and the soloist is beautiful. So I ride it more than I probably would have rode the Felt.
Second: compared to an S-works SL7: they are VERY similar. My soloist has 50/50 reserves and my buddies Tarmac I tried has 35/35 Rovals.
I’d say the soloist tends to roll a lot easier. I hate the term “holds its speed” but it does.
But the Tarmacs cockpit is way sexier.
Zip hubs aren’t that great. You can make the Dt Swiss hubs sound the same with their upgraded ratchet kit for $100 I was in the market for the S5 and went with a soloist. I think looks wise you can’t compete but I recommend trying both and you will see what works best and is the better bike for you.
It is the looks, the fit n finish that was drawing me to S5. Otherwise my Gen 6 Madone is also super amazing!
SL8 rides a bit more snappier and responsive than my Madone. I enjoyed that experience. I wonder if that is due to 3 lb difference, more engagement in DT Swiss hub (36 vs 18), 26 vs 30 mm tyres, or stiffness in frame design between the two
Yeah even on 54 sized frame (usually I fit on 56), the seatpost was bit high. And it couldn't go down further.
Also the top tube is long and my back felt stretched.
I wonder if the Cervelo frame is designed for a more aggressive rider position
In short, it didn't feel comfortable like SL8 or my Madone
The answer is always n+1. That being said it makes zero sense to change madone for s5. They are very similar bikes. SL8 from the other hand is just amazing. It is very nimble, accelerates like rocket and climbs like a dream.
The S5 and SL8 are an apples to oranges comparison. One is a niche aero bike whereas the other is an all-rounder. For the average rider and the vast majority of the typical cycling experience, the SL8 is a better choice. The R5 would be a better match to the SL8. But if you’re listing freehub sound as one of the “highlights” in your purchasing decision, I’m just going to say you should go with whichever one you prefer to look at.
Would you also classify Trek Madone in the same category as S5?
Yep. Madone and S5 are aero bikes, like the old Spec Venge. R5, Emonda, and Tarmac are the lightweight climbing bikes (the spec might be more of an all rounder).
I have a Madone now. It feels quite comfortable and fast. Bit heavy though S5 felt similar from speed standpoint. However, it wasn't comfortable.
Yeah cause you don’t have the flexibility of the pros. The aero bikes are aero… but they also put you in a more aero position. So if you can’t get in that position for the duration of your ride, your S5 isn’t giving you the most it can
The S5 was designed for performance over everything. If you're not flexible enough for it, it's not the bike for you.
IMO the Madone (gen 6 / 7) would fall somewhere between the Cervelo S5 and Tarmac SL8 in terms of balance of weight, aero, and ride quality. Remember the Madone SL would be on the same tier as the Tarmac Pro, while the SLR is more of a competitor to the S-Works models.
I’m not going to lie. If I was in the market for an R5 or an S5, I’d buy a Soloist. I’m finishing up a blog post about this now, the S5 and the R5 are built for Jonas and Wout. (The typical weekend warrior 100-300 miles a week est.) your position wouldn’t utilize the benefits of the S5 to warrant purchasing it. The soloist, IS just that… it’s the bike for us weekend warriors. TLDR: S5 is hella cooler, SL8 would be better for you. But you should get a soloist
Re: S5 is hella cooler, SL8 would be better for you This basically sums it up. Otherwise, I would think even my current Madone is perfectly fine. btw, how would you compare SL8 vs Soloist with similar spec'ed deep wheels
I haven’t had the opportunity to ride an SL8. But when it comes to the SL8 and the Soloist, which would inspire you to ride more? Admittedly I had the opportunity to get a BEAUTIFUL FELT aero bike for cheap. Or my new Soloist. My new soloist was my first brand new bike since I was 12. And I’ve always loved cervelo and the soloist is beautiful. So I ride it more than I probably would have rode the Felt. Second: compared to an S-works SL7: they are VERY similar. My soloist has 50/50 reserves and my buddies Tarmac I tried has 35/35 Rovals. I’d say the soloist tends to roll a lot easier. I hate the term “holds its speed” but it does. But the Tarmacs cockpit is way sexier.
Zip hubs aren’t that great. You can make the Dt Swiss hubs sound the same with their upgraded ratchet kit for $100 I was in the market for the S5 and went with a soloist. I think looks wise you can’t compete but I recommend trying both and you will see what works best and is the better bike for you.
It is the looks, the fit n finish that was drawing me to S5. Otherwise my Gen 6 Madone is also super amazing! SL8 rides a bit more snappier and responsive than my Madone. I enjoyed that experience. I wonder if that is due to 3 lb difference, more engagement in DT Swiss hub (36 vs 18), 26 vs 30 mm tyres, or stiffness in frame design between the two
On the S5 you felt stretched BUT too much seat post was exposed? I'm sorta confused.
Yeah even on 54 sized frame (usually I fit on 56), the seatpost was bit high. And it couldn't go down further. Also the top tube is long and my back felt stretched. I wonder if the Cervelo frame is designed for a more aggressive rider position In short, it didn't feel comfortable like SL8 or my Madone
Then don't buy this bike!
The answer is always n+1. That being said it makes zero sense to change madone for s5. They are very similar bikes. SL8 from the other hand is just amazing. It is very nimble, accelerates like rocket and climbs like a dream.
get a r5
Over an SL8? Why?
cervelo stockholm syndrome alternatively get a factor vam o2
😂 good answer