We expect to see Visma Lease a Bike riders using the new P5 during the Tour de France time trial stages
(Image credit: Cervelo)
Cervélo has released an updated version of its P5 time trial bike. The P5 model has been Cervélo's time trial bike for a number of years and the brand released the news of the new model yesterday, ahead of today's Stage 7 Tour de France time trial stage.
The changes to the new bike's frame are fairly subtle; there's an element of spotting the difference between the new and old bikes but they are clear to see. This is often the case with time trial frames unless they undergo a radical overhaul. Overall the new bike is said to be 5 watts faster than the old one.
Cervélo has clearly outlined the updates the new bike has received, which is available with Triathlon-specific frame bottles and top tube bag, or without, which is how the WorldTour stars like Jonas Vingegaard will use it.
Matteo Jorgenson racing on the new P5 during the Criterium du Dauphine a few weeks before the Tour de France. Note the rounded seatstay junction (Image credit: Dario Belingheri / Stringer)
Cervélo claims the P5 is made to go as fast as possible between point A and B, surely the very definition of a time trial.
The bike's press material mentions that pro rider feedback, CFD analysis, and 3D printed test frames all contributed to the development of the new P5, which is apparently 'about 5 watts faster than the old one' but most of those watts actually come from the new wheels that the updated frame can accommodate.
At a glance, the changes to the new P5 frame can most easily be spotted at the headtube and around the seatstay / top tube junction which are clearly more rounded and less angular than the old frame.
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Cervélo goes on to explain that there isn't actually a lot of 'additional optimisation' that they can make that keeps them within the constraints of the UCI's design rules. What they have done is widen the fork and stays to make way for wider, faster wheels which can utilise a 29mm tyre, though the frame clearance is a claimed 34mm. It seems at the initial time trial the team were using 28c Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed tyres however. The 'fastback' seat stays are said to reduce vertical stiffness by 22% while maintaining lateral stiffness, required for optimal power transfer.
The wheels in question are the Reserve 77/88 and are said to be aerodynamically faster and the larger volume tyres will provide less rolling resistance. Overall the new frame provides a one-watt claimed saving, whilst the Reserve / Vittoria tyre package gives another four watts.
The new handlebars are said to be easier to work on (Image credit: Dario Belingheri / Stringer)
The P5's one-piece front end is claimed to now be simpler to assemble and adjust. The basebar is 10mm lower and the bar riser increases tilt adjustability. The armrests and pads are also now wider, taller, and thicker to be more comfortable and confidence-inspiring. The brand says more control enables riders to spend more time in the most aero position possible.
The P5 will be available as a frameset for $6,000 / €6,499 / £5,500
Four complete build options will be available with two Shimano and Sram builds apiece.
An Ultegra di2 spec bike will carry an rrp of $10,000 / €14,000 / £8,900. Whilst the Dura Ace spec will come in at $13,500 / €13,999 / £12,000
The Sram Red AXS build will cost $13,500 / €14,999 / £12,000. The Force AXS model will be $10,000 / €TBC / £8,900.
Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as a tech writer. Despite having a degree in English Literature he has spent his entire working life in the cycling industry in one form or another. He has over 10 years of experience as a qualified mechanic, with the last five years before joining Cyclingnews being spent running an independent workshop. This means he is just as happy tinkering away in the garage as he is out on the road bike, and he isn’t afraid to pull a bike apart or get hands-on with it when testing to really see what it’s made of.
He has ridden and raced bikes from an early age up to a national level on the road and track, and has ridden and competed in most disciplines. He has a keen eye for pro-team tech and enjoys spotting new or interesting components in the wild. During his time at Cyclingnews, Tom has already interviewed some of the sport's biggest names including Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar and Alberto Contador. He's also covered various launches from brands such as Pinarello, Ridley, Specialized and more, tackled the Roubaix Challenge sportive aboard his own rim-brake Cannondale SuperSix Evo, tested over 20 aero helmets in the wind tunnel, and has created helpful in-depth buying advice relating to countless categories from torque wrenches to winter clothing.
