Cervelo

R Disc Ultegra Di2 Road Bike

Cervelo combines all of the lauded characteristics of their race-proven pedigree and marries it to the sought-after Shimano Di2 electronic drivetrain to create a brilliantly versatile, allround racing machine in the R Disc Ultegra Di2 Road Bike.p>

The heart of the R is Cervelo's carbon layup, which targets stiffness and weightloss…but not just for the point of it. Cervelo maps out stiffness and compliance where they are needed to create a well-balanced frame that performs just as well under heavy downhill braking as it does accelerating in the saddle over rough, cobbled farm roads. The result is a highly versatile conqueror with exceptional stiffness to weight and "plugged in" responsiveness across multiple road surfaces. Add to that the reliability and precision of Shimano's Ultegra shifting and the power and modulation that can only come for hydraulic disc brakes, and you have a bike that will help you achieve a new level of riding and racing.

Elite racing success has been a consistent theme with Cervelo. They have received numerous editor choice awards, a grand tour victory, and multiple wins in the Roubaix velodrome after hours on brutal cobbled sectors. With such elite pedigree to maintain, the R is comfortable to source speed and comfort outside the frame design to enhance its all-round racing potential. Accommodating 28mm tires — although this model comes with 25mm tires — the R rails over broken country roads with steadfast confidence. And the larger contact patch boosts confidence for aggressive race cornering that will leave you thinking only about the finish line instead of wondering if you can hold your line.

Working back through the frame, the R maintains Cervelo's BBright bottom bracket for its proven performance and stiffness standards. Additionally, it plays well with all major crank standards. Cervelo uses the Squoval Max tubes to create a seamless blend of square and oval shapes to balance stiffness with aerodynamic gains so you can stomp out tempo climbs and the carve high-speed descents with equal prowess. Additionally, while not as out-and-out aero as its S-Series lineup, the tube shapes and internal cable routing do serve to clean up the front end and make for a streamlined silhouette.

Cervelo achieves the high standards of the R's carbon layup by using advanced engineering software like Finite Element Analysis (FEA) that allows it to understand better exactly how each layer of carbon fiber is working and if it's being used properly. Almost prescription-like, a specific frame layup is crafted with hundreds of individually cut plies of carbon in a mold in a specific order and orientation. By precisely cutting these plies, the frame can be made lighter while still achieving the desired strength and reliability.

The carbon layup is one area where Cervelo addresses the comfort issue. Another lies in its Elite Road Fit geometry. It focuses on efficiency and allows for easy setup for a variety of fits without compromising on comfort. It's aggressive enough for the demanding racer but does not sacrifice endurance comfort for the all-day jaunts or coffee social rides.

Finally, we love the small details that make a Cervelo a Cervelo. Things like its Future-Proof Cable Management system allows for full compatibility across mechanical, electronic, and hydraulic brake and derailleur systems. Its interchangeable cable stops snap into the frame and are easily swapped out by hand to accommodate different builds. And for those that prefer elite precision and swift shifting, the Shimano Ultegra Di2 drivetrain shines as both a reliable workhorse and thoroughbred come race day.