Bike Test: Cervelo R2

Cervelo is a rather unique bike brand. You’re not going to find a comfort bike, a townie, a tricked-out fixie or even an endurance-geometry bike in their line. Racing bikes are what they do, and that’s all they do. While the price of the top-of-the- line RCA is targeting the one-percenters, that’s not at all the case with the new R2.

THE FRAME
At $2500, the R2 is pushing the envelope for Cervelo—not necessarily with new technology, but with price point. Cervelo’s R-series hierarchy goes from the $10,000 RCA frame to the R5, R3 and now the R2. Every one of the frames looks nearly identical to the other, since Cervelo’s engineering approach has been to throw all their resources at the nearly unattainable RCA, then trickle that technology down through the line. In fact, the only thing that is different between the R3 frameset and the R2 is a new fork that has an abundance of tire clearance.

The R2 uses Cervelo’s Squoval 3 tube shapes first introduced on the RCA and designed to provide a slight aerodynamic advantage while still maintaining the two paramount traits of the R-series—low weight and high stiffness. Even though Cervelo doesn’t make any claims regarding compliance numbers, features such as the top tube’s small diameter where it meets the seat tube, and the micro seatstays, are all designed to decrease the amount of pounding and vibrations getting through to the rider. One thing Cervelo has done to ensure the R2 frame is completely upgradable to any shifting system or rim brake currently on the market is their Future Proof Cable Management system. An assortment of cable stops come with the bike that allow compatibility with mechanical, electronic and hydraulic systems.

THE PARTS
When the R2 first came through the office, it was our first chance to ride Shimano’s redesigned 105group. It features 11 speeds and some of the shifting improvements made to Ultegra and Dura-Ace, such as a shorter shifter throw. Wheels are also from Shimano and use the 24mm-deep aluminum RS010 (24-spoke rear, 20-spokefront). Instead of using a complete 105 group, the R2 uses FSA Gossamer Pro brake calipers, along with Gossamer cranks. The remainder of the build uses an FSA SL-K seatpost and a 3T aluminum Ergonova handlebar with ARX stem. Overall weight is a very impressive 17.2 pounds; in fact, the R2 is the lightest bike we’ve had through the office in its price range.

THE RIDE
It’s true; we tend to spend a lot of time riding bikes above the $5000 price range. But, truth be told, we consistently find the best bang for the buck well below that price, and the R2 is the perfect example of this. The Shimano 105 components deliver crisp, precise shifts, while the aluminum 3T handlebar and stem felt as solid and stiff in hand as any higher-priced carbon versions. The frame was hardly an unknown factor since we reviewed the R3 less than a year ago, and, once again, we’re impressed with how efficient the power transfer feels in or out of the saddle. Even though its compliance isn’t ever going to be confused with an endurance bike, it’s not exactly a rough ride, either, and does an especially good job in vibration damping. What was a little underwhelming was the stopping power of the dual-pivot FSA brakes. With Shimano’s latest brake-caliper design, which now includes the 105, we’ve become accustomed to more powerful braking than what we experienced on this R2 build.

THE VERDICT
Hands down, the R2 is a very impressive bike for the money. Its ride performance is on par with bikes in a completely different price range, and since it’s such a high-end frame for the price, it’s worthy of some component upgrades down the road. There are a number of aluminum wheelsets that can be had for under $800 that could shave off a pound in rotating weight—that’s a considerable amount. Or, simply throw on a pair of 25c tires when the stock 23c pair is worn out and further improve the bike’s ride quality and handling. Other than our gripe of braking power, the Cervelo R2 is a great bike with nearly limitless capabilities.

PUNCH LINES
• A whole lot of frame for the money
• Lightest bike we’ve seen for the price point
• Less-than-ideal stopping power

STATS
Price: $2500
Weight: 17.2 pounds
Sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56 (tested), 58, 61cm
www.cervelo.com