The key theme of this new bike from Cervélo is that it is… well, it’s responding to market demand. It is part of a new ‘Modern Road’ catalogue. It may be light and aero and blah, blah, blah… but that’s not the main message from the launch. Rather, it’s “a bike for the way riders ride”.

The pictures tell quite a story, and as that’s all we have for the moment, let’s not pretend we know more about this bike than what the images, spec and price list tell us.

We’ll find out more when our review bike arrives and there’s a chance to ride and understand the nature of Modern Road. The messaging in the release material, however, highlights tyre clearance over weight, it talks about creating a bike that caters for a market of new adventurers and experienced riders alike. It suggests that this is a bike to ride and enjoy and earn experiences with.

“34mm tire clearance | 30mm with fenders”.

Got that? Big tyres fit. And that’s that.

It’s a little bit R5, a little bit Aspero. It’s a new bike called the Caledonia.

There’s a bit of fun with the campaign too. Curious imaging (see below) and a nod to the new-style rider that has emerged from lockdown. Get nice bike. Go for ride. Smile. Appreciate the good things. Next…?

It’s a new-modern and a new-style release. It promises much, shares a common aesthetic in 2020 but, as it’s a Cervélo, we’re bound to discover a few new treats from this new release.


Next topic? Price. We’ll quote Aussie dollars (as of launch day, 23 July 2020):

  • Cervélo Caledonia 5 (with Shimano Dura Ace Di2, plus 4iii power meter): AUD$15,000
  • Cervélo Caledonia 5 (with SRAM Red Etap, plus Quarq power meter): AUD$14,500
  • Cervélo Caledonia 5 (with SRAM Force Etap, plus Quarq power meter): AUD$10,500
  • Cervélo Caledonia 5 (with Shimano Ultegra Di2, no power meter): AUD$9,700
  • Cervélo Caledonia (with Shimano Ultegra Di2, no power meter): AUD$6,900
  • Cervélo Caledonia (with Shimano Ultegra, no power meter): AUD$5,400
  • Cervélo Caledonia (with Shimano 105, no power meter): AUD$4,300
  • Cervélo Caledonia 5 Frameset (inc. seatpost): AUD$6,400


Of course it’s about more than big tyres but it is quite refreshing to have to go searching for the usual bike release terms in the launch kit. Eventually you see aerodynamic references and some stuff about weight, but the message of ‘Modern Road’ is simple: get a bike, ride it.

It’s a new Cervélo, and that always generates a bit of a buzz. The Caledonia. Nice name. Fun campaign. And a concept that seems apt for now: a bike for the way riders ride.

There’ll be more to come, our review frame has been ordered. Stay tuned.

 

– By Rob Arnold

 


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