Just in time for the Tour de France, Cervelo unveils their latest bike in the "aero-road" category that they helped create with their World Championship winning S3. Borrowing technology from their successful P4 time trial bike and lessons learned from the S3, the S5 takes a step-up in aerodynamics and stiffness, while coming in at the sub-1,000 gram range (claimed) for the frame. It will be available on July 1st, retailing for $9,000 with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 build, or $7,500 for the SRAM Red build. Three other lower priced models will also be available.  Look for select Garmin-Cervelo riders to be riding the S5 in the Tour de France. Rumor has it that World Champion Thor Hushovd has already been logging miles on his S5.

While most companies are comparing wind-tunnel data of their aero-road bikes to that of their own round-tube models, showing a dramatic decrease in drag, Cervelo is comparing the S5 to their already aerodynamic S3. The results: 36.8 seconds faster over 40 kilometers, equating to over 9 watts of power savings versus the S3. 

A hidden wedge is used to clamp the seatpost, which helps keep the sculpted look of the S5's toptube's smooth transition into the seattube. 

The S5's aero seatpost has two positions for the saddle set-back, allowing you to optimize your position for any type of riding, whether it's a casual road ride or the weekend time trial. 

In similar fashion to Cervelo's time trial bikes, the downtube acts as a fairing of sorts where it meets the fork. This creates a smooth transition for the wind from its first point of contact: the fork to the downtube. 

Internally routed cables keep out of the wind and weather, as well as giving the bike a clean, uncluttered look. The cable guide on the bottom bracket is made to sit flush with the frame, minimizing any potential wind drag. 

The bottom bracket junction is dramatically beefed up over the S3's design. Using the BBright system that Cervelo developed gives the S5 a 13% increase in lateral stiffness. Although light, the S5 doesn't have all the trick weight savings designs that the ultra-light R5 does. The R5 has a molded carbon front derailleur mount, while the S5 uses an alloy mount that threads into the frame.

The S5's seatstays are oriented to direct airflow around the rear brake to limit turbulence, resulting in a faster ride. 

With Stage 1 of the Tour de France suited to a rider like Thor Hushovd, look for Garmin-Cervelo to net the S5 its first win on Saturday. For more info go to Cervelo.