The Cervélo Soloist is an icon of road racing that dates back to the early-2000s – credited with doing more than any other to create the shift to aero frames – and it’s been resurrected for a new generation in 2023. Designed as a do-it-all race bike, this is the machine to invest in for consistent daily use, made for riders who want to train, race and smash PBs.
If you can only justify the investment in one high-performance road bike, then make it this one.
The new Soloist is a ready-to-race steed likely to be spotted among fast groups chasing segments and high average speeds. It’s a bike that boasts the best of both the R5 and the S5, delivering a lightweight and aerodynamic package, at a price that won’t knock you back.
The Tech You Get
How much does Cervélo Soloist weigh? Well, the frame is made from lightweight carbon, which Cervélo says comes in a 919g for the 56cm size. That results in a build of a little over 7.7kg, depending on your exact componentry. Soloist can run tyres up to 34mm, so you can expect a smooth ride and reduced fatigue. This bike delivers poise, stability and precision when that killer climb turns into a rapid descent. Internal cabling helps make for tidiness and protection. The BBRighT-47 bottom bracket is ideal for anyone putting big miles on their bike, making BB swaps easy and extending the life of the frame.
The Range Explained
The Soloist range is made up of six options, with the entry level at £3,500 moving up to the top of the range at £7,100. The core differences as you move up the range are in the groupset, and you can pick according to your preference of Shimano or SRAM, mechanical or digital. The range progresses from Shimano 105 through to Ultegra Di2 and SRAM’s Rival and Force eTap AXS. Wheels start off at Alexrims Boondocks 5s, moving up through Fulcrum Racing 600DBs up to Reserve 44s with Zipp 176 hubs.
Cervelo Soloist vs Similar Bikes
As Soloist is pitched as a more affordable “bit of both” for speed and comfort, we get a lot of people coming in asking for advice about the best choice for them between Cervélo Soloist and Caledonia and Trek Domane. As always, it depends on what kind of riding you want it for. Soloist’s geometry leans more towards racing or keeping up with a pretty fast group, while Caledonia and Domane are more about comfort over a longer period and also riding on gravel or other slightly chunkier surfaces.
Tom’s Take
Tom, General Manager of our Ashford store, says: “What makes this bike so exciting is that the original Cervélo Soloist was ridden by some world class racers, thanks to its then new and unusual design. That design paved the way for all aero bikes and their geometric style. The recalibrated version embraces the developments that have taken place over 20 years, and puts them together in a bike that is the perfect blend of Cervélo’s R5 and S5 models, the Cervélo racing bikes that won the 2022 Tour De France. “
The Final Word
If you want to start taking road racing seriously, or boost your training to become the best in your club, then this is the bike for you. Its versatility and durability are what make this a unique racing bike, with a price that won’t break the bank. We hope you love this bike as much as we do.
We have Cervelo Soloist in stock right now. Come into our Ashford and Folkestone showrooms to speak to one of our knowledgeable team who can advise you on how to get the most out of your Cervélo Soloist. For all things Cervélo visit our page here.
