Versatile, High-Performance All-Rounder Bike
The Return of a Legend: Cervélo Soloist
Sometimes, the right thing returns at just the right moment. The Cervélo Soloist—reborn from days of glory in the early 2000s—has stepped back into the limelight. Not content to rest on sentimental value, it aims to serve the modern rider who demands a bike that’s both savage in a sprint and calm on the commute. If that’s you, welcome to the next chapter.
Built for the Race of Everyday Life
When your weekday routine transitions into weekend rides and occasional races, you need a machine that doesn’t flinch. The Cervélo Soloist is that ride: an aerodynamic workhorse that won’t break your back or your spirit.
The geometry borrows directly from its sibling, the R5, widely admired for unwavering handling and precision. You’ll descend technical switchbacks with newfound confidence, and climb twisting roads feeling balanced and nimble. This is a race bike for real life—fast enough for breakaways, approachable enough for daily training.
A Perfect Middle Ground
On the performance spectrum, the Soloist sits right between the wind-slicing S5 and the featherweight R5:
- Weight: Roughly 250g heavier than the R5, and 250g lighter than the S5.
- Aerodynamics: Gives away just 190g of drag to the S5 but gains a swift 126g advantage over the R5.
The takeaway? The Cervélo Soloist is neither extreme nor compromised. If a single machine must handle your climbs, your time in the drops, and your high-speed pursuits, consider the search over.
Modern Design, Real-World Durability
Internal Cable Routing That Doesn't Hold You Hostage
Internal routing improves aerodynamics, but Cervélo kept practicality at the forefront. The cables are routed under the stem—no need to bleed the brakes every time you swap stems or alter your position. This matters when you’re tweaking fit or lending the bike to friends, and it’s a detail you’ll appreciate after your first headache-free stem change.
Generous Tire Clearance
With room for up to 34mm measured tires, you’ve got options for riding any surface your day might bring. Looking to indulge in plush rubber or tackle less forgiving roads? The Cervélo Soloist makes it happen without sacrificing speed.
T47 BBRight Bottom Bracket
Borrowed from the R5-CX, the T47 BBRight bottom bracket is for riders who rack up big mileage. Swaps and maintenance become more straightforward, which means you’ll spend less time fiddling with tools and more time riding. In the long haul, easy maintenance equals a longer life for both your components and your frame.
Builds for Every Ambition
No two riders are the same, so the Cervélo Soloist lineup spans everything from Shimano 105 for an affordable entry to electronic shifting from SRAM and Shimano at the top end. Whether you’re a die-hard wireless fan or prefer mechanical simplicity, there’s a spec to match your style. Here are some standout builds:
- Rival AXS – Great wireless groupset value without a premium price.
- Force AXS – More refined wireless shifting and advanced power meter options.
- 105 Di2 – Shimano’s new electronic kit at a friendlier price point.
- Ultegra Di2 – Classic reliability meets top-tier performance.
- 105 – Reliable mechanical shifting for those who like to keep it straightforward.
Each build includes tubeless-ready wheels, disc brakes, and the same aerodynamic frame. Pick your groupset, tune your fit, then get out there.
Who Should Ride the Cervélo Soloist?
The Cervélo Soloist is built for the rider who wants a single bike to do it all. If your ideal day includes spirited group rides, a local criterium on the weekend, and longer forays over questionable backroads, it’s got you covered. If you’re eyeing an upgrade to electronic shifting and disk brakes for the first time—or planning an all-weather training setup for harsh winters—this is a strong candidate. Whether you’re a club racer or a dedicated enthusiast, the Soloist aims to deliver performance without punishing comfort.
Final Thoughts: One Bike, Many Roads
In a world where manufacturers push specialized niches, the Cervélo Soloist stands out as a refreshingly balanced alternative. It’s an homage to history wrapped in the best of modern design—proof that you can have one bike that thrives in diverse conditions. No matter which build you choose, you’re in for a ride that honors the past while welcoming every challenge the future throws at it.
If you’re looking for a name steeped in race heritage but engineered for the everyday rider, the Cervélo Soloist deserves a spot on your shortlist. It’s more than a two-wheeled machine—it’s a return to sensible speed and reliability, a companion for your next big breakaway (or your next big commute), and a testament to the idea that the “just-right” bike truly can exist.
Pros
1. Balanced Performance: The Soloist strikes the sweet spot between the lightweight R5 and the aerodynamic S5. It delivers race-ready speed without compromising climbability, making it ideal for all-around performance.
2. Race Geometry for Everyday Riders: With handling geometry borrowed directly from the R5, the bike offers exceptional poise and stability whether you’re attacking a climb, descending hairpins, or sprinting for the line.
3. Smart Internal Cable Routing: The cables are routed under the stem but not through it, making position adjustments or stem swaps painless. No bleeding brakes, no frustrating maintenance headaches.
4. Generous Tire Clearance: The frame accommodates tires up to 34mm, allowing for added comfort, traction, and versatility across varied surfaces. Riders have the freedom to balance speed and ride quality based on their needs.
5. Practical T47 BBRight Bottom Bracket: The threaded T47 bottom bracket is durable and easy to maintain, making it ideal for riders who rack up serious miles without a team mechanic at their disposal.
6. Range of Builds: From the mechanical Shimano 105 to the premium Ultegra Di2 and SRAM Force AXS, the Soloist offers high-performance options at multiple price points. This ensures accessibility for both serious racers and enthusiasts looking to upgrade.
7. All-Weather Capability: The Soloist isn’t delicate. It’s a machine that can handle harsh conditions, long training miles, and relentless use, making it an excellent year-round companion.
Cons
1. Slight Weight Penalty: At roughly 250g heavier than the R5, pure climbers might feel the extra grams on steep, sustained ascents, especially when chasing KOMs.
2. Not the Fastest Aerodynamically: While its aerodynamics are impressive, it’s still slower than the S5 by about 190g of drag. Riders obsessed with marginal aero gains might look elsewhere.
3. Limited Customization: Although the stock builds are solid, Cervélo’s choice of components like wheels and cockpits might not suit riders looking for ultra-premium upgrades out of the box.
4. Price for Entry-Level Riders: While the Soloist offers excellent value for its performance, the price tag, starting around £3,300, may still feel steep for beginners or those stepping into the sport.
5. One Bike, Many Compromises: By aiming to be a “jack of all trades,” the Soloist isn’t the absolute best at any one thing. Aero specialists might lean toward the S5, and pure climbers will still lust after the R5.
Verdict
The Cervélo Soloist is a masterclass in balance. It delivers impressive aerodynamics, excellent handling, and versatility in a single package, making it the ideal choice for riders who want one bike to do it all. Whether you’re racing crits, pounding out training miles, or exploring new routes, the Soloist offers the performance and reliability to meet your ambitions.
It’s not the absolute fastest, nor the lightest—but it’s the smart, intentional choice for real-world riders who value consistency and capability. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense bike that won’t back down from climbs, descents, or high-speed chases, the Cervélo Soloist lives up to its legendary name.
Starting £3,300 (Frameset)
If you’re seeking an alternative to the Cervélo Soloist, consider the Polygon Helios A8X—a road bike that merges aerodynamic efficiency with climbing prowess. Designed to cut through wind like a raindrop, it boasts a 24% reduction in drag while keeping its frame featherlight at just 800 grams. Built for those who crave speed on flats and control on technical ascents, the Helios delivers with a reinforced bottom bracket for maximum power transfer and precision handling. Equipped with Shimano Ultegra Di2, hydraulic disc brakes, and ENTITY WR5 tubeless-ready wheels, it’s a polished package at a competitive $4,699 price. With Polygon’s roots in crafting accessible yet world-class bikes, the Helios A8X offers an impressive balance of innovation, speed, and value—a worthy contender for any serious road cyclist.
