Is Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 Worth Buying? [Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 Review]

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Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 Review

• Price: $8,500
• Category: Endurance bikes
• Frame: Carbon
• Gear: 2×12
• Tires: 700 x 28c

What we like about it: Lightweight carbon frame with a full carbon fork, excellent geometry, and a high-performance component configuration that makes endurance riding easier.

What we don’t like about it: For endurance riding, it’s really hard to say what’s wrong with it.

Rating: (4.9/5)

Endurance bikes tend to be more suitable for most people than other types of bikes because they offer better comfort.

But that doesn’t mean it can’t keep up with the speed and agility. More and more endurance bikes are now offering us a great, yet well-rounded riding experience.

Today, I’ve found you the king of endurance bikes – the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 – an endurance bike that’s both beautiful and practical, and has everything you need.

Next, I’ll break down its endurance performance, slope performance, main features, component specifications, and comparison for you. If you’re interested, remember to follow us!

Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 Road Endurance Review

So far I’ve been riding the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 for about six months now. It’s now my bike of choice for rides with friends, and my former bike is gathering dust in the garage, but I didn’t mean to do that. Because the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 is so good, I wouldn’t want to ride anything else.

I would often meet up with my buddies to go for rides in the surrounding countryside. There are wide roads and lush woods and also pass through some hilly sections where the fresh air and the smell of birds and flowers surround us. This is our favorite endurance riding route. The beautiful scenery always arouses our desire to ride long distances, and the flat roads without a lot of ups and downs just lead from the city to the deep hills.

Right at the beginning of the ride, I was amazed by the comfort of its grip and saddle. The soft material but not collapsed, so it carried my body and hands well.

And, the new Caledonia tube shape of the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 gives me a lighter ride, and it is as aerodynamically optimized as promised. I experienced much less air resistance when I accelerated. I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow, it’s amazing!” I even wanted to ditch my teammates and go forward alone. This had to be a solo ride for me.

Experience

When I saw the 40km milestone on the side of the road, I didn’t even feel any fatigue, as if I had only ridden less than 30km. The time was also significantly faster than usual. The precise and easy shifting with full carbon composition played a very important role.

When facing some slightly steeper inclines, I switched to the big gears and was a little incredulous by Shimano’s smooth and quiet shifting, truly worthy of Shimano’s top-end group. Also, the very balanced geometry made me love it even more and the gentle seat tube angle didn’t affect my acceleration at all.

By the time I reached 80km, it only took me three and a half hours, which is almost half an hour faster than usual. I patted the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 and said “Slayyyy~” with a smile.

Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 Road Downhill Review

The Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2, with its aerodynamic optimization, really made me feel smoother and the lightness of the bike seemed to merge with the wind, pushing me gently down the hill.

However, I was a bit dazzled by the flickering shadows of the lush trees on either side. I couldn’t help but be a little concerned that I might make a mistake in a turn. However, the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2’s excellent braking system put my worries to rest. I gently pulled the brake lever and the quick and snappy braking allowed me to slow down in time and focus on the exit ahead. This, coupled with its Vittoria Rubino Pro TLR G2.0 tires, made me more comfortable in the corners. In addition, the soft nature of the tires worked to its advantage at this moment, being smooth and extremely grippy at the same time. And when I turned the corner, they had immediately recovered as they were, without delay.

One more thing, I didn’t hear the chain at all during the whole descent. I only heard the sound of the whistling wind and the wonderfully clear and pleasant sound of birds chirping.

Interestingly, the day after I finished this full ride, I came home without the same soreness as before. As you can see, the comfortable geometry of the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 and its powerful drivetrain kept me from exerting too much energy.

All in all, this bike has a very leading edge for long rides especially uphill. If you’re considering a better endurance bike, this one really shouldn’t be missed!

Main Features

Frame Group

Its sturdy carbon frame, wrapped in GLOSS BLACK paint color, gives the impression of a low-profile connoisseur who never claims his true skills. And it’s lightweight, has no burden, and has sturdy material durability.

Moreover, it sets us up with integrated mounts. So it supports mudguards, lights, and computers and doesn’t interfere with the aerodynamic design of the bike.

What’s more, its internal alignment system provides a simple and clean overall body.

Geometry

What we need in endurance riding is a relatively more comfortable riding position so that we can ride further. Therefore, we don’t need too aggressive geometry for us to increase the acceleration we gain while riding.

The Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2’s geometry is a good example of a comfortable ride. First, its 73° seat tube with a 72° head tube angle is relatively gentle. It allows us to ride in an upright position for long periods and does not compromise steering agility. Secondly, with a relatively long wheelbase of 1012mm, the longer wheelbase also has a good effect on the stability of our ride. Finally, the 60mm trail is just right to get more nimble turns in tight corners, and at the same time, you don’t need to worry about losing your center of gravity.

Components and Specifications

Shimano Ultegra Di2 8150 Drivetrain

The new Shimano Ultegra Di2 8150’s drivetrain offers us 12-speed shifting and it looks very smart with its simple design. In addition, it has a wireless unit with a charger and switch. We can set the mode directly on the app, mobile, tablet, or computer.

Is that all there is to it? Not really. It also simplifies the length of the single guide frame, which is 58% faster than the RD-R9150, so it builds faster, more accurate shifting performance for us. And with a gear ratio range compatible with up to 34T gears, it gives us even more possibilities when riding.

Shimano Ultegra 8170’s Braking System

The braking system is the same Shimano Ultegra Di2 series, and the redesigned ULTEGRA ST-R8170 dual control lever has a new ergonomic design. In case you didn’t know, it uses the tried and tested SERO WAVE technology to bring greater modulation and control to our ride. Just a gentle movement of the brake lever brings the brake pads into contact with the rotor. This means faster and smoother lever action for us.

Moreover, its brake lever is equipped with an extension adjustment mechanism. That is to say, we can adjust the distance from its handle to the operating lever. And no matter what size of hand you have or your habits, you can have the right position.

Vittoria Rubino Pro TLR G2.0 Tires

First of all, this is Vittoria’s tire with exclusive Graphene 3C compound technology, with a harder center tread and a softer but still very durable casing. And it is designed for intensive training and can also be used for racing.

Secondly, the tire has a fast-rolling tube casing structure. Therefore, it has a longer service life compared to ordinary carbon tires. Moreover, the puncture resistance and handling are also improved to a certain extent, and it is also lighter.

Once again, its rims are very well set up. the New Reserve 40|44 rims offer 24h all-day performance and aerodynamic sensitivity.

In addition, it has a wider, shallower front tire and a narrower, taller rear tire. The mixed front and rear setup provide maximum stability and lighter weight.

Finally, it uses internally reinforced spoke holes to strengthen the areas of the rim that are under the most stress. This gives it a bolder strength without adding unnecessary weight.

Other versions of Cervelo Caledonia-5

In my eyes, every detail of this bike is perfect. However, it has other versions that differ from it in some components and price. Next will be, we present the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Red eTap AXS. if you also want to know more about it, read on.

Cervelo Caledonia-5 Red eTap AXS

The bike’s specifications are higher than those of the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2. The main reason is that its drivetrain and braking system are SRAM RED series, which is SRAM’s highest series so far.

Its drivetrain of choice is the SRAM RED eTap AXS 12-speed. The SRAM family claims that this front and rear derailleur is the most responsive, fast, and precise yet. Its red chain has been redeveloped from the ground up, with links that are shaped differently and are narrower and lighter than before. In addition, the chain offers more space between the outer plates and the cogs on either side, making its chain quieter and more precise when shifting.

As for its brakes, the SRAM Red HRD is a break with tradition. It moves the discharge port to the bottom of the caliper, and all four piston holes can be circulated. And, it also has contact point adjustment on the brake lever, so we can choose where to place our fingers when braking. This has more adjustment details than the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2.

What makes this bike even more attractive is that it is equipped with an AXS system and offers X-Range, which provides us with intelligent shift settings and personalized control. Making our ride almost worry-free.

All things considered, both bikes are great! They differ only in who has the superior components, and it’s better to choose the best.

I’d say the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 is for the more advanced endurance rider, while the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Red eTap AXS is more for the rider who wants to sprint to a race win. Or, perhaps, some people have a hobby of collecting top-of-the-line bikes.

What we like about it

• Lightweight carbon frame.
• Durable tapered Caledonia-5 fork.
• Vittoria Rubino Pro TLR G2.0 tires with strong grip.
• The flexible and rich Shimano Ultegra Di2 8150 drivetrain.
• Reliable and agile Shimano Ultegra 8170 hydraulic disc brake.

What we don’t like about it

• Not a saddle for everyone.

FAQs

1. What is the frame material of the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2?

The frame material of the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 is carbon.

2. What is the drivetrain of the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2?

The drivetrain of the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 is the Shimano Ultegra Di2 8150.

3. What is the braking system of the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2?

The braking system of Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 is Shimano Ultegra Di2.

Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 Specs

Build

Frame	carbon BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit Colors: Oasis; Gloss Black
Fork	Cervélo All-Carbon, Tapered Caledonia-5 Fork
Bottom Bracket	JY-BB 24
Headset	FSA IS2 1-1/4 x 1-1/2
Stem	Cervélo ST32 Alloy
Handlebar	Cervélo HB13 Carbon
Saddle	Prologo Dimension TiRox OR Selle Italia NOVUS BOOST EVO Superflow Ti
Seatpost	Cervélo SP24 Carbon

Groupset

Rear Derailleur	Shimano Ultegra Di2 8150, 12 spd
Front Derailleur	Shimano Ultegra Di2 8150, 12 spd
Crank	Shimano Ultegra 8100 52/36
Shifters	Shimano Ultegra Di2 8170, 12 spd
Cassette	Shimano Ultegra CS-R8100, 12 spd, 11-34
Chain	Shimano CN-M8100, 12 spd
Brakes	Shimano Ultegra 8170 Hydraulic Disc

Wheels

Rims	New Reserve 40/44mm DT370, 20h (F), 24h (R), 25.4mm IW (F), 25mm IW (R), Center-Lock, Tubeless Ready OR New Reserve 40/44mm Zipp 76/176 HG, 20h (F), 24h (R), 25.4mm IW (F), 25mm IW (R), Center-Lock, Tubeless Ready
Tires	Vittoria Rubino Pro TLR G2.0 28c

Video

Comparison Table

Bicycles	Price	Drivetrain	Brakes	Tires	Click view
Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4	$6,829	2×12 speed Electronic	Shimano Ultegra  Hydraulic Disc	700x32C	Click view
Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1	$6,500	2×12 speed Electronic	Shimano Ultegra Di2 Hydraulic Disc	700x32c	Click view
BMC Roadmachine X ONE	$6,699	1×12 speed Electronic	SRAM FORCE eTap AXS Hydraulic Disc	700x32c	Click view
Liv Avail Advanced Pro 1	$6500	2×12 speed Electronic	Shimano Ultegra Di2 Hydraulic Disc	700x32C	Click view

Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 VS Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4

My biggest feeling after reviewing these two bikes is that they differ in performance bias, and I can’t say which one is better or worse.

While the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 is more about comfort in endurance riding, the Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 is more about speed. This is reflected by their different geometric designs in the same size. At the same 56cm size, the Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 has a steeper seat tube angle and a shorter wheelbase, thus allowing the rider to lean over and accelerate more easily while riding. However, it is relatively less stable than the Cervélo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2.

I think the Trek Domane SL 7 Gen 4 is more suitable for the few riders who are looking for the ultimate speed experience. The Cervélo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2, on the other hand, is suitable for most riders.

Learn More: Trek Domane SL 5 Review – Are Performance Road Bikes Worth Buying?

Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 vs Giant Defy, Advanced Pro 1

This is Giant’s new enduro bike, also equipped with ultra-high components, and feels like a strong rival picked for the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2.

If we look at the price alone, Giant Defy, Advanced Pro 1 will be cheaper.

However, they are in the gear range where the Giant Defy, Advanced Pro 1 can reach a maximum speed of 63 km/h. The Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2, on the other hand, is 66 km/h.

Also, they are in the tire section, and I think the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 tire performs relatively better. Because it’s lighter and has better traction than the other carbon vacuum tires, and it feels most noticeable in the corners.

Although the Cervélo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 will be slightly more expensive, combining its performance, I think it will bring us more pleasure in endurance riding.

Learn More: Giant Defy Advanced 2 Review – Fast Enduro Star

Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 vs BMC Roadmachine X ONE

The reason we chose this bike to compare with the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 is quite interesting, simply because the bike’s set uses the SRAM FORCE series.

It’s exciting to know that comparing these two components of the same specification together is an exciting thing because they never stop competing.

They both give a good feeling in terms of the drivetrain and braking. However, I am more comfortable with the performance of the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2. Because Shimano’s drivetrain feels smoother to me, while SRAM is a bit rougher. Also, on some slightly bumpy roads, the Shimano is a little quieter.

As a reviewer, I think the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 gives me a better experience in terms of performance.

Learn More: BMC Roadmachine X Two Review – Taking You On The Ultimate Comfortable Road Enduro Ride

Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 vs Liv Avail, Advanced Pro 1

They both have the same set of accessories, both Shimano Ultegra series, but give me a different feeling.

While riding, I felt that the Liv Avail, Advanced Pro 1 would not be easy to power up. And I was not satisfied with its comfort on endurance rides, as I would feel my quads aching halfway through the ride. This is mainly because the seat post is shorter than the Cervélo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 and the geometry is more aggressive.

All in all, we needed a bike that could provide comfort for our long rides. Undoubtedly, the Cervelo Caledonia-5 Ultegra Di2 does a better job of balancing speed and comfort to my satisfaction.

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