Soloist 105 Race

Introduced in 2023, the modern Cervelo Soloist revives a historic nameplate as a carbon disc-brake road bike positioned squarely between the brand's S5 aero machine and R5 climbing specialist. Cervelo designed the Soloist for the dedicated amateur racer seeking a single, versatile platform that performs efficiently on flat roads while remaining highly capable on sustained climbs.

The frame utilizes contemporary aerodynamic tube shaping, dropped seatstays, and a proprietary aero seatpost. However, it steps away from the extreme integration of top-tier superbikes to prioritize everyday usability. Key practical updates include a threaded BBRight-47 bottom bracket for simplified maintenance and generous frame clearance for tires up to 34mm. The cable routing strikes a deliberate balance, hiding hoses inside the frame at the headset bearing cap while keeping them external to the stem, allowing riders to adjust their fit or pack the bike for travel without disconnecting brake lines.

$5,350Shimano 105

Build

Size

Inventory

$5,350

$5,350

$5,350

$5,350

$5,350

$5,350

Stack	540mm
Reach	383mm
Top tube	548mm
Headtube length	130mm
Standover height	774mm

Fit and geometry

The Soloist borrows heavily from the R5 climbing bike to establish its handling characteristics and rider posture. Across the size range, the geometry leans toward a traditional race fit, requiring a relatively low, forward position. A consistent 410mm chainstay length across all sizes keeps the rear wheel tucked in for sharp accelerations, while the 73-degree head tube angle on the mid-to-large frames yields quick, predictable steering.

Cervelo’s approach to the cockpit significantly eases the process of dialing in rider fit. Because the brake hoses route under the stem rather than through it, owners can easily swap stem lengths or adjust handlebar roll without the hassle of bleeding hydraulic lines. The bike ships with a proprietary SP27 carbon aero seatpost, which features a zero-offset head on the smallest sizes and a 15mm offset on size 58 and 61 frames to accommodate taller riders. The combination of standard stem compatibility and accessible routing makes the Soloist highly adaptable for riders who need to fine-tune their reach and drop.

Full specs

Frameset

Fork

Cervélo All-Carbon, Tapered Soloist Fork

Groupset

Shift levers

Shimano 105, R7120

Front derailleur

Shimano 105, R7100

Rear derailleur

Shimano 105, R7100

Cassette

Shimano 105, R7101, 11-34T, 12-Speed

Chain

Shimano M7100

Crankset

Shimano 105, R7100, 52/36T

Bottom bracket

FSA, T47 BBright for 24mm spindle

Front rotor

Shimano CL700 Centerlock

Rear rotor

Shimano CL700 Centerlock

Wheelset

Front wheel

Reserve 40, Reserve hub, 12x100mm, 24H, centerlock, tubeless compatible

Rear wheel

Reserve 44, Reserve hub, 4 Pawl, 12x142mm, HG freehub, 24H, centerlock, tubeless compatible

Front tire

Vittoria Corsa N.EXT TLR G2.0 700x29c

Rear tire

Vittoria Corsa N.EXT TLR G2.0 700x29c

Cockpit

Stem

Cervélo ST36 Alloy

Handlebars

Cervélo HB13 Carbon, 31.8mm clamp

Saddle

Prologo Nago R4 PAS Steel

Seatpost

Cervélo SP27 Carbon

Builds

Cervelo offers the Soloist in six complete builds, all utilizing the exact same carbon frame and fork. This means entry-level buyers receive the same chassis quality as those purchasing the top-tier models.

The lineup begins with a mechanical Shimano 105 build rolling on alloy Vision Team wheels. Moving up the ladder introduces electronic shifting, starting with the 105 Race and Rival AXS models, which also upgrade the rolling stock to Reserve carbon wheels. The Reserve wheelsets vary slightly by build, with mid-tier options using a 40mm front and 44mm rear profile, while the premium Ultegra Di2 and Force AXS builds utilize a slightly deeper 42mm front and 49mm rear combination laced to DT Swiss 350 hubs.

All SRAM AXS builds—including the 1x Force AXS variant—come equipped with crank-based power meters straight from the factory. Across the board, Cervelo specs Vittoria Corsa N.EXT tubeless-ready tires, typically in 28c or 29c widths, taking advantage of the frame's generous clearance. While the drivetrain and wheel specifications are highly competitive, reviewers frequently note that the stock alloy handlebars and stems used across all builds present an obvious area for future upgrades.

105

$3,900

Shimano 105

105 Race

$5,350

Shimano 105Selected

Rival AXS

$6,700

SRAM Rival AXS

Ultegra Di2

$7,350

Shimano Ultegra Di2

Force AXS

$7,500

SRAM Force AXS

Force AXS 1

$7,600

SRAM Force AXS 1

Reviews

Reviewers consistently characterize the Soloist as a highly responsive, stiff race bike that rewards aggressive pedaling. The frame's robust bottom bracket and oversized chainstays deliver excellent power transfer, with testers noting the chassis remains "unfazed by even my least-tame accelerations" (Velo). On descents and through corners, the bike feels stable and predictable, proving "accurate and nimble when threading through winding terrain" (BikeRadar).

While the Soloist is generally praised for its speed, opinions diverge on its ride comfort over broken pavement. The rear triangle and wide tire clearance provide a degree of compliance, leading some to find the bike surprisingly "smooth-rolling" (BikeRadar) for an aero-focused frame. Conversely, multiple reviewers experienced a firm, chattery front end on rougher roads, with one noting a "punishing amount of hand and arm sting" (Cyclist) on unkempt surfaces. This front-end harshness is frequently attributed to the stock alloy handlebars, prompting suggestions that a carbon handlebar upgrade could significantly improve vibration damping.

Overall, the consensus points to a highly capable machine that excels in fast group rides and amateur racing. It may lack the absolute explosive snap of a pure climbing bike or the ultimate top-end speed of a dedicated aero rig, but it successfully blends those traits into a cohesive, reliable package.