Building on its legendary R5ca model, leading bike innovator, Cervélo, has launched the RCA frameset. The new Cervélo RCA ‘makes the lightest even lighter’ (at 667g average weight for a 54cm frame size with paint and small parts) while maintaining optimal stiffness. The RCA also introduces Squoval 3 tube shapes, drawing on aerodynamic lessons learned with the Cervélo S series, as well as ‘future-proof internal cable routing’.
As an aspirational brand for many triathletes, Cervélo has repeatedly been top of the pile at the Kona Bike Count issued each year by Lava magazine.
Targeted at road riding, the Cervélo RCA frameset is available now for an RRP of US$10,000 in a limited edition run of 325. “The RCA showcases the best of Cervélo’s knowledge, testing and industry-leading engineering processes,” said Cervélo co-founder and CEO Phil White.
“We are always proud to introduce a new Cervélo, but given its no-holds barred, best-of-the-best nature, launching a new Project California bike is particularly special. The new RCA further solidifies our leadership in innovating faster, stiffer, lighter and stronger bikes.”
Project California
For the past few years, a small group of engineers has worked in a California facility to optimize the way Cervélo bikes are designed and built. They developed the carbon lay-ups of the current R, S and P series bikes. They also work on new production techniques, to make lighter, stiffer and stronger frames. Their latest R&D creation – the Cervélo RCA – is now available in a limited production run.
Using its Concurrent Aero & Structural Engineering (CASE) approach, Cervélo brought its Toronto and California teams together in a cross?disciplinary process with the goal to maximize the structural and aerodynamic performance of the final design.
Utilizing in-house F1 engineering design tools – CAD, FEA, CFD – Cervélo was able to virtually test all aspects of frame performance. The RCA also features the cycling-world début of new technologies such as 3M Powerlux Composite, which allows reduced weight for equal strength, and Integran/PowerMetal Nanovate, enabling a safe, secure fork with the ‘unbelievable weight’ of 300g with an uncut steerer.
The results are notable:
- 667g average weight for 54cm frame with paint and small parts
- Stiffness equivalent to R5ca
- Aerodynamic savings of 7.4 watts over the current R-series (over 100 kilojoules over a 5 hour stage) and up to 10.2 watts less drag than typical road bikes
All of this is achieved without sacrificing the legendary ride quality of the R5ca, a bike as renowned for its lively, comfortable ride as for its phenomenal low weight. Using the ComfortPly technology also developed as part of Project California, which removes unnecessary fibres to reduce vibration and improve ride quality, the RCA is a lightweight bike for heavy roads.
Cervélo Cycles was created in 1995 when two engineers, Phil White and Gérard Vroomen, decided to market their work developing the fastest possible time trial bikes. Today, Cervélo is recognized internationally as one of the most innovative bike manufacturers: a company with more engineers than bike models.
Cervélo partners with one of the top pro road cycling teams, Team Garmin-Sharp, and the world’s most established and successful triathlon team, teamTBB. Cervélo has been ridden to victory at the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France, the Ironman World Championships, and numerous other national and international races.
Readers of VeloNews, CycleSport, and Slowtwitch (all publications for serious cyclists and triathletes) voted Cervélo as the number one brand they intend to purchase. Cervélo has meanwhile won awards from Bicycling Magazine, Triathlon Business International, and Men’s Journal, among many others.
