Two lightweight Belgian-DNA race bikes face off: Cervélo's WorldTour-proven climbing chassis against Ridley's all-new Falcn RS Classics weapon. Both are race-bred, sub-800g flagships with stack-and-reach driven geometry - this guide breaks down which one fits your size, terrain, and riding style.
$5,500 - $14,000
Best for: WorldTour climbing and all-around road racing
$5,500 - $11,000
Best for: Belgian Classics-style racing and hilly all-day rides
| Aspect | Cervelo R5 | Ridley Falcn RS |
|---|---|---|
| Reach (M / 54) | 388mm | 386mm |
| Stack (M / 54) | 532mm | 552mm |
| Tire Clearance | 30mm | 32mm ✓ |
| Frame Weight (top build) | 790g ✓ | 830g |
| Cockpit Flexibility | Round seatpost, optional integrated bar | Standard bar/stem, easy fit adjustments ✓ |
| Service Network (North America) | Wide dealer support ✓ | Smaller but growing |
| Warranty | 5 years frame | Lifetime frame (registered) ✓ |
| Measurement | Cervelo R5 | Ridley Falcn RS | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 51 | 54 | 56 | 58 | XS | S | M | L |
| Stack (mm) | 510 | 532 | 556 | 580 | 510 | 530 | 552 | 574 |
| Reach (mm) | 380 | 388 | 389 | 395 | 375 | 380 | 386 | 392 |
Cervélo uses traditional 48-61cm seat-tube sizing while Ridley uses XXS-XL letter sizing. A Cervélo 54 (stack 532 mm, reach 388 mm) sits between the Ridley S and M Falcn RS - closest to the M (552/386) on reach but ~20 mm lower in stack. Riders moving from a 54 R5 to an M Falcn RS should expect to remove a 10-15 mm spacer to keep the same bar height.
Choose the Cervélo R5 if you want a sub-800g WorldTour-proven climber with deep build-kit options and broad service support. Choose the Ridley Falcn RS for slightly more usable stack at the same reach, a Belgian Classics ride feel, and a lifetime frame warranty.
Ridley Falcn RS - taller stack at the same reach is easier to hold all day
Cervélo R5 - lighter frame and deeper WorldTour development heritage