Cervelo

C2 Disc 105 R7020 Road Bike

You're in the market for a new bike, but your needs vary from casual commute to weekend centuries, and you're worried that you won't be able to tackle all of your needs in one place. Cervelo is here to relieve some of that stress with the new C2 Disc 105 R7020 Complete Bike, with relaxed geometry and a more upright riding position that is built for longer, more comfortable miles. The C2 combines Cervelo's high-performance pedigree with wider tires, and a vibration-damping frame to amplify versatility — without breaking the bank.

At first glance the C2 may give some visual queues to a couple of modles from Cervelo's R-series lineup, like the Squoval downtube technology that offers the rigidity of square tubes for torsional stiffness, and the oversized BBRight bottom bracket shell, that balances the front's stiffness with rigidity in the rear end of the bike. But stiffness, while important, isn't everything, and finding a balance to tone down the harshness that we find from overly-stiff rides is critical when it comes to improving ride quality and comfort — a couple of factors that Cervelo takes seriously in the C-series bikes. That's precisely why we see specific engineering in the rear end come into play, like the curved seat-stays, and arced seat tube, which flex under pressure to reduce the noise that travels into your body while you ride. It's important that this flex doesn't change your position on the bike, which can happen if things get just a touch too soft, so Cervelo employs a beefy and stiff chainstay to keep things locked into place. This translates to a ride that is stiff and responsive, and still has a knack for muting jarring vibrations.

Cervelo's designers try to find a balance when it comes to riding position. While sitting upright is undoubtedly comfortable, we don't want to feel like we're on the way to go grocery shopping on a beach cruiser when we're hammering into mile 85 of a Gran Fondo — but inversely we prefer to avoid a cramped up aero fit through the long miles. Cervelo strikes an ideal balance in between the two extremes with a 7mm lift above the head tube in the R3, and a steep seat tube that still keeps you forward in the cockpit. This translates to a bit more comfort, without completely tossing aerodynamics out the window, so you can go far, fast.

If you've got an eye for geometry, chances are you're looking at the C2's siblings in the C-series and scratching your head to find the differences. What you'll find is, in fact, nothing. The C2, C3, and C5 all feature identical geometry throughout the lines. Don't be fooled though, there are still major differences. Firstly, each frame uses a different grade of carbon, with the C5 using the highest modulus, or stiffest, which allows less carbon to be put into the frame, shedding weight, and also utilizing a top-tier fork that was tried and tested in Cervelo's experimental facility in California. The C3 falls next in line, with slightly lower modulus carbon, and a standard fork, which ads a touch of weight above the C5. Finally, we come to the C2, which uses a lower modulus carbon fiber ideal for muting rough and damaged roads, elevating comfort, with a bit more weight. The C2 lands at a much more pocket-friendly price point because of its heavier carbon layup, which still scales in lighter than most other endurance-steeds on the market.