Gallery: Cervelo’s new super high-end Rca blends light weight, stiffness, and aerodynamics
- By Caley Fretz
- Published Mar. 14, 2013
The new Cervelo Rca
The all-new Cervélo Rca is the latest from the brand's California high-end development center. It weighs about 670 grams in a size 54, and drops into the 500s in small sizes. Most impressive, though, is Cervélo's claim that the new frame is 7.4 watts quicker against the wind than the old R5ca. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
The Rca is narrower up front. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
The seatstays were turned 90 degrees, so they are now taller than they are wide for improved aerodynamics. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
Front end of the Rca. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
Internal routing ports are essentially future proof, compatible with mechanical, electronic, and even hydraulic systems. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
The dropouts have been modified, losing five grams from the R5ca. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
The downtube changes shape, tapering from a traditional Squoval tube to a kamm-tail aero shape. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
The large bottom bracket section and BBright standard remain. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
The headtube keeps its 1 1/8" to 1 1/4" taper, but is narrow in the middle. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
The California-series bikes are the best Cervélo can make. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
Rca dropouts. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
The seat tube is squared off into a kammtail-like shape. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
Branding is incredibly subtle on the California Cervélos. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
Already UCI approved. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
The internal routing uses various plugs to adjust for different shift systems. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
No rear wheel cutout on the Rca, but the back side of the seat tube is flattened. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
A tapered, thin top tube maintains lateral stiffness. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
A new coating on the fork helps prevent crushed steerer tubes. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
The seatstays, now in aero position. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
BB area. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
Cervélo went with a half-solid seatstay yoke to help maintain stiffness. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
The shaping of the Rca is subtle. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
The new Cervelo Rca
The all-new Cervelo Rca will set you back $10,000. Only 325 will be sold. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com
FILED UNDER: Bikes and Tech / Gallery / Quick Look TAGS: Cervelo
Caley Fretz
Tech Editor Caley Fretz came on board with VN in September 2010, and now splits his year between Boulder, Colorado and Annecy, France. Beyond his journalistic pursuits, he is a category 1 road, 'cross and track racer. He also holds a pro XC mountain bike license, though unlicensed racing is now more his style.
