Thank you for watching. If you enjoyed this video, please click the "like" button and subscribe to our channel here on RUclips. When you do, you’ll help get the word out to your fellow cyclists and motivate me to keep bringing you these independent reviews. -- Steve You can order the Cervelo Soloist and the components Miles speced on the bike using these links to stores I’ve vetted and recommend: Cervelo Soloist: Competitive Cyclist - snp.link/49ee16c1 Sigma Sports - tidd.ly/3W1Q0IG Shimano Ultegra Groupset: Performance Bike - snp.link/9da264d4 Merlin Cycles - prf.hn/l/bxl30QD Reserve 40|44 Wheelset: BTD (BikeTiresDirect) - tinyurl.com/3c68uxd4 Sigma Sports - tidd.ly/3S7UKeN Enve Aero Road Handlebars: BTD (BikeTiresDirect) - tinyurl.com/24edzwwj Performance Bike - snp.link/ab49caef Sigma Sports - tidd.ly/4d0CYlv Cervelo ST31 Stem: Competitive Cyclist - snp.link/f8565195 Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR Tires: BTD (BikeTiresDirect) - tinyurl.com/mwbe8d28 Performance Bike - snp.link/2d926d40 Tweeks Cycles - tidd.ly/46l0dot Amazon - amzn.to/3LnOnjx Fizik Antares Saddle: BTD (BikeTiresDirect) - tinyurl.com/mvrw2psx Performance Bike - snp.link/8c9b5379 Merlin Cycles - prf.hn/l/MbWARA9 4iiii Power Meter: BTD (BikeTiresDirect) - tinyurl.com/33by9882 Performance Bike - snp.link/fa4ea31c Merlin Cycles - prf.hn/l/QLaQz3d
I recently ordered this bike in the Azure color and can't wait to get my hands on it, this video definitely helped me make the decision to pick the Soloist so thank you for the great review. I was also considering the Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod with Ultegra but as Miles mentioned the stock wheelset on the Soloist is probably the best you can get on a bike that doesn't cost $10K+. The 2025 Ultegra Di2 model now comes with the 42/49 wheelset and a double sided power meter from 4iiii, usually you'll only see SRAM equipped bikes with power meters included so it's an amazing addition especially at this price point. Also I'm curious how they can sell the frameset for $2.700, it's heavier than many bikes out there now but at around 900 grams for a size 54 or 56cm it is certainly not a pig. We can only assume it's a lower quality carbon than the R5 and S5 frames but it still weighs less than the S5, no idea how they pulled that off but I'm glad they did. I'm sure Cervelo is making decent money off of the bike but clearly they are not as greedy as their competitors, really smart move on their part to spec the Soloist the way they have. We should probably expect to see more of these out on the road soon.
I have this bike and custom built it as well. I try my hardest on the faster group rides and the bike is 100% not holding me back. This bike is great for all types of riding.
I just bought this bike around 3 weeks ago. It’s a beast! The bike flies, looks great in person (mine is also gold), and is very comfortable. However, I had the dealer change the stem 3 times until it fit perfectly. I also swapped the seat for a Caledonia seat, which was much more comfortable in long rides.
I’ve been on gold soloist frame now for around 6500 miles; mine is a custom build; just bought the frame set. Love this bike. I also have a Caledonia which is also fantastic.
Great review, Steve! Funny - I just met Miles and his soloist after the Bullet Train last week. Had been thinking about upgrading recently, and this is the first video that came up!
I'm doing some research to get a new bike after 1 year without a bike. My last 2 bikes were supersixes, a 2021 regular and a 2021 hi-mod. I had the frame crack issue wth both, and both were replaced by warranty but I gave up on the model and sold. Now that cannondale solved it for good with the 2024 model, my choice is between the soloist and the supersix. If I get the soloist it will be my first non cannondale bike in a long tiime.
Great Value bike , Im on the fence between the Soloist vs the R5 I know the R5 is lighter and the price for the R5 is not that much more but I do like the look of the Soloist better, the problem with Cervelo is that they come only in 2 colors, They should give more choices.
This is the bike that I recommend to any remotely serious recreational rider, probably best bang for the buck without going to Chinese brands. That said, I also recommend asking the bike shop to swap out chainrings/casettes for riders doing more hills and/or pushing fewer watts to something like 52/36 and 11-34, but that's not really a huge deal. I would go for the dual-side Favero Assioma Duo, though, for most people. I think for great rider/racer you probably don't have to work much on pedaling motion/balance, but for lesser riders, the dual-side data can be extremely valuable.
Ultegra 12 speed shifts great. Better than ever! The reason yours is slow is that poorly designed direct mount hanger you have. Get the standard hanger and the original B link for the derailleur and it’ll be great.
Dunno. Most enthusiasts looking at a bike like this will already have a PM, pedals, preferred saddle, and tires they'll bring over from their current bike. Even adding those new, you're still well short of $10K (and $9K too).
@ well there’s nothing wrong with the set up and the reasoning, and there is also the case to be made that passionate racers who sit on the bike for 10-15hrs a week don’t have to defend their riding choices…
Great review and well-deserved like! A question about sizing here. How tall is Miles and what size frame is it? Asking for the reference point for myself. I appreciate that you filmed this video with Miles standing behind the bike and holding it vertically. So we can see the distance between the top tube and his jewels.:) I’m looking into getting the Soloist myself now, and I think I’d like to shoot for the same type of stand over height for me… I am 5’7” tall and currently have the Cervelo Aspero in size 51 - it is a good fit, except I keep wishing I had narrower handlebars, a 10 mm longer stem, and the 165 mm cranks on it… Which may be pointing that I’m ready for frame altogether! When I compared the geometry for the 51 Aspero vs.b51 Soloist, I was quite a bit worried about the 16 mm difference in stand over height, with the Soloist being taller somehow. My.LBS that is going to do the build for me suggested that I go with size 48 frame…. At first, I thought that would be way way too small for me, but seeing many great riders opting for the smaller size frames, I’m trying to make up my mind whether or not I will be OK with the 48 size frame, especially considering that the stem on my 51 cm Aspero is completely slammed now, and I have NO issues whatsoever getting in the lower position and in fact often find myself _wanting_ to go EVEN lower and trying to do it subconsciously when I ride. What are your thoughts about the 48 cm Soloist for a guy who is 5‘7“ tall, with about 29 inch inseam; comfortable with the 51 cm ASPERO but seemingly ready to experiment with the smaller size frame (OR components), and rides about 16 hours a week on average, just like Miles? Any insight will be much appreciated!
Miles is 5' 10". He's on a 54 Soloist and is very flexible. I'd suggest you focus on stack and reach rather than stand over height. I'm also 5' 10" and just finished reviewing a 56 Aspero with Nate who is 5' 11 and Conor who is 6'. The bike seemed a bit stretched out for us so maybe a 54 would have been better.
@@intheknowcycling thank you for the response, sir! Much appreciated. I have not watched your review of the Aspero. It is a bit shocking that someone who is 6 feet tall - a good 5 inches taller than I am - would feel more comfortable on 54 frame (while the Cervelo website suggest they should be firmly in the 58 cm range)… This is also an affirmation, I guess, that if I go two sizes down from the suggested frame size., I should be OK with the 48 Soloist, especially if other indicators are also pointing in that direction (wanting narrower handlebars, smaller 165 mm cranks, and longer stem on the 51 Aspero).
@@akmola1 You may have misinterpreted my message or perhaps I misinterpreted yours. Miles at 5'10" and rides a 54 Soloist. Conor at 6', and I at 5'10" rode a 56 Aspero. I urge you to measure your stack and reach to decide on your frame size. You can specify your handlebar width and stem length (Miles specified 37cm bars and 110cm stem) and cranks (I use 165mm) on any frame. You may be justifying going to a smaller size frame based on things irrelevant to frame size choice. Size the frame first based on the right factors (stack and reach, not standover height) and spec the components next. If the combo you want doesn't come stock, buy the frame (see snp.link/4a80960d) and components separately and have them built up. Better to do that than compromise frame or components. Unless you've got very short legs, I wouldn't think a 48 would be right for your height.
@@intheknowcycling thank you for imparting your words of wisdom on me, sir! Over the past week, I have had a chance to analyze the information about the Soloist geometry in these two sizes, and I have come to the conclusion that I am firmly within size 51 range for both the Aspero and the Soloist- this is also what my bike fitter said who did the fit for me on the Aspero,.. the stack of of the Soloist is actually 15mm lower, which w will be ideal for me, and if I need to make any more tweaks, I will easily be able to make those with stem length and seat height. Part of the reason I came to this conclusion is by comparing the geometry of different brands in the same all-around race, bike category. What I discovered was that the Cervélo Soloist size 51 is identical (down to a millimeter across-the-board!!) to size 49 Tarmac SL8, and it would have been insane at my height to even think about looking at one size down, the 44 Tarmac. As for the standover height, I was overthinking it too much. To my surprise, I just discovered that my other bike. Canyon Roadlite, has a standover height of 770 mm in Size S. It is 22 mm higher than the claimed standover height of the Soloist that I will be building, and yet I have had no issues whatsoever operating the Canyon bike.. In any case, long-winded story, but thank you again for making me think twice. This is indeed very important before pulling a trigger and ordering a frameset online, only to discover that it does not fit you and having to mess with the whole completed bike build and return/exchange the frame. By the way,Cervélo pricing rocks! My Soloist build looks to be in the $6500 range, with 70/30 SRAM Red/SRAM Force components and carbon everything, except possibly the stem!!! (I do have a wheel set already that I plan to use with the new bike, though).
@@akmola1 That all makes sense. Glad it worked out and happy to provide useful input. Feel free to use the link in the description box to order your frameset and support our efforts to keep this channel's content and advice ad-free and sponsor-free. We've also done reviews on both the Red and Force. Let me know how the build works out. Cheers.
Thank you for watching. If you enjoyed this video, please click the "like" button and subscribe to our channel here on RUclips.
When you do, you’ll help get the word out to your fellow cyclists and motivate me to keep bringing you these independent reviews.
-- Steve
You can order the Cervelo Soloist and the components Miles speced on the bike using these links to stores I’ve vetted and recommend:
Cervelo Soloist:
Competitive Cyclist - snp.link/49ee16c1
Sigma Sports - tidd.ly/3W1Q0IG
Shimano Ultegra Groupset:
Performance Bike - snp.link/9da264d4
Merlin Cycles - prf.hn/l/bxl30QD
Reserve 40|44 Wheelset:
BTD (BikeTiresDirect) - tinyurl.com/3c68uxd4
Sigma Sports - tidd.ly/3S7UKeN
Enve Aero Road Handlebars:
BTD (BikeTiresDirect) - tinyurl.com/24edzwwj
Performance Bike - snp.link/ab49caef
Sigma Sports - tidd.ly/4d0CYlv
Cervelo ST31 Stem:
Competitive Cyclist - snp.link/f8565195
Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR Tires:
BTD (BikeTiresDirect) - tinyurl.com/mwbe8d28
Performance Bike - snp.link/2d926d40
Tweeks Cycles - tidd.ly/46l0dot
Amazon - amzn.to/3LnOnjx
Fizik Antares Saddle:
BTD (BikeTiresDirect) - tinyurl.com/mvrw2psx
Performance Bike - snp.link/8c9b5379
Merlin Cycles - prf.hn/l/MbWARA9
4iiii Power Meter:
BTD (BikeTiresDirect) - tinyurl.com/33by9882
Performance Bike - snp.link/fa4ea31c
Merlin Cycles - prf.hn/l/QLaQz3d
I recently ordered this bike in the Azure color and can't wait to get my hands on it, this video definitely helped me make the decision to pick the Soloist so thank you for the great review. I was also considering the Cannondale SuperSix EVO Hi-Mod with Ultegra but as Miles mentioned the stock wheelset on the Soloist is probably the best you can get on a bike that doesn't cost $10K+. The 2025 Ultegra Di2 model now comes with the 42/49 wheelset and a double sided power meter from 4iiii, usually you'll only see SRAM equipped bikes with power meters included so it's an amazing addition especially at this price point. Also I'm curious how they can sell the frameset for $2.700, it's heavier than many bikes out there now but at around 900 grams for a size 54 or 56cm it is certainly not a pig. We can only assume it's a lower quality carbon than the R5 and S5 frames but it still weighs less than the S5, no idea how they pulled that off but I'm glad they did. I'm sure Cervelo is making decent money off of the bike but clearly they are not as greedy as their competitors, really smart move on their part to spec the Soloist the way they have. We should probably expect to see more of these out on the road soon.
Great to hear all those achievements. I'm 51.. still racing.. This gives me the push to keep on doing what I love.. Thanks for sharing.
I have this bike and custom built it as well. I try my hardest on the faster group rides and the bike is 100% not holding me back. This bike is great for all types of riding.
I just bought this bike around 3 weeks ago. It’s a beast! The bike flies, looks great in person (mine is also gold), and is very comfortable. However, I had the dealer change the stem 3 times until it fit perfectly. I also swapped the seat for a Caledonia seat, which was much more comfortable in long rides.
Thank you for this review! I appreciate this comprehensive review and thoughts from a highly skilled cyclist.
Yoiu're welcome. Thanks for the feedback.
I’ve been on gold soloist frame now for around 6500 miles; mine is a custom build; just bought the frame set. Love this bike. I also have a Caledonia which is also fantastic.
That is awesome!
Thank you for finally stating what I’ve also thought: 11-speed Di2 > 12-speed Di2
Great review, Steve! Funny - I just met Miles and his soloist after the Bullet Train last week. Had been thinking about upgrading recently, and this is the first video that came up!
That is funny. Now you know all of what he thinks about the bike.
Great content Gentleman! Always appreciate your thoughts
Much appreciated!
I'm doing some research to get a new bike after 1 year without a bike. My last 2 bikes were supersixes, a 2021 regular and a 2021 hi-mod. I had the frame crack issue wth both, and both were replaced by warranty but I gave up on the model and sold. Now that cannondale solved it for good with the 2024 model, my choice is between the soloist and the supersix. If I get the soloist it will be my first non cannondale bike in a long tiime.
I bought the same soloist 4 months ago, mine came with sram instead. I really love this bike
Dude’s ears are next level listening capability.
Great Value bike , Im on the fence between the Soloist vs the R5 I know the R5 is lighter and the price for the R5 is not that much more but I do like the look of the Soloist better, the problem with Cervelo is that they come only in 2 colors, They should give more choices.
This is the bike that I recommend to any remotely serious recreational rider, probably best bang for the buck without going to Chinese brands. That said, I also recommend asking the bike shop to swap out chainrings/casettes for riders doing more hills and/or pushing fewer watts to something like 52/36 and 11-34, but that's not really a huge deal.
I would go for the dual-side Favero Assioma Duo, though, for most people. I think for great rider/racer you probably don't have to work much on pedaling motion/balance, but for lesser riders, the dual-side data can be extremely valuable.
Oh man, I want the new blue colorway they're releasing for 2025.
Just bought mine!
Love it
Just wish I bought glacier white 😂
Great review.thank you
Is that Alexander Hamilton in the white helmet? 😂.
Really though, great video and I sincerely appreciate these types of videos. 👊🏼🙏🏼
I want to know why he choose it over the tarmac sl8?
Price for similar spec sl8 is $9K.
Tarmac is great but you see them everywhere. They also used to have head tube wear issues.
Cervelo S5 review next?
Ultegra 12 speed shifts great. Better than ever! The reason yours is slow is that poorly designed direct mount hanger you have. Get the standard hanger and the original B link for the derailleur and it’ll be great.
Did you get it sorted? That direct mount hanger is the issue: not Ultegra.
6800 + 700 bar/stem + 3-400 for any cheap PM + pedals + saddle swap + tires = +9000$ bike. You don't need a 10K bike but this isn't that far from 10K.
Dunno. Most enthusiasts looking at a bike like this will already have a PM, pedals, preferred saddle, and tires they'll bring over from their current bike. Even adding those new, you're still well short of $10K (and $9K too).
@ well there’s nothing wrong with the set up and the reasoning, and there is also the case to be made that passionate racers who sit on the bike for 10-15hrs a week don’t have to defend their riding choices…
... and the weight of this bike is...?
I have a size 51 soloist Ultegra Di2 and it weighted in at 17 pounds flat with xt pedals and bottle cages
wow. that guy was over 50?!? Looked like 35...
Rides like he's 35 too!
Raced at 15 in 1990... So born 1975 I guess. 48/49yo. Gives me hope then at 43 hehe
Great review and well-deserved like! A question about sizing here. How tall is Miles and what size frame is it?
Asking for the reference point for myself. I appreciate that you filmed this video with Miles standing behind the bike and holding it vertically. So we can see the distance between the top tube and his jewels.:)
I’m looking into getting the Soloist myself now, and I think I’d like to shoot for the same type of stand over height for me… I am 5’7” tall and currently have the Cervelo Aspero in size 51 - it is a good fit, except I keep wishing I had narrower handlebars, a 10 mm longer stem, and the 165 mm cranks on it… Which may be pointing that I’m ready for frame altogether!
When I compared the geometry for the 51 Aspero vs.b51 Soloist, I was quite a bit worried about the 16 mm difference in stand over height, with the Soloist being taller somehow. My.LBS that is going to do the build for me suggested that I go with size 48 frame…. At first, I thought that would be way way too small for me, but seeing many great riders opting for the smaller size frames, I’m trying to make up my mind whether or not I will be OK with the 48 size frame, especially considering that the stem on my 51 cm Aspero is completely slammed now, and I have NO issues whatsoever getting in the lower position and in fact often find myself _wanting_ to go EVEN lower and trying to do it subconsciously when I ride. What are your thoughts about the 48 cm Soloist for a guy who is 5‘7“ tall, with about 29 inch inseam; comfortable with the 51 cm ASPERO but seemingly ready to experiment with the smaller size frame (OR components), and rides about 16 hours a week on average, just like Miles? Any insight will be much appreciated!
Miles is 5' 10". He's on a 54 Soloist and is very flexible. I'd suggest you focus on stack and reach rather than stand over height. I'm also 5' 10" and just finished reviewing a 56 Aspero with Nate who is 5' 11 and Conor who is 6'. The bike seemed a bit stretched out for us so maybe a 54 would have been better.
@@intheknowcycling thank you for the response, sir! Much appreciated. I have not watched your review of the Aspero. It is a bit shocking that someone who is 6 feet tall - a good 5 inches taller than I am - would feel more comfortable on 54 frame (while the Cervelo website suggest they should be firmly in the 58 cm range)… This is also an affirmation, I guess, that if I go two sizes down from the suggested frame size., I should be OK with the 48 Soloist, especially if other indicators are also pointing in that direction (wanting narrower handlebars, smaller 165 mm cranks, and longer stem on the 51 Aspero).
@@akmola1 You may have misinterpreted my message or perhaps I misinterpreted yours. Miles at 5'10" and rides a 54 Soloist. Conor at 6', and I at 5'10" rode a 56 Aspero. I urge you to measure your stack and reach to decide on your frame size. You can specify your handlebar width and stem length (Miles specified 37cm bars and 110cm stem) and cranks (I use 165mm) on any frame. You may be justifying going to a smaller size frame based on things irrelevant to frame size choice. Size the frame first based on the right factors (stack and reach, not standover height) and spec the components next. If the combo you want doesn't come stock, buy the frame (see snp.link/4a80960d) and components separately and have them built up. Better to do that than compromise frame or components. Unless you've got very short legs, I wouldn't think a 48 would be right for your height.
@@intheknowcycling thank you for imparting your words of wisdom on me, sir! Over the past week, I have had a chance to analyze the information about the Soloist geometry in these two sizes, and I have come to the conclusion that I am firmly within size 51 range for both the Aspero and the Soloist- this is also what my bike fitter said who did the fit for me on the Aspero,.. the stack of of the Soloist is actually 15mm lower, which w will be ideal for me, and if I need to make any more tweaks, I will easily be able to make those with stem length and seat height.
Part of the reason I came to this conclusion is by comparing the geometry of different brands in the same all-around race, bike category. What I discovered was that the Cervélo Soloist size 51 is identical (down to a millimeter across-the-board!!) to size 49 Tarmac SL8, and it would have been insane at my height to even think about looking at one size down, the 44 Tarmac.
As for the standover height, I was overthinking it too much. To my surprise, I just discovered that my other bike. Canyon Roadlite, has a standover height of 770 mm in Size S. It is 22 mm higher than the claimed standover height of the Soloist that I will be building, and yet I have had no issues whatsoever operating the Canyon bike..
In any case, long-winded story, but thank you again for making me think twice. This is indeed very important before pulling a trigger and ordering a frameset online, only to discover that it does not fit you and having to mess with the whole completed bike build and return/exchange the frame. By the way,Cervélo pricing rocks! My Soloist build looks to be in the $6500 range, with 70/30 SRAM Red/SRAM Force components and carbon everything, except possibly the stem!!! (I do have a wheel set already that I plan to use with the new bike, though).
@@akmola1 That all makes sense. Glad it worked out and happy to provide useful input. Feel free to use the link in the description box to order your frameset and support our efforts to keep this channel's content and advice ad-free and sponsor-free. We've also done reviews on both the Red and Force. Let me know how the build works out. Cheers.