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The Cervélo Soloist Race 105: The Only Road Bike You Actually Need

By: Shop Crew

The Cervélo Soloist Race 105 is the absolute sweet spot for anyone who wants to go fast without the mechanical headache of a pro-tour-only rig! It’s the bike that balances everything you actually need: speed, weight, and price: without making you choose just one!

If you’ve been looking for that "Goldilocks" bike, you just found it...

The Return of a Legend!

Back in the early 2000s, the Soloist was the king of the road. It was the bike that basically started the aero-road revolution! And now? It’s back and better than ever!

Cervélo took everything they learned from the ultra-fast S5 and the feather-light R5 and mashed them together. The result? A bike that’s aerodynamic enough to slice through the wind on your local group ride but light enough to dance up the climbs!

It’s designed for the "everyday racer." You know, folks like us who want to give it everything on the weekends but don’t have a full-time mechanic waiting in a van behind us...

That Dark Slate Look... WOW!

Before we even talk about the gears, can we talk about the LOOK? The Dark Slate finish is absolutely stunning! It’s sleek. It’s professional. It looks fast even when it’s just leaning against the wall at the coffee shop!

Detailed view of the sleek dark slate aero carbon frame of a Cervélo Soloist road bike.

The frame geometry is snappy and responsive. It doesn’t feel like a lazy endurance bike, but it won’t leave you feeling beat up after a four-hour century ride either! It’s aggressive where it needs to be and comfortable where it counts!

Shimano 105 R7100: The People’s Hero!

Let’s talk about the heart of this beast: the Shimano 105 12-speed groupset.

We’re going to say it... 105 is the best value in cycling. PERIOD!

With the new R7100 series, you’re getting 12 speeds of crisp, reliable shifting that feels almost identical to the more expensive Ultegra and Dura-Ace brothers. The only real difference? A few grams of weight and a whole lot of extra cash staying in your wallet!

  • 12 Speeds: More range means you’re never hunting for the right gear!
  • Hydraulic Discs: Stopping power that works in the rain, the heat, and on those sketchy descents!
  • Reliability: This stuff is built to last. It’s the workhorse of the peloton!

If you ever find your shifting feeling a little less than perfect after a few hundred miles, don't sweat it! Just bring it in to the shop. If you'd rather leave it to the pros, schedule a service appointment and bring it into us to do the work!

Reserve 40/44 Carbon Wheels? YES PLEASE!

Usually, when you buy a mid-range road bike, the first thing you have to do is swap out the heavy, "budget" wheels. NOT THIS TIME!

The Soloist Race 105 comes stock with Reserve 40/44 carbon wheels. This is a HUGE deal, folks!

Close-up of aerodynamic Reserve 40/44 carbon wheelset showing carbon fiber texture.

Reserve wheels are legendary for their durability and performance. They’re aero enough to hold your speed but stable enough that a crosswind won’t blow you across the road! Plus, they make that sweet "whoosh-whoosh" sound that we all love...

Adding carbon wheels to a bike at this price point is basically a cheat code. You’re getting a race-ready setup straight out of the box! No upgrades required!

The Hidden Gem: A Built-In Power Meter!

Wait... did we mention it comes with a power meter? BECAUSE IT DOES!

Tucked onto the crankset is a 4iiii Precision 3+ power meter!

Most people have to spend an extra $400 to $600 just to get power data. Not you! You’ll know exactly how many watts you’re pushing from mile one. It’s the ultimate tool for training smarter and pacing yourself on those long climbs!

Easy to Live With, Easy to Love!

One of our favorite things about the Soloist isn’t just how it rides: it’s how easy it is to maintain!

Cervélo used a T47 threaded bottom bracket. Why does that matter? Because threaded bottom brackets are WAY less likely to creak than press-fit ones! It’s quieter and easier to service. Your ears (and your mechanic) will thank you!

And the cable routing? It’s tucked away for aerodynamics but doesn’t go through the stem. That means if you want to swap your handlebars or adjust your fit, it’s not a three-hour nightmare!

Bike mechanic servicing a threaded bottom bracket on a modern road bike in a professional shop.

Versatility for Days!

Want to run wider tires? Go for it! The Soloist has clearance for up to 34mm tires!

You could throw on some beefier rubber and turn this into a "light gravel" machine or just enjoy the extra comfort on our less-than-perfect local roads!

If you’re heading out for a long one, don’t forget the essentials! Grab some standard 700c tubes or maybe even some superlight ones to keep in your saddlebag. You never know when the puncture fairies might strike!

Is This the Bike for You?

Looking to smash your PRs on the local segments? Looking to start racing in the local crit series? Just want a bike that looks incredible and feels even better?

The Soloist is the answer!

It’s faster than an endurance bike but more practical than a dedicated "super-bike" like the S5. It’s truly the "everyday" racer!

If you’re more into the dirt side of things, we totally get it! While we love the Soloist for the pavement, if you’re looking to shred the trails, we’d definitely point you toward the Specialized Stumpjumper instead! But for the road? This Cervélo is the one!

A dark slate aero road bike leaning against a wall during a scenic coastal ride.

Come See Us!

We’ve got the Cervélo Soloist Race 105 ready for you to check out!

There is nothing quite like seeing that Dark Slate paint in person. It’s a game changer!

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting serious about your road cycling, we’re here to help you get the perfect fit!

And remember, we’re more than just a bike shop: we’re your service partners for life! If you need a tune-up, a gear adjustment, or just want some fresh handlebar grips for your other ride, we’ve got you covered!

If you'd rather leave the technical stuff to the pros, schedule a service appointment and let our crew get your bike back in tip-top shape!

See you out on the road! STAY FAST!

The modern and welcoming interior of Spirited Cyclist Bike Shop with road bikes on display.

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