The latest version of the Cervélo Caledonia is more of an evolution than a revolution, yet has applied some well thought out tweaks to its all-season endurance bike. It’s available in two new colourways with four groupset options at launch, and prices start from £3,000 for a full bike with Shimano 105 mechanical shifting.
First introduced in 2020 and said to be ideal for the “modern road rider”, Cervélo’s second version of the Caledonia came in 2024, when the brand went a little more off-piste with the description by saying it was for your “big, stupid rides” – there’s no mention of big or stupid in the press material for the third iteration, Cervélo instead reverting back to the modern road rider tag and adding that the bike is aimed at endurance, fondo and brevet riders, as well as “those who have been bitten by the cycling bug”, all of whom are after performance along with predictable road manners. Cervélo appears to have used every word and snappy phrase other than ‘all-road’ to describe the Caledonia since it first appeared, although the bike certainly seems to fit into that category.
The geometry remains largely unchanged, with just a millimetre added to the fork offset, front centre and wheelbase measurements. A 56cm frame has a chainstay length of 415mm and a 1013mm wheelbase. The 72 degree head angle is relaxed enough for good handling, but not as razor sharp or twitchy like a race bike can be. Six sizes are offered from a 48cm frame up to a 61cm frame.
A small 53 grams has been saved over the previous model, yet Cervélo has been able to increase tyre clearances for 36mm tyres, or 34mm tyres with mudguards attached. Another respectable change has been with cable routing, as the Caledonia now supports either a fully integrated internal cable setup, or Cervélo’s semi-external cable routing. The mechanics amongst us can breathe a sigh of relief…
The Caledonia semi-external cabling system has most of the aesthetic and aero benefits of a fully integrated setup, yet retains most of the benefits of an external cable routing system, namely ease of access and adjustability. Stem height adjustments are quick and easy, and it is compatible with any 1 1/8″ round steerer/stem system.
The Cervélo ST36 alloy stem (shown above) has a cable tidy section that bolts to the stem, but any 1 1/8″steerer/31.8mm bar diameter stem can be used. Alternatively a fully integrated setup using either an ST31 or ST32 stem (or equivalent), or Cervélo’s HB18 1-piece carbon handlebar and stem can be fitted. It’s certainly nice to have those options.
Other modern details include a T47a bottom bracket. This uses an asymmetric 77mm shell width, with M47x1.0mm threaded shells, which combines the stiffness of a large-diameter shell with the reliability of threads. The system is compatible with Shimano 24mm or SRAM DUB 29mm cranksets.
Another concession to the Caledonia’s all-season credentials is the ability to add full mudguards, should you wish. All weather cyclists know what a difference full mudguards can make when the weather is wet, and anyone riding in the winter of 2025/6 in the UK certainly will. A few minutes and a handful of bolts will remove them when the sun does return. You can run up to 34mm tyres with them fitted, or 36mm tyres without. Again, it’s nice to have the option.
Prices start at £3,000 for the 105 mechanical 12-speed bike, £4,000 for both the 105 Di2 and Rival AXS versions, and top out at £5,200 if SRAM Force AXS is chosen. All options use the Vision Team i23 wheels, apart from the Force model which come with a Reserve carbon wheelset. The thru-axles use the 100×12/142x12mm standards too. All options have either the Nightshift or Mocha colour option to choose between.
Some thoughtful design features make this a genuine all-season bike on paper, with options for electronic or cable gear systems keeping it versatile. Home mechanics rejoice as you can work on this bike easily, unless you decide to go fully integrated… but at least you have the choice!
Of course, we’ve asked for a test bike and will hopefully report back with a full review later in the year.
1 thought on “Cervélo refreshes its Caledonia do-everything road bike, shedding 53g in weight and increasing tyre clearance to 36mm”
Based on my past experience with the Caledonia, tyre clearance is rather indicative. 34 mm fit if inflated at 50 psi, or else the rear tyre rubs against the frame.
Other than that, a versatile bike that goes fast on the roads, shows agility on dry trails and makes cyclotouring pleasant. Glad they have a mechanical version.