I've had the ZFS-5 120 for about a month now and put about 80 miles on it thus far. I agree that it does not need lockouts. The suspension does what it's supposed to do, when it's supposed to do it. It's magical, really, and I have one of the lower end builds -- base GX 120 build. It came without a dropper, though, so I had to add a OneUp V3.
This is the second bike you've sold me in about a year. I bought an Orbea Alma based almost entirely on your review and you are right -- it is the better gravel bike for the terrain I ride. And your review on the Cervelo, along with a few others, helped sell me -- in addition to an insane deal I just got on it. I've discovered my Trek Fuel EX is too much bike for my riding, and what I really I wanted something to compliment the Alma but something more efficient and less heavy than the Fuel EX. I wanted the most "trail" XC bike to compliment the Alma, and this seems to be it.
Got on my eye on something like this or a RM element, I live 6 miles from my trails so has to be a good all rounder, miss my V3 5010 which was a perfect all day bike
Nice review. I am seriously considering buying this bike with the 120mm travel. I saw one comment that said it doesn’t come with suspension lockouts. Is that a big issue? As a guy who has never ridden a full suspension bike this will be a first. I ride nearly 15k KMs per year on gravel, road, and fat bikes. But feel I want to switch things up with more technical mtb trails. I like long rides 75-100km so the geometry makes sense. I am not great on trails. Guys I drop on road, ride away from me on the trails with their excellent bike handling skills… while I bumble around and over obstacles.
Correct. The 120mm version doesn’t have lockouts. Personally I rarely use them. I prefer having my suspension open and active for traction rather than fully locked more maximum efficiency.
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Very interesting offering from Cervelo. So many good choices on the market. I recently bought Scalpel SE, which you have tested some time ago. How would this bike compare to Scalpel SE? Geo numbers seem to be quite similar.
It's been so long since I've ridden the Scalpel I can't really say. If my memory is accurate that bike felt more XC than this one. Again, it was a long time ago.
I do wonder how that "efficient feel" translates to climbing times. Any thoughts on a power-standardized timed climb for comparos like these? I'd wager that a proper trail bike is only a few percent slower up a hill, but has a much bigger safety window going downhill.
Yeah I’ve wanted to to a power meter thing for climbs. Just haven’t been able to make it happen logistically. I’d imagine bikes like the oiz and Anthem would be quite a bit quicker. Enough to make the less confident descending worth it. It would be interesting to see.
Cervelo and Santa Cruz are owned by Pons. This is based off a blur . The quality and ride of the blur with the efficacy of a Cervelo created this rig 🎉
![[UNCUT] The Loyal Pin ปิ่นภักดิ์ EP.4 (4/4)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/d3l5rxl5CVo/mqdefault.jpg)
I couldn't care less about cross country bikes but I just really like this channel and their bike reviews
Thanks for the kind words! I also really appreciate the correct use of the saying. Ha.
Seeing an xc bike without lockouts is a beautiful thing indeed.
Agreed. I’d argue XC bikes are the ones that need them the least.
I've had the ZFS-5 120 for about a month now and put about 80 miles on it thus far. I agree that it does not need lockouts. The suspension does what it's supposed to do, when it's supposed to do it. It's magical, really, and I have one of the lower end builds -- base GX 120 build. It came without a dropper, though, so I had to add a OneUp V3.
Your reviews are top notch & second to none. I really like your style. Another job well done!
Hey thanks. I appreciate it!
This is the second bike you've sold me in about a year. I bought an Orbea Alma based almost entirely on your review and you are right -- it is the better gravel bike for the terrain I ride. And your review on the Cervelo, along with a few others, helped sell me -- in addition to an insane deal I just got on it. I've discovered my Trek Fuel EX is too much bike for my riding, and what I really I wanted something to compliment the Alma but something more efficient and less heavy than the Fuel EX. I wanted the most "trail" XC bike to compliment the Alma, and this seems to be it.
Love hearing that these videos are helpful for folks to find great bikes!
First a hardtail XC and now a full sus down country from Cervelo. Good stuff.
Great stuff!
Got on my eye on something like this or a RM element, I live 6 miles from my trails so has to be a good all rounder, miss my V3 5010 which was a perfect all day bike
Good stuff. Look forward to this review series.
You and me both!
Nice review. I am seriously considering buying this bike with the 120mm travel. I saw one comment that said it doesn’t come with suspension lockouts. Is that a big issue? As a guy who has never ridden a full suspension bike this will be a first. I ride nearly 15k KMs per year on gravel, road, and fat bikes. But feel I want to switch things up with more technical mtb trails. I like long rides 75-100km so the geometry makes sense. I am not great on trails. Guys I drop on road, ride away from me on the trails with their excellent bike handling skills… while I bumble around and over obstacles.
Correct. The 120mm version doesn’t have lockouts. Personally I rarely use them. I prefer having my suspension open and active for traction rather than fully locked more maximum efficiency.
Very interesting offering from Cervelo. So many good choices on the market. I recently bought Scalpel SE, which you have tested some time ago. How would this bike compare to Scalpel SE? Geo numbers seem to be quite similar.
It's been so long since I've ridden the Scalpel I can't really say. If my memory is accurate that bike felt more XC than this one. Again, it was a long time ago.
Very interesting attempt from this brand. I am really curious as to how it will stack up.
Not to spill the beans, but really well.
Looks light
25.4lb
I do wonder how that "efficient feel" translates to climbing times. Any thoughts on a power-standardized timed climb for comparos like these? I'd wager that a proper trail bike is only a few percent slower up a hill, but has a much bigger safety window going downhill.
Yeah I’ve wanted to to a power meter thing for climbs. Just haven’t been able to make it happen logistically. I’d imagine bikes like the oiz and Anthem would be quite a bit quicker. Enough to make the less confident descending worth it. It would be interesting to see.
How does it compare to the Exie and Element with XC speed climbing?
The Element is way more "trail" and slower on the climbs. The Exie is a bit quicker.
@@bikersedgethx sir
Please compare the ZFS-5 120 to the 23' Pivot Mach 4SL 120
We don't carry Pivot. Wont be able to make it happen unfortunately.
Does the Cervelo ZFS-5 have better small bump compliance compared the Ibis Ripley?
No.
@@bikersedge Thank you!
i feel like its a good idea to run the same tire across all bikes.
Agreed. I tried to run them with their stock setups as much as possible. I usually do that because that’s the way most people will be riding them.
it looks almost exactly like a blur
Similar. The rear triangle looks different. Front triangle is very close.
Cervelo and Santa Cruz are owned by Pons. This is based off a blur . The quality and ride of the blur with the efficacy of a Cervelo created this rig 🎉
How would you compare it to a roxly mountain element?
The Element is way more “trail.”
Does the fork and suspension have remote control?
Not on this one (120) but the 100mm version does have remote lockout.
@@bikersedge but is it possible to adapt one?
Potentially. It likely won’t be cheap. You’d need the remote lockout damper versions of both the fork and shock.
You certainly have expensive tastes my friend
If you saw my personal bikes as opposed to media bikes and demos (featured in our videos) you’d know that’s not the case.