Cervélo presents the ZHT-5, its first MTB

Cervelo has just inaugurated its mountain bike catalogue with the new ZHT-5, a hardtail MTB that focuses on lightness and efficiency. There is no doubt that Cervelo's incursion into mountain biking has been forced by the arrival of Milan Vader to the Jumbo Visma team and his intention to compete in the XCO season from 2023.

New Cervélo ZHT-5, a MTB for Milan Vader

The Cervelo ZHT-5 seems like the most logical and progressive step the brand could take for their first mountain bike. They have used all their experience in road and cyclocross to adapt it to a hardtail mountain bike in line with the current trend in this type of models. We must not forget that Cervelo is owned by the PON Holdings group of companies, which includes Santa Cruz.

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The ZHT-5 comes with a geometry that the brand has defined as "rationally progressive" in which we find a steering angle of 68.5º and a seat tube angle of 74º. 29" wheels, 100 mm fork, threaded bottom bracket, SRAM UHD dropout, and a very light frame that weighs in at 870g in size M. A very competitive weight if we take into account the 830g of the Orbea Alma or the 835g of the Canyon Exceed.

Aesthetically, the ZHT-5 exudes Cervelo design and its internal guidance leaves clean lines on a bike that can be described as elegant.

The Cervelo ZHT-5 comes in two different set-ups, four sizes and two colours. The most economical version is €5,299, while the more expensive version goes up to €9,999.

Cervelo ZHT-5: models and prices

Cervélo ZHT-5 XX1 AXS

• Frame: Cervélo ZHT-5
• Fork: RockShox SID SL Ultimate, 100 mm
• Drivetrain: SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS
• Brakes: SRAM Level Ultimate
• Wheels: Reserve 28 
• Tyres: Maxxis Rekon Race Black 29×2.4in
• Handlebars: Race Face Next 35 carbon
• Stem: Race Face Aeffect 35 alloy
• Saddle: Prologo Dimension NDR
• Seatpost: Cervélo SP29 Carbon 20.9 mm
• Price: 9,999 €

Cervélo ZHT-5 GX Eagle AXS 

• Frame: Cervélo ZHT-5
• Fork: RockShox SID SL Select RL, 100 mm of travel
• Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle
• Brakes: SRAM Level TTL
• Wheels: Race Face ARC Offset 27 rim with Ethirteen TRSE race hubs
• Tyres: Maxxis Rekon Race 29×2.4in
• Handlebars: Race Face Aeffect Alloy
• Stem: Race Face Aeffect Alloy
• Saddle: Prologo Dimension NDR T4.0
• Seatpost: Race Face Ride XC 30.9mm alloy
• Price: 5.299 €

As we said at the beginning, this bike has been developed by the multidisciplinary intention of Jumbo Visma, with Milan Vader at the helm. But if Vader wants to shine again in the XCO World Cup as he did a couple of seasons ago there is no doubt that he will need a full suspension MTB, so it wouldn't be unusual if the ZHT-5 is only the first mountain bike we see from Cervelo.