First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice.

Aug 17, 04 19:09

Post #1 of 22 (4678 views)

-Just finished -er up. Took it for a spin around the block and up the parking structure behind the store.

First off, the most comfortable riding bike I have ever been on. No bumps, no vibration, no chatter. Very, very nice. No dead feel either. Right now it is sitting on Campagnolo Eurus wheels on Continental Force/Attack TPS tires (my favorites). This actually does replace the Look and Colnago carbon bikes as "best ride quality".

Assembly was very, very pleasant. I got the sense a lot of work and refinement went into this bike. Zero problems. The compact crank seems to work adequately, including that sketchy shift from 34 tooth ring up to 50 tooth ring. The Biopace ring is not on there yet, we need to machine a triffle off the back side to make it 10 speed friendly. That will be tricky on an eccentric chainring.

Working with Campagnolo components is such a pleasure. I just love reading the instructions and the little manuals. It makes you feel like you are servicing a Formula 1 race car. In a way, you are. This is the state of the art bicycle component kit: Campgnolo Record Carbon 10. So nice. What a pleasure to build.

It's hard to tell how stiff this bike is just yet. I have to really ride it. For now, it is done though, and looks and rides very, very nice. Nicest road bike I've ever owned.

We'll see if the compact crank shifting stands the test of time. That 34/23 gear is very low. If I can't get up the Alps on that, I should have stayed home.

This really is a bike apart from the other carbon efforts, including my trusty Look KX light- which I love(d).

Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com

Re: First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice. [Tom Demerly] [ In reply to ]

Aug 17, 04 21:30

Post #2 of 22 (4567 views)

Tom,

Your bike reviews always make interesting reading. But this time I'm really green absolutely with envy and groveling. Sounds like the ultimate riding machine. Lucky you. What a bonus it is owning a bike shop.

And did I hear you say Campagnolo?

Re: First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice. [Tom Demerly] [ In reply to ]

Aug 17, 04 21:55

Post #3 of 22 (4547 views)

R2.5 with Record. Goddamn you Tom, goddamn you to hell. That has got to be just pure sex. We neeeeeeed pictures.

customerjon @gmail.com is where information happens.

Re: First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice. [Tom Demerly] [ In reply to ]

Aug 17, 04 23:15

Post #4 of 22 (4522 views)

Tom, did you get the Record carbon compact chainset or stay with the FSA due to delivery dates? I would like to put the Campag compact on my Kestrel for IM LAnzarote with jammers for a strong aero position to climb. I am hoping to stay with 39/53 on a standard Record chainset for less hilly courses on the Kaliber, good or bad idea?

Got any FSA aerobrake levers in carbon yet? Or are they vapourware, or are not going to stock them?

When are you leaving for Nice?

"How bad can it be?" - SimpleS

Last edited by: jk_allen13: Aug 17, 04 23:16

Re: First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice. [Mr. Tibbs] [ In reply to ]

Aug 18, 04 0:25

Post #5 of 22 (4491 views)

I've got a bit of bike porn for you here ;

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/...ageName=STRK:MESE:IT

(Not sure how to post pictures on here)

Re: First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice. [Tom Demerly] [ In reply to ]

Aug 18, 04 2:56

Post #6 of 22 (4450 views)

Right now it is sitting on Campagnolo Eurus wheels on Continental Force/Attack TPS tires (my favorites).

---------------------------------------------------------------

Heyyyyyyyyyyyy wait a second here...aren't those tires strictly clinchers? You wouldn't actually put clinchers on that bike would you? That would be a sacriledge...an abomination..and akin to treason even. They better come in tubie as well or I'm cancelling my Bikesport team membership

Re: First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice. [Kentiger] [ In reply to ]

Aug 18, 04 4:46

Post #7 of 22 (4385 views)

Yeah what about that? I saw you fight with holy hell in the trenches of the great clincher vs. sew up wars of last year.

customerjon @gmail.com is where information happens.

Re: First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice. [Mr. Tibbs] [ In reply to ]

Aug 18, 04 5:05

Post #8 of 22 (4358 views)

Demmerly has gone soft. I can't even race this year, so I am now running tubs daily. Man, what a great ride...

Re: First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice. [Tom Demerly] [ In reply to ]

Aug 18, 04 5:29

Post #9 of 22 (4305 views)

Oh sure Demerly - first the ti Guru (which you painted - sacrilege!) and now an R2.5 with Record - two of my dream bikes in one year ...

Awesome!

I second the motion - we need pics!

mp

Re: First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice. [Tom Demerly] [ In reply to ]

Aug 18, 04 10:17

Post #10 of 22 (4099 views)

Sounds like a sweet ride Tom. So, how's that other bike coming along? ;-)

Re: First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice. [Mr. Tibbs] [ In reply to ]

Aug 18, 04 10:18

Post #11 of 22 (4098 views)

Yeah, Tom, what about those clinchers? We didn't take 200g out of that frame so you could put it back! :-)

Gerard Vroomen
3T.bike
OPEN cycle

Re: First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice. [gerard] [ In reply to ]

Aug 18, 04 10:49

Post #12 of 22 (4020 views)

I am sure the clinchers are for training.... Or possibly Tom palns on breaking a lot in Nice...

"You're guaranteed to miss 100% of the shots you never take" - Wayne Gretzky

Re: First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice. [Tom Demerly] [ In reply to ]

Aug 18, 04 11:38

Post #13 of 22 (3935 views)

"Took it for a spin around the block and up the parking structure behind the store.

First off, the most comfortable riding bike I have ever been on. No bumps, no vibration, no chatter. Very, very nice. No dead feel either. "

You can tell all of that after a ride around the block? Don't you usually reccomend a longer test ride?! Will you be giving us a full review on your site? Come on...have mercy on us!

Re: First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice. [madisonbucky] [ In reply to ]

Aug 18, 04 11:49

Post #14 of 22 (3912 views)

1. I would like to do a review on this bike. You're right- one ride around the block means very little. I believe I mentioned something to that effect with regard to my impressions on frame stiffness (resistance to lateral deflection under pedal load).

2. Definately will not be racing on clinchers. I have Zipp 303 tubulars to race on. That will only make it more comfortable and even lighter.

Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com

Re: First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice. [Tom Demerly] [ In reply to ]

Aug 18, 04 11:54

Post #15 of 22 (3898 views)

So why are you training on clinchers?

POST A FUCKING PICTURE ALREADY! DAMNIT TOM YOUR OFFERING CRACK TO A CRACK BABY BUT NOT HANDING IT OVER! I NEED MY FIX! Come on Tom daddy needs his medecine. Just a little snap shot. Come on sugar.

customerjon @gmail.com is where information happens.

Re: First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice. [Tom Demerly] [ In reply to ]

Aug 30, 04 11:37

Post #16 of 22 (3665 views)

Tom,

Do you plan on doing an Ironman on this bike. I have been thinking of a second bike and of going to a Road Bike. Been looking at the Colnago, Time, and the R2.5. Curious if there is a time in some of these hilly courses that a Road bike may make better sense than a traditional Tri set-up?

Re: First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice. [Tom Demerly] [ In reply to ]

Sep 1, 04 7:20

Post #17 of 22 (3452 views)

Tom,

What sieze R2.5 do you ride and what is your saddle height? Do you know actual center to top of seat tube measurements on this bike?

I am trying to decide if the bike will work me.

I need the 56 for top tube length, but I am worried that the standover may be too much. My saddle height is 73.5 cm.

Thanks,

John H.

Re: First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice. [bootsie_cat] [ In reply to ]

Sep 1, 04 7:23

Post #18 of 22 (3442 views)

Don't ask so many questions. He is having a hard enough time posting a picture of it. ;-)

customerjon @gmail.com is where information happens.

Re: First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice. [Tom Demerly] [ In reply to ]

Sep 1, 04 7:50

Post #19 of 22 (3385 views)

This may sound like a silly question, but don't you ever get tired of switching out bikes all the time? I would think it would be fun for a while, but there is something to be said for having that one bike you know like the back of your hand. After four months on my first completely new triathlon frame, I can't imagine switching it out for something at this point in the season. We feel like old friends now.

I suppose its possible that there is a better bike out there somewhere, but I might have to wade through dozens of bikes to find it. I've had the same Cannondale road bike since 1987, so I guess I have a hard time replacing things that are working just fine.

Chad

Re: First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice. [cdw] [ In reply to ]

Sep 1, 04 8:21

Post #20 of 22 (3329 views)

That is not a silly question, and yes, you are right. I do get tired of switching bikes. It is a lot of work to change to a new bike. The primary reason for me to do it is so I can point to my bike in the sotre and say, "That's what I ride and this is why..." It also helps to go to races and be seen on equipment we believe in and sell, even though I am a MOP'er.

That said, being able to change bikes is nice. I get to ride some great equipment. The impression I'm left with is that the overwhelming majority of bikes are at least quite good. There are very few pigs.

Like I keep sayng over and over, it all boils down to how well they fit your body and riding style.

Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com

Re: First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice. [Tom Demerly] [ In reply to ]

Sep 1, 04 8:48

Post #21 of 22 (3279 views)

"even though I am a MOP'er."

Tom, don't sell yourself short. You are no slouch! I'd trade bike splits with you on any given day. I'll keep my run split though.

Rocketboy

Re: First ride: Cervelo R2.5 for Nice. [Rocketboy] [ In reply to ]

Sep 1, 04 9:42

Post #22 of 22 (3218 views)

Yeah, I gotta get this running thing down.

With bikes I can fiddle with my equipment and fit and go faster instantly. With running, its all legs and lungs. I can't fudge that with equipment..... :(

Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com

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