I test rode the two bikes (obviously not built 100% the same). But I couldn’t tell a difference in the handling or comfort. Comfort seems like the one trait that people sell the R series on, at least the shop worker did. But I couldn’t tell a difference. I know there have been a few threads over the last few months regarding the blind test of the frames.
Other than that supposed extra comfort of the R frame, not sure if it offers anything over the S3 that I should consider? Both are priced close enough to each other that price isn’t a differentiating factor. Any thing that I might be missing?
I am a fan of aero bikes and believe the data that says they are faster. the only downside I have experienced is tire clearance, which may have been improved over my 2012 S5. If you do any races with gravel/dirt sections the rock clearance in the rear cutout on an aero bike can be problematic.
Technically, if built out, spec’d and fitted the exact same with tire pressures being equal your would not be able to notice a difference. Your mind creates perceptive differences based on what people tell you. If I have you test ride the R3 but pump the tires up to 115 and then have you test ride an S3 (both fitted/spec’d the same, hypothetically) with tires at 95 I would imagine they would be significantly different in terms of perceptive “feel.”
I’d go S3, but that R3 is pretty awesome (and you save a bit of cash).
I’m in the midwest. So no real climbs. Just flat riding on paved roads. Plan to run 23 tires on either bike. Might take the bike on a few trips to CO/UT/ID, but weight difference is minimal and I bet the S3 will climb just as well as the R3 since they have the same geometry.
Going frameset regardless which one I go with. R3 @ $2000 and S3 @ $2300. So small difference, but nothing massive.
I’ve had an R5 for a couple of years and I just bought an S3 (used from the www.shopslipstream.com website). The R5 is an awesome bike, but I’m an old fart and when I’m trying to hang with the young cat 1/2/3 studs in our local group on the flats, the S3 clearly makes it easier. I don’t really sense any compromise compared to the R5 on any of the hills I have around where I live. But I’d call them hills and not “climbs.” I’m keeping the R5 for the rides I may do from time to time where there are genuine, sustained climbs.
I’m completely head-over-heels sold on tubeless and I set up my new S3 with Hed Jet Plus 4 wheels that I’m running tubeless with IRC Tubeless Lite tires. It’s a magic carpet ride, and I’m hanging with the young studs on their S5s with Zipp 404s … for now (it is, afterall, the off-season).
My S3 has DA Di2 and weighs in about a full pound heavier than my R5 with DA 9000. But even at that, it’s not much over 16 pounds. Handling is superb and the bike is smooth and quiet. Since mine was previously used (by Tom Jelte Slagter of Garmin-Slipstream), I got a great deal and, given how happy I am with it, I feel like I robbed a bank!
They both look nice to me. R3 a little more traditional looking like a classic car. The S3 more of a super sports car look to it. Wouldn’t kick either out of my bike room.
Go with the bike that you think looks the best. Why spend $$$$ on a ugly bike?
This. My impression is that most bikes are close enough in performance that it doesn’t make too much of a difference. Whether or not you took a crap that morning has a bigger impact on performance compared to most frame differences. If you LOVE looking at the bike you ride, that will give you more satisfaction that some undetectable difference in speed/comfort. I ride an R5 because it’s one of the most beautiful bikes I’ve ever owned.
I love both my R3 and P5… Go with what your gut says and what you like the most. I have nothing bad to say about the R3, it’s perfect in my eyes… The S looks nice especially the new S5 that I saw at my dealer… Get the one you love.
I guess I don’t understand the rationale. If you can’t feel a difference why not get the S3? It saves you bonus watts (albeit only 7.5w@25mph vs. the R3 according to Cervelo.) I do own an S2 so I may be biased. Not that you can really go wrong with either bike.
I just picked up a new S3 with the new Cervelo bars and an internal battery for the Ultegra Di2. I haven’t ridden it outdoors yet but it looks great. I am thinking about adding the HED Jet 4 black and a power2max type s.
Anyone ride the new S3 and have any experience on a Ti frame? Is the S3 closer to Ti or Al in terms of comfort and vibration dampening? I’d assume titanium since it is a carbon frame.