I consider the Cervelo R2 a pretty interesting addition their R series lineup. I’m wondering if Cervelo would consider entering the “new” aluminum trend that seems to be gaining traction.
I find it interesting that they are giving it a distinct name. As, it claims to be the same frame as the R3. Unless the fork is significantly different, it’s an R3 with a 105 (11-speed) grouppo.
I think they upgraded the R3 frame significantly this year, maybe they are going to introduce an even more significant change to R3 next year. (R3 Mud… or R3CX…?)
Isn’t the R2 to the R3 as the S2 is to the S3? (same frame, different build)
Good point. And New P2 = New P3 (but different forks). Weird.
As an owner of a white R3… they are beautiful when they are clean… (but a giant welcoming canvas for the slightest bit of grease or gatorade). Keeping it beautiful is another sport altogether.
Isn’t the R2 to the R3 as the S2 is to the S3? (same frame, different build)
S2 has a different (and less aero) fork than the S3.
Hi bx3,
Good thinking about the fork. Interestingly, the R2 fork comes from the same mould as the Cervelo R3 Mud fork:
Compared to the team issue “Mud” fork, we:
shortened the legs a few millimeters (so standard brakes reach the rim every time) and changed dropout material from CNC aluminum to moulded carbon fibre. CNC dropouts made sense for the small quantities the team needed, but now that we have production volumes, we can justify the expense of the mould tools, and get tougher and lighter dropouts for the R2 as a result.
Cheers,
So the R2 will accommodate larger tires? I have a tough time not rubbing with 25s on my R3 (2012 R3 Team) on the fork and on the seat stays . . .
Hi kmill23,
Correct. Your R3’s frame and fork were only designed for 23C tires, though some 25C tires have been fitted, with varying success, depending on rim and tire details.
The latest R3 (and now R2) frame was designed around 25C tires, so frame clearance should be no problem. However, the latest R3 fork is the same as before, designed for 23C.
But the big news is the R2’s fork was designed (as the R3 Mud fork) to have as much clearance as the brake caliper itself; no limits from the fork! In fact I just measured almost 45 millimeters of tire space between left and right legs. And the top of the fork is higher than the caliper. Basically, any tire that fits through the brake should fit through the fork.
Cheers,
Awesome. Thank you for the response. One more question: Will the R2 be available as a frameset? Or full build only?
Full build only.
You can buy an R3 or R5 as a bike or frameset, but 2-series Cervelos as bikes only, no framesets.
Damon-
If the current R2/R3/R5 frames can take a 25C tire what was the rational behind Garmin using the R3 Mud for the cobbles in the Tour?
Hi pyrahna,
If the cobbles are dry, a 24 mm tub is enough, and the stock R3 works.
But if the cobbles are wet, some riders prefer a 27 mm tub, and the stock R3 doesn’t work.
Of course, we’re making the bikes for the team long before the weather forecast is firm, so we have to “hope for the best and prepare for the worst.”
Cheers,
One more thought - interestingly enough, not only do the RCA, R5, R3 and R2 frames take a 25C tire, but so do the new S3 and S2 frames and forks.
Makes one wonder which is the better race bike for a flat, windy race over open terrain, that often separates into solo riders or small groups: the light bike or the aero bike…?
Of course, we’re making the bikes for the team long before the weather forecast is firm, so we have to “hope for the best and prepare for the worst.”
The rapid prototyping CF machine not up and running yet? 
It might be easier to work on better long term weather forecasting.
In all seriousness it makes perfect sense if they want to run a 27mm tire.
And to answer your other post…I would prefer the Aero bike…but I need as much help as I can get in reducing the forces slowing me down.
LOL!
I’d take the aero bike too.
To quote Landyachtz, I’ve never signed up for a race and thought to myself, “I think I’d like to have to pedal 9 watts harder all day today.”
Cheers,
Oh too bad, I was hoping the R2 = production R3 MUD.
#gravel
-SD
Hi Dave,
Funny, some of us were wishing the same, but we never made R3 Mud molds in all the sizes (the team didn’t need all of them). And all the other tooling (bonding jigs, etc.) was only ever intended for limited production, not hardened for series production. Knowing that, we would have been looking at too much money to put it into production as it sat. Plus we had a few ideas to make it better, which would have made the Mud a *completely *new bike…
Cheers,
Hey Damon,
What size tire with the rear stays on the new R2 fit?
Is that a hint?!
Really though, I can’t even afford the _2’s (r2,s2). Want an SLC-SL tho! So don’t make any more new bikes right now 
what about this?
