Hi Guys,
Just looking to see what your thoughts were between these two bikes as I am looking ot pickup one or the other.
I currently have a 2009 Cervelo P3 for triathlons, but my 2004 Giant TCR road bike finally crapped out and I need to replace my road bike.
Just seeing if there were any opinions out there.
Thanks.
Competitive Cyclist explains it very well here:
I have an '07 Soloist Carbon, now S2 (but without the behind the headtube cable entry).
Totally love it. Never did try an R3, so can’t compare ride characteristics, but I have no complaints about it. Rides up to 5+ hours, and more comfortable than on my old road frame, a Calfee Tetra Pro.
I know a few who ride R3’s and have never heard a bad word about them, either.
Happy shopping!
John
Competitive Cyclist explains it very well here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TryEk3AZp8E
The video explains the differences and why you should buy either perfectly.
If you are predominantly a triathlete and you are looking for a road bike to do long rides, group rides, and the occasional race or Gran Fondo, then the R3 is a great choice. However, if you are seriously plunging into road racing and that is going to be your thing, then the S2, or even the S1( at a steal of a price) is a better choice.
Big Z’s video describes it wery well. I have the 06 Soloist Carbon (SL2), I love it!!! But try both bikes, a good shop should allow you to ride both for a while (30 min maybe?). I rode both and it was a very hard decision. But, that video sums it up well. The R3 feels like a bike you never want to get off - it is so comfy, while the S2 makes you want to race the second you push the pedals. If you won’t be doing too much racing on it, and you have a stiff tri bike which you train and race on, then I would go with the R3 to provide you with interesting variety. The reason I say this, is because if I had to do it again, I would probably go with the R3 since I don’t race on the Soloist, and I train (50% with) and race with my P2 Carbon which is very stiff and aero. However, I am still happy about my decision, despite probably being the wrong one. I love the S2. But, I think if you are not using it for racing and are riding in considerably hilly, potholey, and crosswindy areas, then the R3 is the better choice. Not to mention it will probably make you thirsty for really long rides. Don’t know bout the durability of the R3, but I know many attest it is very good. I can attest that the S2 durability is excellent.
Bottom Line try both extensively, until you decide. Go with your gut…
Don’t feel bad that you are confused either, you have a lot of company.
If you are predominantly a triathlete and you are looking for a road bike to do long rides, group rides, and the occasional race or Gran Fondo, then the R3 is a great choice. However, if you are seriously plunging into road racing and that is going to be your thing, then the S2, or even the S1( at a steal of a price) is a better choice.
This is the truth, though I sold my Soloist Carbon (read S2) to pick up an R3SL when the opportunity presented itself. I’m road racing for the first time in 22 years on the R3SL and don’t feel at a disadvantage, though it probably is a hair slower than the S2.
The R3SL is a more comfy ride though.
To the OP - don’t neglect looking at the RS, especially if your primary purposes are group rides and mountain centuries. The extra wheelbase and bowed seat stays provide an incredibly comfy ride. If you don’t intend to race, the taller head tube won’t present a problem.
Fleck, or anyone knowledgeable,
I am considering an R3 or R3SL frameset, from 2008 through 2010. Other than paint colors and styles, has the R3 changed between 2008 and 2010? If so, what is the difference between the 2008, 2009, and 2010 framesets? And is the only difference between the R3 and R3SL lower weight? Changes in the SL frame over the past three years?
I recognize that the OEM fork went from Wolf to 3T at some point, but I am more interested in actual differences in the frame itself, if any, and is it worth getting the R3SL over the R3? For example, if I can get a new-old-stock R3SL for less money than a 2010 R3?
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Definitely off-topic, but the price discrepancy of the P2 bikes and road bikes always amazes me:
List prices:
Cervelo S2 Ultegra: $4000
Cervelo R3 Ultegra: $4000
Cervelo P2 Ultegra: $2800
Why is the P2 so much less expensive?
I picked up an '06 R3 frameset a few weeks ago. However, I’ve just finished the build and have a grand total of 5 miles on it, so I can’t make too many comments on it just yet. I don’t believe the R3SL frame is that much lighter (maybe 150-200g?). The R3 frame is already ludicrously light, and I’m certainly not a discriminating enough rider to tell the difference.
From what I can tell, the R3 frame has changed very little over the years. I was in the LBS yesterday and saw a 2010 R3, and the only apparent difference was in the shape of the seat-tube, which seemed to taper suddenly about halfway up from the BB.
I paid $1250 for the frame, fork (Easton EC90 SLX, w/ carbon dropouts), and seatpost. Probably could have gotten it for $100-$200 less had I not done ‘Buy it Now’. Carried out the whole build (Force) for around $2300, but could certainly be done for much less. Though the frame is 4 years old, I got it from the original owner who had taken immaculate care of it. Zero scratches (even the Cervelo ‘inspected by’ sticker on the BB was completely clean).
Whichever bike you choose, it’s guaranteed to go fast simply because it says Cervelo on the side. Lots of the “e’s” in the local road races around here… I see probably 50% R3’s, and 50% S2’s.
My understanding is the carbon lay-up on the SL bikes is different and it results in the obvious lighter weight but I am told they are also stiffer.
Other than cosmetics and kit changes, as far as I know, there have been no changes to the R3 frames in a few years.
To the OP if he sees this, I will be doing a blog post at some point in the near future about the differences in the S2 and the R3 series bikes. I have been thinking about this for a while now since this thread was started and I have some ideas about it.
I’ve been riding the S2 since March. Can’t say enough about it. Love it. Everything I could ever ask for in a bike. Splitting time with my p2sl. Put in about 7 hours Friday/Saturday over big rollers with the p2sl, and then pulled out the S2 this morning for holiday 50miler. Made my tired legs rejoice. I love my tri bike cuz I fit it so well, but that S2 is the my favorite ride.
What did you end up with? I am trying to decide this myself.
I live in South Florida and it’s very flat, though we do have some cross winds.
After test riding the S3 (they didn’t have an S2 available) and R3SL (they didn’t have the R3) at the Cervelo demo a few months ago, I bought an R3. I wanted a road bike for long group rides, and would sacrifice a tiny bit of performance for more comfort. The S3 seemed to have a noticeably rougher ride than the R3SL, which seemed incredibly smooth in comparison. That being said, I bough the R3 and don’t feel that I gave up any performance at all. Like Fleck said, if you are going to get into road racing seriously, then maybe the S2 would be the better choice - but I love my R3.
In the same boat but that original video link doesn’t work. Anyone know of another comparison?
I was actually thinking of an S2 as a backup incase something happens to my P2. Throw on some clip ons and a two position seat post and I should be good to go right?
Definitely off-topic, but the price discrepancy of the P2 bikes and road bikes always amazes me:
List prices:
Cervelo S2 Ultegra: $4000
Cervelo R3 Ultegra: $4000
Cervelo P2 Ultegra: $2800
Why is the P2 so much less expensive?
probably the two biggest differences:
compare the price of integrated shifters to traditional shift levers
ultegra crank/bb vs gossamer
.
Definitely off-topic, but the price discrepancy of the P2 bikes and road bikes always amazes me:
List prices:
Cervelo S2 Ultegra: $4000
Cervelo R3 Ultegra: $4000
Cervelo P2 Ultegra: $2800
Why is the P2 so much less expensive?
probably the two biggest differences:
compare the price of integrated shifters to traditional shift levers
ultegra crank/bb vs gossamer
While that’s true, it still shouldn’t cost $1200 for shifters and a crank/bb alone.
Good call.
For those that missed it as it was posted up after this thread was first up, my take on the two bikes in my Blog:
http://stevefleck.blogspot.com/2010/06/cervelo-s2-or-r3-aero-or-not-for-road.html
Again - for all around great road riding = R3. If getting very serious about road racing, or want to have one bike for everything, road racing, TT’s and triathlon use = S2 or possibly S3
Note the 2011 R3 get’s a bit of the trickle down from the new R5 California Project, with a number of improvements:
I bought a S2 last year and love it. I think Fleck’s comment from his blog that women’s races have more “solo” riding applies to a lot of men’s cat 5 races as well. There’s a lot less organization and 1/2 the field is just there to do it. So I think the S2 is a great bike even for people just starting to get into road races.
Interesting that the R3 gets the new geometry particularly in the 51cm, I think that has been the one complaint I hear most about cervelo’s geometry is that the 51cm has too much toe overlap and steering isn’t quite right. Previously I probably would have went with a 54cm but with the new geometry, a 51cm looks like a better option.
I went for the S2, I got a great deal on it and I couldn’t pass it up.
I live in South Florida so the road are flat and in great condition.
You did a great review, and if I didn’t get the deal I did on a 2010 S2 I would have went for a R3.
I’ll update this thread after my first 600 miles with my review.