**Campagnolo 11 speed and S3 Conpatibility Rumors Adressed: **
There have been several rumors circulating around the rider forums concerning the compatibility of the new Cervelo S3 frames with Campagnolo Super Record 11 drivetrain components. The issue arises from the clearance between the oversized chainstays of the S3 and the extremely low profile of the Campagnolo crankset. There is limited space between the inner surface of the chainring bolts and chainstays allowing very strong riders to flex the frame enough for the two to make contact in a hard sprint.
Similar issues are well known to experienced mechanics as they have been seen numerous times across a variety of frames and cranksets. The issue can be simply resolved by placing a 0.7mm spacer (the same width included with shimano 10 speed cassettes) behind the drive side bottom bracket cup. Campagnolo has accomodated for situations like this with the wave washer included behind bearing in the non-drive side cup. The wave washer compresses to allow for the imperfections in BB width inherent in the manufacture of all frames without causing excess tension on the bearings or lateral slop in the spindle.
On my website there is a photo of a successful build in our shop of an S3 with a full Super Record drivetrain. There is no excess drag on the bearings resulting from the small spacer installed behind the drive side cup and any possible clearance issues have been resolved by the additional 0.7mm between the chainstays and chainring bolts. Clearance issues are nothing new in the bike world and sound techniques exist to resolve the vast majority of them with no unwanted consequences. Minor issues like this are why high-end bicycle manufacturers like Cervelo only allow their products to be sold through a reputable dealer.
http://www.bikesale.com/cervelo-s3-frame.aspx