Cervelo S3 vs. S2 w/Zipps - What would u do?

Triathlon Forum
1

All,

I’m in the market for a new ride, have tested the S2 extensively, and am trying to decide between the following:

A) Cervelo S2, Super Record, w/ training wheelset AND Zipp 404s (for racing)

or

B) Cervelo S3, Super Record, w/ mid-level wheelset (to use for both racing and training)

For the money, what would you do? Has anyone ridden the S3? I’m considering the S3 primarily because it is supposedly a more comfortable ride relative to the soloist (which is somewhat stiff). Can anyone comment on its improvement in comfort relative to the S2? Is it worth the premium? I couldn’t care less about the S3’s incremental aero improvement…just ride quality.

Thanks in advance!

2

If you are concerned about ride quality, then the S3. It is supposed to be an improvement. Few people have actually ridden it, so who knows?

Wheels make a much bigger difference than groups, so bump down to Record and get the wheel upgrade.

3

for road racing? option a, hands down.

4

Option A for sure.

My original 2005 Soloist Carbon has now seen close to 20,000 miles with multiple configurations (Dura Ace to Record), wheels, etc. and it is still the best bike I’ve ever had. Plenty comfortable for the type of bike it is. I highly doubt you would be able to tell a difference in “comfort” between a current S2 and S3 with all other variables the same (i.e. tires, pressure, bar tape, saddle, etc.)

5

Why not ditch the Super Record in favor of Record or Chorus and get the S3 with Zipps?

6

Why not ditch the Super Record in favor of Record or Chorus and get the S3 with Zipps?
I agree, I can’t think of a least bang for your buck than super record.

7

Simple…because you can buy Campy Super Record in Europe for 50% of what you would pay here in the U.S. Seriously…check out totalcycling.com, comobike.com, and slanecycles.com. Average price for a Super Record groupset is around $1,700 (compared to $3,000+ in the U.S.). Shipping is an extra $30-40 bucks with a 2 week delivery time. No biggie.

BTW, the difference between Chorus and SR in Europe is around $300.

8

I heard that the soloist felt stiffer than the slc-sl did. So I’m assuming its the same thing with the new versions of the bike.

I’d go with the s2, its probably lighter with zipps on it

9

good to know. I think I’ll still pass though.

10

S3, Rival, Reynolds Assaults, Quarq/Garmin.