The R3 is a damn nice bike, no doubt - but if I were looking to go carbon, I’d turn to Crumpton: http://www.crumptoncycles.com/
Pez tested one here: http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/...ullstory&id=3956
It’s this sort of thing that makes you our bonafide patron saint. You’ve got style, man. I’ve never even heard of that company.
That’s some classy shite, right there. I’d love to roll-up on a group-full of Cervelo’s ridin’ one of those.
lionel, i was just kidding with you earlier.
what about Calfee?
i ride with a guy that has one; it’s super light, carbon, and is comfortable enough for long haul (this guy i ride with trains for super hilly/mountain terrain, very challenging 100+ mile rides). It is such an impressive bike. Honestly, the best “true road set up” carbon bike i’ve ever seen; it’s just beautifully made.
FWIW, from what i can see the Calfee climbs like a dream (my friend sure climbs like a goat on it and can go forever); and there is option for custom frame, which might help you if stock fit is a problem considering your height. They’re expensive, but you will no doubt really ride it. So, why not. Again, you will really use that bike and you need something that will perform for you (otherwise you’ll just end up disappointed).
If stock fit is not a problem and/or you don’t like Calfee; then my second reco is Bianchi in agreement with the other poster who mentioned it earlier in this thread.
also, if you are interested Calfee, it would probably be no problem to put you in touch with my friend (via email or whatever). he will happily tell you all about it; possibly more than you want to know. (as we would all do when talking about how much we love our bikes.)
I have a Roubaix S-Works and love it. It is the most comfortable bike I have ever sat on.
My ideal climbing bike would have the following:
perfect fit
light - 15 lbs or less
compact 50/34 cranks with 12/25 cassette
.
Cerveloguy, I agree with your spec.
So we are down to (frame wise):
In the off the shelf category:
Cervelo R3 or R3 SL
Specialized Roubaix S-Works
Colnago C50
Look 595
In the custom category:
Serotta Meivici
Calfee DragonFly
Crumpton SL (first time I heard about this guy as well)
That’s sounds like a good starting point for further investigations.
Let’s not forget about this other custom builder, of whom you’ve probably heard…
http://mandaric.com/ (navigate to “bikes”, Davo")
Crumpton makes a seriously fine bike to your exact spec - little known Texas company (guy really) except among serious bike snobs (figured Kai mentioned it) 
One of my roadie buddies has one (only one I’ve ever seen) and it seems very nice for sure. There are about 5 Calfees (dragonfly, tetras) in our group. Very nice as well.
Personally, I’d get an R3 all decked out since I change bikes so much and it would be SUPER easy to sell/unload vs. a Calfee or Crumpton.
ill 2nd, 3rd, 4th the calfee. never ridden them, but through talking with owners have never heard anything but praise. if you want to go really neat and comfy, you could have indy fab make you a climber out of their new steel. super light, and still the best ride you’ll ever get. how are the roads you will be riding on? rough, clean, etc. do you want an aggressve bike, or something a bit more plush? the Specialized Tarmac off the shelf is a very, very nice steed, but it is aggressive. it is a bike made for pure speed.
What component group will you be putting on this? This does make a difference. Don’t be the guy to ride up with a Colnago Ferrari outfitted in Dura-ace. Just don’t be that guy.
if you are building a climbing bike, then perhaps some time on the ww site is in order.
instead of the c50 why not the extremeC?
g
I have heard of him. Not full carbon though, I am trying to limit the list 
Steel is out of the question. I have 3 other steel bikes and like them all but this is enough…
I will most likely but the record grouppo on the bike. It will sort of depend on the frame I end up picking. R3 might be OK or even better with DuraAce. If Colnago for sure it will be record, got to be. Plus I only have Campy on my old steel Colnago so I have not experienced the recent stuff which I am sure is fine.
Greg, the extremeC I believe has a rider wight limit. I do not like the concept of a weight limit and at 195 and 6’5, I am typically over it.
“In the off the shelf category: Cervelo R3 or R3 SL, Specialized Roubaix S-Works, Colnago C50,Look 595”
You can’t go wrong with any of those frames. I’m most familiar with the Cervelo R3 and Look 595 because a couple of my riding buddies have them. The R3 is a great ride, but it’s hard for me personally to justify the cost of the SL version to save a measley 200 gms.
I like the geometry of the Roubaix because you’re a little bit more upright with it’s taller head tube, which is a great position for climbing.
I don’t agree with whoever said the R3 would be too stiff of a ride. Its a pretty smooth riding bike. Put Roubaix tires on it (ie: 700x25) and its just as smooth as a S-Works Roubaix. At 195lbs, the extra stiff BB and headtube are really important. I’m on a Soloist Carbon, which is supposed to be a tad stiffer ride than the R3. I love my bike. My 58cm with Record is 15.8 lbs with Zipp 404’s and clip-on aerobars. Take off a pound without the aerobars.
I agree with you on the 200g for $1100. Expensive. The one thing I do not like about the R3 is the red color. I much prefer the black and white of the SL. That is still $1100 for the color though. But you also pay that for the paint scheme of the C50
Greg, the extremeC I believe has a rider wight limit
I don’t see it listed here:
http://www.colnago.com/en/catalogo2008/extrc.php
and it isn’t as light as some of the other uber light bikes out there…and as over built as their bikes are (I have a masterlight and had a c40) I would trust it 
g
.
Good point. My reference was the Competitive Cyclist web site : http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=PRODUCT&PRODUCT.ID=1849.
They mention 198pounds max rider weight.
Not sure what to think of it. For some reason if I go Colnago I feel I got to go C50. There is still something magical about this frame.
I know that Orbea have a very good climbing bike, unfortunnaly I cannot recall wich one. I will look into my magazine tonight and dig it out for you. Also Scott addict limited might be a good option with a nice set of LEW wheels, campy record group and a set of AX lightness brakeset should around 13.5 to 14 LBS
I second Cerveloguy’s suggestions as well. My WW (climbing bike is 13.8 lbs with an aluminum frame). Get a frame that fits you and it should be under 1000g and closer to 900g. Lots of choices here.
I would look at RUEGAMER bikes if you are going to go custom. His frames are carbon and amazing. I do not have one but I have been following this builder a lot and his work is very nice. www.ruesports.com He is now doing frames in the high 600g range.
Just make sure that you get a very light set of wheels as this will be a huge benefit to your hill climbing bike. Other than that, you can get light parts on Ebay pretty cheap.
I also agree with the compact cranks and the 12/25 rear cassette. I would be tempted to actually go with a Junior cassette on a climbing bike (14/25) so that you can have only a 1 tooth change between 14 and 21. Might be nice to have. If you do not want to go with a junior cassette then at least go with a lightweight 12/25 from KCNC or Token.