Both would be built with the same Ultegra groupset.
Thoughts on the two? I can’t stretch to an S3
Yep - will test ride the imperiale first but I do like to get different opinions…
It’ll be for Triathlon, odd sportive, duathon and training rides/etc., so a pure Tri bike not really suitable.
I would like to see some data if anyone has it.
You could consider a Felt AR.
If it’s Italian you got to go for the Wilier Imperiale
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Love my Cento 1, but the S2 might be more suitable because of Cervelo’s easier reversible seatpost that may help you achieve a better positive for Tris. If you are simply looking at “aero road frames”, there are plenty of them (Felt AR, Ridley Noach, Cippolini’s new one, etc.), but remember the frame has very little to do with your overall aero drag. Your position will have far more impact.
Plus, I think it might be illegal to put Ultegra on a Wilier … or it will even fail 
Plus, I think it might be illegal to put Ultegra on a Wilier …
True that! Just ain’t right…
But I’ve been told Campag is for tourers and besides, it’s more expensive than ultegra for doing the same job, less ergonomically.
But I’ve been told Campag is for tourers and besides, it’s more expensive than ultegra for doing the same job, less ergonomically.
If you are concerned about cost, I’d wager an S2 or Wilier anything shouldn’t be on the docket when a perfectly functional S1 and any number of others bikes would do the “same job”
That said, Campy can be for the older/purists/poseurs (or not) which is why I split the diff with SRAM Red on my Wilier for racing
Good luck in your search!
Hop on EBay and view one of several Le Roi up there now…
drool on the team bike…
marginal road bike aerodynamics be damned, the imperiale is hot (and more exclusive) in ways the S2 can’t approach.
Yeah, you sort of have to get Campy on the Imperiale.
I have an Imperiale from way back in 2004. Sweet bike. Considered upgrading to R3-SL but decided the Imperiale is too nice to give up.
But if I have any issues then 9/10 the spares are ready for Shimano/SRAM - not so for Campag, much more difficult to find.
Wondering how much a SRAM red setup costs against Ultegra…
If you want to go with SRAM, the new Force is pretty much indistinguishable from Red, and would be lighter than Ultegra.
Regarding the frames I have worked on an Imperiale so had a chance to see it up close. There are a few aero features but I would venture to say the S2 is probably significantly more “aero” , but the Imperiale is significantly better looking!
Still the S2 has been ridden to great pro tour success by CSC and would be my personal choice, but I’m generally a function over form guy.
Kevin
Wondering how much a SRAM red setup costs against Ultegra…
For a great deal on SRAM Red, check out the Bicycle Doctor’s post in the classifieds. Give them a call or send them an email.
They got me my SRAM Red and my HED Ardennes wheels. Great deal, fast turnaround, and to top it all off, they are just good people!
Just to give an alternate point of view on the frameset I find the Imperiale pretty clunky looking and not at all lust worthy like say a Le Roi. The S2 on the other hand is far cleaner in design and appearance. Granted Cervelo paint jobs are pretty plain but the S2 gets my nod. As for SRAM it is the real deal in function and ergonomics. I have ridden both DA and Record and without doubt find Red better in every way. Since SRAM had trickled down the Red tech to Force it is a can’t lose with Force.