Cervelo optimizes the carbon lay-up in the R3 with stiffening plies added to the sides of the tubes where they have the greatest effect in resisting bending. T...
Summary: best bike I've ridden. I have mounted it to weigh less than 6kg with Lightweigth Ventoux wheelset, Camp Record group, Zipp, Nano Speedplay. I have done some 25000km now and it performs in all circumstances be it flat, hilly or during the Tour of Flanders. Super bike
Strengths: versatility, comfort, stiff, precise: it's like a Porsche
Bike Setup: Dura-ace 7800 and Reynolds DV3k clinchers
Summary: I'm a short rider (5'4") and was looking for a bike with a shorter reach. Cervelo is one of the few mfg. that have a shorter reach and still run 700c wheels. I'm able to ride this bike with a 90mm stem and it fits perfectly. Road a century on it this past weekend and the bike road like a dream. This bike opened my eyes to lateral stiffness, it literally lunges forward with each stroke. Downhill the bike is crazy stable, just lean and the bike goes. On my old bike, my arse would be sore riding on bumpy roads whereas the R3SL absorbs the vibrations.
Favorite Ride: Tues. & Sat. Palm Beach, Sun. Jup. Island
Bike Setup: DA 7800, FSA 50/34, Hed Bastogne, Michelin Race 3, EC90 zero seatpost, Fizik Aliante w/ braided carbon rails.
Summary: First a little about me. I'm pushing 50 and started riding when my knee wouldn't allow me to run any more. I'm tall (6'0") and fairly light (156 to 165) so I like a light bike. I also have long legs for my height so I was attracted to the claim that Cervelo racers all ride stock frames that can be adjusted to accomodate their measurements.
I ride solo or with my wife ocasionally but generally I like fast group rides. There are some seriously fast people here and I need all the help I can get. Since I live in Florida and ride on relatively smooth roads, my first choice for a new bike was the SLC-SL. As I waited for one on ebay I broadened my search and found a rep selling a lightly used demo 2008 R3SL. I purchased it and rode it as equipped for a while then found a great deal on an SLC-SL frame and built it up using DA7800 from my old Cannondale. I bought a new compact crank putting the new ceramic BB on the SLC and the crank on the R3. Otherwise they're very similar in setup. The R3 as claimed is very light, accelerates efficiently and soaks up bumps and road noise better than my SLC or Cann. Six 13. I had a professional bike fit done after buying the R3 and even though I'm still getting used to a different pedal stroke and using different muscles I'm faster than ever.
I have an enviable quandary on which bike to pick for any given ride so generally if it's perfect weather or I'm going to ride solo or have long stints on the front of a group I take the SLC. If the weather is rainy, windy or unknown, or I'll be riding on rough roads or sitting in a group I'll take the R3.
If I had to pick only one bike to own it would be the R3SL.
Strengths: Super light and stiff. Fits well but I have max spacers on the steerer tube and a very short stem. I love the stock 3T carbon bars and stem. No problems with build or paint quality so far. Hed Bastogne wheels seem to be a deal (fairly aero, light and durable so far; bought a new take-off set for $400.00).
Weaknesses: About as aerodynamic as a brick but that's no surprise. Normally I wouldn't spend this amount on a bike but I got a deal as the economy was in the dumps and a rep had a demo bill to pay.
Similar Products Used: Trek 5900, 2005 & 2006 Cannondale Six 13, two CAAD7s and CAAD8, Cervelo SLC-SL
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Bike Setup: Full Campy Record, Campy Hyperon Ultras.
Summary: All around great bike for racing. It's everything people say and Cervelo advertises, very stiff, very light, responsive, fairly smooth and climbs like a goat. My only negative (not that I would call it a negative) is that the ride is likely a bit harsh if you are not used to riding a race bike. I ride roughly 200-250 miles per week and prefer a stiff ride, but if your looking for a touring bike, then I would suggest looking elsewhere. If your looking for a stiff race bike, then you should put the R3-SL in your top three list of bikes to ride. I actually prefer my Cervelo SLC-SL to the R3, but that's just me.
FYI: I believe even the mighty Carlos Sastre switched from the R3-SL to the S3 for the 09 Giro. Guess he like the blend of both.
Weaknesses: Might be too stiff for some. All depends on your personal preferences. I've had smoother riding bikes, but there is always a sacrifice somewhere.
Similar Products Used: Cervelo SLC-SL, BMC Pro Machine, Pinarello Paris, Specialized S-works Roubaix.
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Summary: What can I say about a R3SL that has not been said? If you like to ride fast get this bike. It is probably the best all- around race bike. I got a great deal on left over 2008 from Bothell Bike. Great service from Bothell. If you are going to get a new bike check out Bothell, great prices and perfect cst service.
Strengths: Light, stiff, handles great and a lifetime warranty....
Weaknesses: Not free....
Similar Products Used: Trek, Bianchi, Argon, Paramount, Litespeed, Klein, Cannondale, Merckx, all most everything...
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