Summary: Just want to say I moved from a 09 specialized Tarmac Expert to this bike and wow what a ride. Stiff, responsive and compliant without being Harsh or Dead.
Demoed Giant TCR sl, Trek madone 5.5, Jamis, Kuota and the like.
I am glad I bought this as I have complained of comfort problems since 2009. I feel like a new rider with a freedom that I hadnt had for a couple of years.
BBright has its detractors and yes I am worried......but touch wood no problems so far.
I upgraded the cranks to Rotor Qrings and am impressed.
Strengths: Stiff, Fast....COMPLIANT.
Weaknesses: Wheels are terrible for this level of bike.
Similar Products Used: Madone 5.5, Specialized TArmac Expert 2009
almost purchased R3...until I read about Cervelos lack of service/interest in the BB issue...no thanks... nothing like spending $4,000 and not getting issue resolved ..looking at Trek Madone...maybe another Specialized SL3..........
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Favorite Ride: Anything with a mix of open road and (relatively) clean air.
Bike Setup: 2011 R3 with full Campagnolo Super Record 11 and Shamal Ultra wheelset.
Summary: Cervelo was kind enough to warranty my 2009 R3 with a 2011 model. The bottom bracket of the 2009 R3 cracked around the crankset on both drive and non-drive sides (I'm a 170 lb recreational rider). Overall, the 2011 model is amazing. It is more responsive and noticeably more confidence inspiring than the 2009 model.
My only gripe - and this is major - is the BBright bottom bracket system. It has never worked well and, over the past 3 months since I received the warranty replacement 2011 model, I've had it into the shop (Nytro, San Diego) twice and now taken it apart myself twice to fix. Since I ride every day, this is frustrating to say the least. The problem is that the R3 BBright system is apparently ONLY meant for the Rotor crank assembly, despite what Cervelo tells the public (and even their own dealers).
I have a full Campagnolo Super Record 11 group that I put on my previous 2009 R3 model (I'd consider scrapping the bike to keep the SR11 group ... it is that awesome!). The 2009 model was supposed to be my dream bike build. The SR11 group, however, does not work with the 2011 R3 model. This is true despite the use of the recommended Campagnolo BBright adapter brackets installed with the recommended LocTite plus primer. Each time after the BB has been "fixed" and cured for 24 hrs I can pedal for about 200 yards before the BB starts to creak (LOUDLY!) again. Each time, the adaptor cup on the drive side actually noticeably pulls away from the carbon BB area. This is very frustrating and the reason for my poor overall rating of this model year of the R3. If there is too much play in the BB area, it will, among other things, destroy the bearings on the crankset.
Beware if you have a R3 warranty replacement from a pre-2011 model year, or if you're simply updating your frame, and want to keep your groupset intact (or not be required to buy a new crankset). The BBright system is a very, very sad system in terms of compatibility with quality group systems and severely limits build-up options.
If I had known about the poor compatibility of the BBright system before my 2009 R3 warranty replacement I would tried to obtain a leftover 2010 model as the warranty replacement instead.
Strengths: Everything except the bottom bracket build/layup.
This is an update on me earlier review - After contacting Cervelo directly, Cevelo has now presented a "creative" solution to my BBright predicament while keeping my Campy drivetrain. I have my fingers crossed (but, my comments regarding BBright overall still stand). Also, the comment about Nytro was only to show I had the pros look into the problem, to no avail. Nytro is a class-act in every respect and both their customer service and service departments have been phenomenally helpful throughout this process.
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Bike Setup: Ultegra factory build with Rotor 3d crank & 3T components. Added Vuelta Corsa Light wheels, Fizik Antares saddle, Thompson zero setback seat post, Time Speed peddles & 25C Continental GP4000 S tires.
Summary: This is a review of the 2011 R3 with the the factory Ultegra 6700 build w/Rotor 3D crank.
My R3 is incredibly stiff & responsive while still being comfortable. This is a bike that begs you to get out and hammer. Climbing, acceleration and descending are truly outstanding. The front end shows virtually no torsional flex and the forks no deflection even under hard breaking. Keeps its composure over rough stuff.
My only major compliant re the "Ultegra" factory build are the bottom of the line Fulcrum 7 wheels that are heavy at over 1900 grs, loud and not particularly stiff. At this price other bike brands come with Kysrium Elites or equivalent. After a couple of weeks I replaced them with 1525 gr Vuelta Corsa Lights ($250)that saved almost a pound in rotating mass & really unleashed the frame's potential. It accelerates quicker, climbs better, is more lively & flickable, brakes better & runs quieter. Swap out the stock Fulcrum wheels for something lighter or you're not nearly experiencing what this bike is capable of. Best $250 I ever spent on upgrading a bike.
The bike is comfortable when set up properly, but I wouldn't call it “plush” compared to my trusty old Litepeed Ultimate Ti bike. The R3 is sensitive to too much tire pressure but performs extremely well when you let some air out. My LBS swapped the stock 23c Rubinos for 25C Conti 4000s's (Michelin 25Cs, which run taller, probably wouldn't fit the fork.) At 200lbs I like 25s but I think they will work particularly well on the R3 for anyone as they give a wide range of ride tune-ability. The recommended Conti 25C pressure of 115lbs (same as for their 23s) was way too high for 25s & made for a harsh ride. At 110lbs the ride was good on smooth surfaces, but still loosened fillings on the deeply cracked pavement “Roubaix” part of my ride. I am now running them at 95 front, 98 rear which gives a lively ride, still rolls very well & softens the really big hits enough to be more than acceptable. That PSI may sound low, but isn't for 25Cs. I'm sure I could easily go down to 90 or less without a problem for rough rides. Lighter riders could go lower. Remember that they ride tires in the 70s & 80s at Roubaix.
The supplied cheap OEM edition Fizik Arione saddle comes with manganese instead of Ki:um rails that offer, as far as I could tell, no rail flex whatsoever. I swapped it for a black Ki:um railed Antares “Cervelo” edition that made the second biggest difference in improving the ride quality after the 25c tires and weighs about 75 gr less. Sell the faux Arione and get something with with Kium or Ti rails. Your butt will thank you.
This year Cervelo went from zero to a 25mm setback saddle for the R3 that seems like the longest “25mm” I have seen on a seatpost. Even with the seat jammed all the way forward it was too far back for me. The dealer swapped it for a zero setback Thompson. Problem solved.
The Ultegra brakes perform very well, but I am not a fan of the redesigned 6700 shifters. The down shifting paddle is thin and flush against the brake lever. If you happen to accidentally brush against the very sensitive right brake lever, moving it even a few mms when downshifting the skinny paddle, it results in a missed shift and nothing happens. This happens occasionally on every ride, especially when hitting the paddle fast & repeatedly for a quick downshift through multiple gears. The paddle needs to be bigger and spaced away from the break lever. I can't believe Shimano didn't catch this in development.
The Rotor cranks are stiff, light, shift well & I prefer their look to Shimano's current “Jetsons Spacely Industries” styling. From my experience & what I have heard, Cervelo has ironed out the glitches that their BB30 bottom brackets had when first released.
After swapping out the wheels, saddle & seatpost and adding Time Speed peddles, bottle cages & a computer, my 56cm R3 clocks in at a little over the UCI racing limit at 15 lbs. I love this bike!
Strengths: Stiff, light & comfortable when set up properly. Climbs & descends extremely well. Lively, stable & responsive. Likes to get up and go! Isn't cheap, but with a few tweaks you have a stiff but comfortable world class racing bike.
Weaknesses: Fulcrum 7 wheels are boat anchors on a frame like this, swapping them out for a lighter set makes a huge difference. (Shame on you Cervelo for not spec'ing better wheels!) OEM Arione saddle has cheap inflexible rails. Ultegra shifters are not well thought out. Saddle setback may be too much for some riders. Fork won't accommodate some larger tire sizes - factory forks are specially modified to take 27C "Roubaix" tires.
Similar Products Used: There aren't any comparable bikes ;-)
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Summary: I've had my 09 R3 for almost a year and a half now and the frame is a pleasure to ride. It feels very stiff and efficient moving forward, and yet also very comfortable, even after a 4 hour ride on some bad roads.
Most important for me, however, is the fit, which is perfect for me. I'm about 1.74m and I was hesitating between two sizes (51 and 54), and am happy that I chose the 54, which suits my relatively short legs and long torso. [From 2011, the R3 geometry changed and is not as good for me as the original]
The handling has been great, though I don't have much to compare it to. I can sit up and ride straight with no hands, and also carve pretty tight turns at high speeds. All in all, a great frame.
The Ultegra 6700 has been smooth and consistent. The 3T components have been fine. The Easton wheels feel good when the spokes aren't broken.
Strengths: Stiff and comfortable, light, geometry and handling (for the 2009)
Weaknesses: No real weaknesses
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Bike Setup: 2011 R3 55CM, Full Dura Ace (53/39), Mavic KYR SL's, CONT 4000's, Edge bars/stem/seat post, basically carbon everything else. Bike weights in at under 15 lbs. It was a custom build from the beginning.
Summary: First, the build: Rob (shop owners) must have spent 4 weeks trying to find the right bottom bracket bearings for my DA build. Eventually had Cervelo take the BBB off a DA "showroom bike' and ship it to him. Apparently Cervelo built the frame before they really got the BB (or configuration for non SRAM builds) right. In fact Bbright BB was made for Cervelo by Rotor and I hope it never fails since I doubt anyone else will build a replacement.
Second. the bike: The bike is super light and fast. Going up hills is effortless. Acceleration is quick and responsive. After 800 miles, over 5 months I can't find a fault in the bike. Since BB is extremely "beefy", it is stiff. While I'm not a big guy, I can't make it flex. Wheels are great, but that's due to Mavic. I have had DA bikes for 15 years and am not disappointed in 7900.
Strengths: Lightness (don't go with the stock wheels or you won't think it is light). Stiff while comfortable (but I rode 10 years on aluminum bikes and still ride that ride infrequently).
Weaknesses: Expensive, but not any worst than any other high end bike.
Similar Products Used: Litespeed with DA
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