Cervelo RS Road Bike Reviews

Price Paid:  $2500.00 at Boulder Cyclery

Model Year:
2011

Favorite Ride:
Lookout Mt , Golden Co

Bike Setup:
58 cm RS, Rival and FSA Gossemer and 3T seatpost, Shimano R500 Whls.

Summary:
A great frame design for serious riders who no longer want to be beat up by stiff frames
It is a very compliant but very efficient frame. Unfortunately they have practically ruined this good bike with the cheap, underperforming components standard issue with this bike now. I am an ex racer that is used to having good frames supplied with equally good components. I have had to put another $1500 in components to feel what this frame was designed to ride like. This is a real black mark on Cervelo marketing. This is shameful. Most of the components are absolute junk. If Cervelo is going to maintain a reputation of top end racing machines, for God sake just sell this as frame only and not cheapen a potentially great ride.

Strengths:
Very smooth ride, Very stiff drive train.

Weaknesses:
Junk componentry

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Tarmac SL2, Giant Defy Advanced,Seven Eliam Ti,

Comments

DaveyL7 (01/08/2012)

I find my 2010 RS to be completely reliable after 2000 miles of riding. I am confident in the 3T and Ultegra components. The Fulcrum wheels are on the heavy side, so I swapped those soon after I purchased the bike. Enjoy the ride.

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Price Paid:  $3000.00 at Alter Ego

Model Year:
2010

Favorite Ride:
50 lm loop out to the country & back

Bike Setup:
Ultegra, Zipp 404's, Powertap, Evo rubino

Summary:
Age and flexibility or rather the loss of it forced me to give up my Super 6 and it's aggressive rider position. The Cervelo solved those problems on the 1st ride it continues to this time. In race conditions this bike handles curves and tight corners terrifically no drop off from a more aggressive bike at all. The smoothness at the rear over rough or uneven pavement is magnificent. It really shows on long rides or the charity tours the go all day. And lastly this one tough bike as a larger rider who tops 200 lbs the frame handles my weight easily. I have yet to see a limitation to using this bike as a race day machine and then an all rounder. I see why this bike has created a new category.

Strengths:
Relaxed geometry, softness of ride in the rear, handling

Weaknesses:
Nothing notable

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Super 6

Price Paid:  $2700.00 at Trek Superstore

Model Year:
2010

Favorite Ride:
17-mile Drive at Pebble Beach

Bike Setup:
Shimano Ultegra 6700 w/compact crank and 11x28 cassette; HED Ardennes SL wheelset; Selle Italia saddle; Speedplay pedals; everything else stock.

Summary:
Great stability, comfort and overall performance. Perfect ride for training, local bike events, century and charity rides.

Strengths:
All-day comfort, handles rough road well, ability to accelerate and climb like a demon. Good handling

Weaknesses:
Due to upright positioning probably not the best for someone intent on racing.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 5200

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Local bike shop

Model Year:
2009

Favorite Ride:
Cervelo RS

Bike Setup:
2009 Cervelo RS,with sram force not the best.Fulcrum 3's and 3T ergonova team handlebars.

Summary:
Bought this frame in late February,got my group set transferred.On the first spin I was surprised how fast the bike was,and how good the bike was on big climbs.Its not a plush ride as some say,however its not at all harsh just right.

Its stiff and light and takes a little time to get to full speed.However it maintains its speed properly because it is quite aerodynamic.This is a great bike for people who want to get in the miles while still feeling comfortable.Because it has a longer wheelbase it wants to stay in a straight line.This almost caught me out on a twisty descent,but after a few spins its not a big deal.

Over all is the perfect bike for me.I also tried the specialized Roubaix.Its more comfortable but its slower it also feels heavier on the road.

Strengths:
Comfortable as well as stiff,aerodynamic a brilliant climbing machine as well.Great power transfer on the flat although it takes a little time to get up to full speed.When I mean a little time I mean a few seconds.

I think it looks like a cool bike as well,but that a personal think.There is a little give in the bike from the seat stays that have a slight bend and are razor thin.

Cervelo give a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner,thats good to know.

Weaknesses:
Price,cervelo's are expensive I got a good deal but even so its not cheap.

Sram force,I'll never use sram again.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Roubaix,felt dead.Look 566 funny top tube not as stiff or quick.

Price Paid:  $2600.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2011

Bike Setup:
2011 stock build + campagnolo shamal ultra

Summary:
This is a great bike. It feels stiff yet its comfortable. Its definitely a harsher ride compared to steel but on the other hand the power transfer is much better too.

Strengths:
- Comfort
- Price (2011 model)
- Stiffness

Weaknesses:
None so far. Stock 2011 bike benefits a lot from a wheel upgrade.