Cervelo Soloist Team Road Bike Reviews

Price Paid:  $1800.00 at eBay

Model Year:
2008

Favorite Ride:
Barloy Canyon

Bike Setup:
Fulle DA 7800. Neuvation R28SL wheels (great wheels BTW). Lotsa carbon and racer boy bits. Weighs in around 17 lbs w/pedals.

Summary:
FAST!!! This thing is a rocket. Holy Cow this thing is fast.

Did I mention that it's fast?

I'm climbing hills easier and faster than on my full DA Trek 5500, and the Trek has super stiff Ksyrium SSC SL wheels. It's not even close. The Cervelo is so much easier to ride uphill I might be tempted to sell the Trek and get.....probably a carbon Cervelo.

For those that rated this bike a 1 or 2, WTF are you thinking? Even the crappy design on the seatpost would garner a 3 at least becuase it looks so cool.

Strengths:
Really fast. Smooth and nimble. Seems to corner like its on rails. I have so much more confidence on this bike than any other bike I've ever ridden. Really stiff without a bone jarring, teeth rattling ride. Not plush, but pretty comfortable, especially for an aluminum frame.

Weaknesses:
It's not free? Seriously, I can't find any fault with this bike. I guess the seatpost adjustment could be better. But once adjusted, not a problem anymore.

Similar Products Used:
Cervelo One. Trek 5500.

Price Paid:  $1150.00 at Channel Islands

Model Year:
2008

Favorite Ride:
London-Cambridge

Bike Setup:
Carbon Campagnolo Centaur levers / derailleurs, Campagonolo Cebtaur skeleton brakeset, Campagnolo Chorus CT 175mm chainset, Campagnolo Zonda wheelset, 3T Bars/stem and Fizik Arione Saddle.

Summary:
Very responsive, impressively light and very reassuring ride. FAST. No power seems to be wasted at all, and that inspires confidence and great pleasure.

Strengths:
Fast.
Light.
Responsive.
Good looks.
Comfort.
Confidence inspiring.

Weaknesses:
Irritating saddle adjustment. 2010 / 2011 colourshemes are weak. Onle specced in Shimano unless you custom build.

Similar Products Used:
Ridley Damocles ISP
Ridley Gladius
Ridley Pegasus

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at craigslist

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Tri and Cent rides

Bike Setup:
mostly stock

Summary:
Bike model is actually a 2008. This bike will take care you in any situation. The handling is amazing, and the speed is unmatched for the price range. I went from a cannondale to the cervelo and it felt like i had gone from a ford to a porche. Only think holding me back is me.

Strengths:
Handling, responsiveness, and speed. This bike does great in a race or on a weekend ride. Very versatile

Weaknesses:
saddle a bit stiff.

Similar Products Used:
cannondale six

Price Paid:  $900.00 at eBay

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Climbs, descents!

Bike Setup:
Ultegra 6600, FSA carbon something crankset, cervelo brakes, fizik arione saddle.

Summary:
Shocked at how rock-solid this bike frame is. This was an upgrade from my old aluminum frame, a Specialized Allez elite, which is supposed to be top-end aluminum. The Soloist just blows it out of the water however, even with a paltry (Shimano WH550) wheelset. They say the bike doesn't make you faster, but I feel stronger on climbs, flats and descents. Still haven't tested it in a full-out sprint though, but it feels incredibly smooth and responsive even on 50+ mph descents.

Strengths:
Surprisingly comfortable, and any accelerations are met with immediate response. Aerodynamics can't hurt either. Just a fun frame for any kind of ride.

Weaknesses:
Flexy wheelset with slow rolling hubs (easy change), seatpost slips (a little annoying during long climbs.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Allez Elite, Specialized Roubaix, GT ZR 1.0,

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Austin Tricyclist

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
City of Austin Route 23

Bike Setup:
Stock S1, with Shimano Ultegra Group

Summary:
I test rode the 2010 Cervelo S1 earlier today and was extremely impressed with it. I tested it on some relatively steep hills that were around the shop and the bike climbed the hills without any extra effort at all. The ride was like riding in a German sports car; smooth, refined, and fast. I also tested the bike around a nearby park that has cobblestone pavers in parts of the sidewalk and there was hardly any feeling of bumpiness. Bottom line, if you are serious about road riding, and you want a fast, confident bike, I'd highly recommend it.

Strengths:
Fast, quick steering, good components

Weaknesses:
Not enough padding on the handlebar (but could probably be fixed easily).
Saddle is extremely firm. Will be sure to replace with a Fizik or a Selle when I buy it.

Comments

tonyzackery (04/10/2010)

Since when does a bike climb hills??

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