TejanoTrackie 

The problem with the R3 is that due to its special wider press-fit BB the choices in cranks are limited and I wanted 165mm Ultegra cranks that won't fit. The Matrix has a conventional 68mm threaded BB, which works great with the Ultegra external bearing setup. I did ride a Matrix that was built up with different components and it seemed to be about the same as the R3, except maybe a bit harsher in the rear, but that was with 700x23c tires with a lot of pressure in them and I'm going with 700x25c tires and there's room in the rear for 700x28c if I decide to go that route.