Fifty Plus (50+) - New Cervelo R3 Road Bike

A few weeks ago, I pulled the trigger on a Cervelo R3. After test riding a few other bikes in the same class, I decided on the R3. I have ~ 500 miles on the bike and I have competed in three sanctioned races: the Mount Diablo Hill Climb 10K ITT and two 44 mile road races.

It is equipped with D/A except for the rear cassette which is SRAM red 11/26. The carbon cranks are a demo set of IRD while I determine which power meter I am going to get. It is between the Quarq and the Ergomo. It has carbon handlebars and an aluminum stem with carbon overlay. The pedals are the new D/A SPD-SL. The wheels are Bontrager Race XXX Lite OLCV Carbon Clinchers with Conti GP 4000s tires. For now, I have a wired Cateye electronics with cadence. The weight as pictured is ~15.9 pounds for a 58 cm frame.

I have the compact double 50/34 with the SRAM Red 11/26 10 speed cassette.

Here are some pics.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/2008%20Cervelo%20R3/PICT0010.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/2008%20Cervelo%20R3/PICT0011.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/2008%20Cervelo%20R3/PICT0012.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/2008%20Cervelo%20R3/PICT0013.jpg

Mount Diablo Hill Climb Race

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/2008%20Cervelo%20R3/2601144187_d475d2c809_b.jpg

Cruising along.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/2008%20Cervelo%20R3/P080628095823194ab_2.jpg

Its white with black trim............nough said.......:thumb:



And naturally.............just a splash of red............for accent.

Wow, and it's my size too. So if you really don't like it. I really couldn't imagine having one of those, beautiful bike congratulations :beer:

Cool bike - just looks fast.
Did you consider a powertap as a power meter system?

Cool bike - just looks fast.
Did you consider a powertap as a power meter system?

Of course, however, I want a crank based system so that I can swap wheelsets. I talked with Quarq www.quarq.us today and they will start shipping compact crank sensors in September. They are shipping 53/39 sensors today.

I've seen this bike in person and it's a beaut. And Hermes is fast on it.

Yes, a very pretty bike, and color-coordinated with Wicked. I like. :love:

Very nice! I really liked my demo of the R3. The 58 looks like the right size for you. It worked for me with a 120 stem just fine. I really learned something about the bike when my first ride on it went for 91 miles in comfort. Good luck with it!

Of course, however, I want a crank based system so that I can swap wheelsets. I talked with Quarq www.quarq.us today and they will start shipping compact crank sensors in September. They are shipping 53/39 sensors today.
I was not familiar with the quarq - that looks like an intersting design but doesn't it assume your power output is the same for each leg? I have been thinking about the power tap but at this point I can't justify the costs - I am getting a lot out of the simple HRM, speed and cadence. I can see if you are at the upper end of the training scale - this could be a real valuable tool.

A beautiful bike. Looks fast in the pictures.

great looking ride.

I am soooo envious. There are not enough "o"s in "so" to describe how so envious I am. And of course it was a Cervelo that just won the Tour de France. Just perfect.

.....and color-coordinated with Wicked. I like. :love:

I think side by side pics would be outstanding.

I am soooo envious. There are not enough "o"s in "so" to describe how so envious I am. And of course it was a Cervelo that just won the Tour de France. Just perfect.

I thought Carlos Sastre won the TdF? ;)

It looks like it could get you a speeding ticket while it is parked. I like it!

FYI, there's a nice article about the history of Cervelo in the August issue of Procycling. It sounds like they really know their stuff and strive for perfection. For a racing bike, it would be hard to find any better as this year's TdF proved.

Looks one bad mammerjammer. Have fun. :thumb:

I was not familiar with the quarq - that looks like an intersting design but doesn't it assume your power output is the same for each leg? I have been thinking about the power tap but at this point I can't justify the costs - I am getting a lot out of the simple HRM, speed and cadence. I can see if you are at the upper end of the training scale - this could be a real valuable tool.

As I understand the Quarq technology, it sums the power being produced by each leg using the same technique as the SRM. The Ergomo measures the twist in the bottom bracket and only captures the left leg and multiplies its power by 2. In theory, the Quarq technology is more accurate and may be more reliable. The PowerTap measures the twist in the hub.

I think side by side pics would be outstanding.

+1

I think side by side pics would be outstanding.

Okay...I have them. However, Red Rider is sort of comparing apples to oranges but here is the Cevelo compared to Ms Wicked.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/2008%20Cervelo%20R3/PICT0010.jpg

This is Ms Wicked...
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/Orbea%20Ordu/PICT0005.jpg

This is the real Ms Wicked, who looks like a tour pro that just stepped out of a wind tunnel, on her wicked TT bike .
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/Orbea%20Ordu/1578hires.jpg

Here is my TT bike...
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/2008%20Cervelo%20TT/PICT0015.jpg

Here I am, who needs a lot of work on my TT position, on my TT bike with borrowed wheels so that my wife could have the fast wheelset in that race.
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/2008%20Cervelo%20TT/2015Hires.jpg

Here is my wife's Orbea Orca road bike.
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/PimpedOrbea.jpg

Wow! I'm in total awe of these machines. Gorgeous!

That's a beautiful bike. You look as if you're really enjoying it in the "cruising along" photo:thumb:

I would be afraid to drop one of them. They sure are beautiful bikes.

Incredible. Incredible machines and incredible people on them.

Whoa, props to you! And I was thinking my Roubaix Expert would be good for 4 more years. I want/need a Cevelo R3 too;)

Whoa, props to you! And I was thinking my Roubaix Expert would be good for 4 more years. I want/need a Cevelo R3 too;)

They sure get me thinking too.

As I understand the Quarq technology, it sums the power being produced by each leg using the same technique as the SRM. The Ergomo measures the twist in the bottom bracket and only captures the left leg and multiplies its power by 2. In theory, the Quarq technology is more accurate and may be more reliable. The PowerTap measures the twist in the hub.

Mieke from Quarq here. You are correct, the CinQo power sensor uses similar strain gage technology as the SRM and Powertap. We are essentially just replacing the spider with the power sensor, which is basically what SRM does. The CinQo has 10 strain gages and adds about 40-60 grams over the replaced stock spider's weight, depending on the version.

The CinQo samples the combined torque from both legs at 60 Hz which is averaged per revolution. The data packets are sent wirelessly, via the ANT+Sport network, to a compatible head unit at a rate of 4 Hz. They are updated once per revolution.

Current compatible head units are the Garmin Edge 705 and the iBike iAero. We hope to have our Qranium computer available sometime this fall.

For what it's worth, we saw this yesterday on the Google Wattage list regarding Ergomo: http://groups.google.com/group/wattage/browse_frm/thread/cc75eb42e1788463#

My personal opinion is that you're probably best off sticking with a strain gage based system such as ours, Powertap or SRM.

Looking at the action pics almost makes me want to hire a personal coach. Operative word being "almost". Good luck with your training and racing.

Whoa, props to you! And I was thinking my Roubaix Expert would be good for 4 more years. I want/need a Cevelo R3 too;)


They sure get me thinking too.

Hey guys...think no more and pull the trigger.:thumb: I did not buy the last one.:p

Hey guys...think no more and pull the trigger.:thumb: I did not buy the last one.:p

Yea, but I just bought the Roubaix.

Mieke from Quarq here. You are correct, the CinQo power sensor uses similar strain gage technology as the SRM and Powertap. We are essentially just replacing the spider with the power sensor, which is basically what SRM does. The CinQo has 10 strain gages and adds about 40-60 grams over the replaced stock spider's weight, depending on the version.

The CinQo samples the combined torque from both legs at 60 Hz which is averaged per revolution. The data packets are sent wirelessly, via the ANT+Sport network, to a compatible head unit at a rate of 4 Hz. They are updated once per revolution.

Current compatible head units are the Garmin Edge 705 and the iBike iAero. We hope to have our Qranium computer available sometime this fall.

For what it's worth, we saw this yesterday on the Google Wattage list regarding Ergomo: http://groups.google.com/group/wattage/browse_frm/thread/cc75eb42e1788463#

My personal opinion is that you're probably best off sticking with a strain gage based system such as ours, Powertap or SRM.

Hi Mieke:

We are looking forward to later this year when you have sensors for compact cranks. Thanks for the technical scoop.:)

Hey guys...think no more and pull the trigger.:thumb: I did not buy the last one.:p

I'll be retired next spring and plan to train and race "full time". I'm thinking retriement present. My wife will be retiring also after teaching 31 years and she's expecting a European Vacation. I can see it now, me riding my new Cevelo R3 on a TDF stage route while she waits to meet me at a little roadside cafe with wine and bread.:D

I'll be retired next spring and plan to train and race "full time". I'm thinking retriement present. My wife will be retiring also after teaching 31 years and she's expecting a European Vacation. I can see it now, me riding my new Cevelo R3 on a TDF stage route while she waits to meet me at a little roadside cafe with wine and bread.:D

I like the way you think. Good luck with your racing and training.

Hey guys...think no more and pull the trigger.:thumb: I did not buy the last one.:p
I was leaning towards the R3-sl but like the white better. Other than color and maybe weight, like a few grams matter when I'm overweight, are the differences?

I was leaning towards the R3-sl but like the white better. Other than color and maybe weight, like a few grams matter when I'm overweight, are the differences?

I rode both the R3 and the R3 SL and talked with Cervelo. The R3 and R3 SL are identical in performance but the SL frame is 90 grams lighter.

pant pant pant.

Thanks for all the pics; they are great looking bikes.

I'll be retired next spring and plan to train and race "full time". I'm thinking retriement present. My wife will be retiring also after teaching 31 years and she's expecting a European Vacation. I can see it now, me riding my new Cevelo R3 on a TDF stage route while she waits to meet me at a little roadside cafe with wine and bread.:D

There's a tour company called "Exodus" with many wonderful adventure vacations. One is "Great climbs of the TDF". All the vacations have less demanding options and alternatives for people who want to come along but maybe don't want all the challenges. I'm not on their payroll (!) but I've done a couple of their tours, and I'd recommend them. Happy googling, and have a wonderful retirement!

As long as the "dream" gets you past just buying the bike, no matter how much you have bowed to the marketing gods, and into actual riding, that's a good thing.

That is a beautiful bike collection! It's also great to see them in the hands of folks that put them through their paces, not just admire them. Enjoy the ride!

Hi Hermes,

Very nice bike. :)

I keep thinking that I want to try a Cervelo. I've always liked the way all of their models look. The only thing that worries me is that the top tube is too short. Otherwise the geometry looks great to me.

BTW, I was talking to my friend Laura L. the other night and she told me that she won the Masters Women road championships in NorCal a couple of weeks ago. Was velodiva in that race?

Hi Hermes,

Very nice bike. :)

I keep thinking that I want to try a Cervelo. I've always liked the way all of their models look. The only thing that worries me is that the top tube is too short. Otherwise the geometry looks great to me.

BTW, I was talking to my friend Laura L. the other night and she told me that she won the Masters Women road championships in NorCal a couple of weeks ago. Was velodiva in that race?

Yes, Velodiva raced and came in 4th. By the time she raced, it was hot and her feet started to hurt after lap 2. She has Morton's Neuroma and could not put any pressure on the pedals for the final lap. Laura L was in top form and looked great. Her husband and I raced in the 55+. I blew up on a climb. There was a lot of smoke in the air and we were both coughing until Tuesday.:eek:

As with most of these bikes, you have to try it to see if one of the sizes works. I really liked the ride of the R3 compared to the other bikes I tried but it is a very fine line in that class of bike.

Great looking bikes!!

Its white with black trim............nough said.......:thumb:
And naturally.............just a splash of red............for accent.

I was a little (well very little) concerned about being a copy cat. White is hard to keep clean.


I've seen this bike in person and it's a beaut. And Hermes is fast on it. You always say the right things.


I thought Carlos Sastre won the TdF? ;)

Here is the man on what appears to be an R3 SL. I think he rode that bike most of the time. Some of the other CSC riders rode the SLC SL.
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/rallen94402/gal_4548.jpg


Looks one bad mammerjammer. Have fun. :thumb: I googled mammerjammer and I will use it sparingly. It is and I will.:thumb:


That's a beautiful bike. You look as if you're really enjoying it in the "cruising along" photo:thumb: That day was the Giro de Peninsula and there was automatic camera set up on the road. I was not on the ride but when I went by is snapped my pic.

Looking at the action pics almost makes me want to hire a personal coach. Operative word being "almost". Good luck with your training and racing.

A coach is a great way to take your riding to a new level. It is very tough to build the engine on your own. Clearly, one can just ride and get great results. If you want to build the engine fast, it takes some third party expertise and feedback to keep you on track and out of trouble.

Thanks to all for the kudos and encouragement.:thumb::)

I was thinking about your beautiful stable of bikes this morning while riding my bike in to work. I don't know which of your bikes is the prettiest, fastest, lightest, or best suited to its intended use.

However, I am pretty sure of this: if you handed each of your bikes a knife and a broken beer bottle, and sent them into a dark alley to fight it out, only Wicked would come back alive.

That is one mean bike. Hopefully you don't leave them all unattended at night; something bad might happen to the gentler ones.

The CinQo samples the combined torque from both legs at 60 Hz which is averaged per revolution.

Sorry - don't mean to be critical but as an engineer I don't see how this is possible. I agree you can sense the torque on the right side but can't see how you capture the left side. If I were to only pedal with my left foot what would your system read? Call me skeptical but I don't see how you can measure torque on the left side if your sensors are not between the left pedal and the chain. Please explain - I am all ears. Since I have never disassembled a bottom bracket maybe I do not understand the mechanical linkage - does the shaft to the left pedal connect to the chain rings through the spider?

Hermes - you certainly are in the 99 percential. What a great stable of bikes.

I just built and sold a R3. All Sram Red. All I got to do was ride it around the parking lot.
Very nice for the short time I had it.

Sorry - don't mean to be critical but as an engineer I don't see how this is possible. I agree you can sense the torque on the right side but can't see how you capture the left side. If I were to only pedal with my left foot what would your system read? Call me skeptical but I don't see how you can measure torque on the left side if your sensors are not between the left pedal and the chain. Please explain - I am all ears. Since I have never disassembled a bottom bracket maybe I do not understand the mechanical linkage - does the shaft to the left pedal connect to the chain rings through the spider?

Check this out and read the SRM technical discussion. SRM professional is the gold standard for power meters but $3500 for D/A is a lot of money for electronics. http://www.biketechreview.com/archive/pm_review.htm

Hopefully Mieke will provide how quarq does it.