jsbach

Hi Folks,

My bike is a 2008 Cervelo R3SL in 56cm with a 100mm stem @ 12 degrees. I'm 5'10" with 30-31 inseam. I'm also (what I call myself) a "super-clydes" weighing in at 240-250lbs. More questions on weight later.
I recently changed my handlebars from Specialized Ergo to Cannondale C3 compact. I changed the bars because I like the curvature of the drops on the C-dale vs the ergo bend on the Specialized.

I had the C-dale bars installed, got new bar tape, etc. Went for a ride and immediately noticed something was off. I adjusted tilt and still something was off. It was only when I looked up the specs on both bars that I discovered that the C-dale bars have a 90mm reach, whereas the Specialized bars are 70mm reach. I was so preoccupied with the drops that I never thought to check the reach.

My question is: Can I correct the 20mm difference my simply swapping out the 100mm stem for an 80mm stem? Everything else about the bars feels good. The only issue is the reach.

Back to weight. Does anyone know the weight limit of a 2008 Cervelo R3SL? Weight has always been a concern of mine when riding. My wheels are Easton EA70's, which is a 24-spoke front, 28-spoke rear wheelset and I have never had any issues with them. I'm riding on Michelin Pro4 tires in 25mm. I've often thought whether I need to be on an aluminum frame or maybe even steel. Or, perhaps even a different type of bike that is designed like a road bike, but can also be ridden off road... i.e. cyclocross. I've had a host of other road bikes... Tarmac, Madone, CAAD9/10, and I've never had any issues on any of them.

I really like the Cervelo though. For me, it has felt the quickest of this group of bikes I’ve owned. Even with my weight, it’s snappy and reacts instantly to my pedal inputs—especially when really putting down the torque going up an incline. My goal is to get down to 220lbs—if I can.

10 Wheels

Moved from General.

ill.clyde

I wouldn't worry about your weight with respect to your bike. There are plenty heavier clydes here who ride carbon.

I'm in the very beginning stages of research for my next bike ... and I won't buy until I hit my goal which will put me south of 275. Everything I've read so far says I'll be fine on a carbon bike. But I'm also entertaining titanium as well as aluminum.

dagray

Weight isn't an issue for the bike (might be for your wheels... only riding will tell). As to the stem just go get a professional fit and if the stem needs to be changed have it changed then.

You might not want to shorten the length of the stem, but rather increase the degree so that you sit more upright. Again a good bike fit will tell you this.

MikeOK

I'm 265 and ride carbon, no problems. My friend is 290 and rides carbon, no problem, you will be fine. Also, my reach stretched me out a bit too much so I swapped my stem from a 100 to an 80. It made a big difference but the bike handles differently, it's a little twitchy now.