ilovecycling

Today was a great day! I picked up the new R3 (56cm) around 6pm and was messing with it for a little while now. I flipped the stem and threw some spacers on top.

You probably noticed that only the front wheel is a Reynolds MV32c UL (carbon clincher) wheel. I actually forgot about needing a cassette for the rear wheel (duh), and I didn't bring the wheels with me when I picked up the bike. I don't know if I should buy another cassette for the Reynolds wheel and keep the stock Fulcrums as a backup, or if I should save the money for now and just have the LBS switch it over to the Reynolds.

While I was inspecting it at the bike shop, I noticed that the chain was a Sram PC-1051 and not a PC-1071 like it was supposed to come with. They said it came with that chain, but they are going to call their Cervelo rep and get me a PC-1071.

While I was there I picked up some S-Works shoes and ordered some white Speedplay Zero stainless pedals. Should be about a week for the pedals to come in.

Also, I plan on buying some Red shifters and selling mine on eBay. That should complete the build for a good while. Maybe one day I'll go Red for the rear der, but not right now.

Oh and if you are wondering how I got the white and blue frame with the Sram Rival build, all I had to do was ask. They ordered two bikes just to do the parts swap. Conte's Bicycles & Fitness in Arlington, VA is easily the best bike shop I've ever been to. The level of service and attention to detail by the mechanic made for a great overall experience. They even gave me 5% off, which basically takes off VA sales tax. Came out to a few bucks less than $3200 out the door.

I can't wait to ride this beauty!

Velo Gator

(but not sure I'm crazy about the bar tape)

keisatsu

nice, I'm digging the blue fo sho!

MrTuner1970

True. Perhaps blue tape would look good on that bike. Needs a tad more color, IMO.

But I like it -- has a nice, "clean" look.

Velo Gator

The blue is actually even prettier in person. It's a very sharp bike.

MrTuner1970

The same model you have?

Velo Gator

Not at all. I saw one at all3sports in Atlanta and was surprised at how great the color looked. It's the new Garmin-scheme.

I also didn't realize until seeing these pics that the R-series have the external cable routing. Never noticed it before.

ilovecycling

Thanks guys and gal.

To be honest, I don't like the bar tape one bit. Not enough cushion at all and I can't say I'm crazy about the Fi'zi:k logo that runs through it. I much prefer the Deda foam tape I installed on my Trek right before I sold it. I'll wait until I get the Red levers before I switch it out though. I'll probably go with the Deda tape again, unless y'all have any better suggestions!

Do you think I made the right choice with the white pedals? They had black ones available there, and I was tempted to go with them, but then took the mechanics advice to go white. I'm not sure I need another white accent on the bike.

By the way, the S-Works shoes are amazing! I have wide feet and was worried they would be too tight, but they are very accommodating shoes. Except for being a little snug in the mid-foot, they feel great overall. Not nearly as narrow as Sidi (non-mega) or Mavic shoes. I hardly notice them on my feet. They feel like slippers. Excellent product IMO. They had the neon green/yellow color, and I almost went with them but decided to stick with the white and black ones. The white and black ones match the bike perfectly, but something is telling me to go back and exchange them for the yellow pair.

Velo Gator

I think the white pedals will look nice.

Plans for bottle cages?

ilovecycling

Yep, external cable routing. I personally like external routing. Gives you much better shifting and makes changing cables a bit easier. Of course, it doesn't look as clean, but I would never give up shifting performance for the sake of appearance. I actually have a new set of Yokozuna cables, but I'm waiting for those Red levers before I use them.

*edit* Good point Velo. It hadn't crossed my mind until you mentioned it. I don't even know what kind to get. I'm thinking clear coated raw carbon, but I haven't done my homework on bottle cages yet. If you have any suggestions, feel free to throw them out there!

keisatsu

I'm a big fan of the Tacx Tao cages, though right now I have a Bontrager Race lite cage, and I'm liking it a lot.

ilovecycling

Thanks for the suggestions keisatsu. I actually had the Race lite cages on my Trek. They worked fine, but I had the red ones and the paint would rub off and stain my bottles. I didn't like the cheap plastic feel either. Seemed like they could break at any time. I'm going to try and stick to carbon fiber for this bike. I'll spend $100 on cages, just need to find the right ones.

WHOOOSSHHH...

Remember if a little snug now, may mean a bit tight when the temp's rise, and your feet swell. I have wide feet feet also, and must say that Specialized work for me. Great looking bike, and +1 on the Deda tape. Also Specialized makes some nice feeling, and looking blue tape! Contes and the folks are good people to deal with. Nice shop to visit for anyone in the D.C area. Has a running shop inside also and good mechanics.

freeskihp

eh, it looks pretty weighty. Once you get the 1071 slapped on there though...

I hear they come lubed from the factory with unicorn tears

RoboIsGod

What are those wheels you are using?

ILUVUK

nice looking ride! no excuses now...Tour de France or bust!

Chini563

Nice photos! I am very happy that you have a good LBS thats taking care of you, if you contiue to do buisness w/LBS they will take care of your any cycling needs. pretty bike splash it with complimentary colors of blue look at a color wheel!

JimF22003

Nice bike! I've had great experiences with Conte's. Not cheap though, but it kind of goes with the territory.

So the bike is not rideable yet? It's going to be decent weather on Sunday. I'm heading out for the horsey country for a ride in a few minutes.

ThinLine

Awesome rig. Good luck with it once the weather cooperates. I like SRAM (have 2010 Force) although on par with my DuraAce/Ultegra stuff.
Very Nice!

WhyFi

Get an additional cassette for the Reynolds - nice to have a spare than you can pop on.

TrekDen

Nice looking build you got going. These cages might look good on there.

https://www.ravx.com/products/carbon_cages/beta_x.html

v70cat

Great looking bike, I also love the S Works shoes.

kh6idf

Looking good (other than the mismatched wheels of course)

I have the white/red RS, but would prefer the white/blue as blue is my favorite color.

I have about 700 miles on my Fulcrum 7 wheels, they seem to be fairly good, staying true and spin very easily. LOUD freewheel though, which I initially hated but now I like it - like having a bell without the added weight.

If I were in your situation I would probably buy another cassette so I had two sets of wheels, but if money is tight just move the cassette to the wheels you are going to ride and buy a 2nd cassette later.

You might consider preemptively installing a k-edge chain catcher like I did yesterday, so if your chain ever does come off it will not chew into the carbon frame:

https://forums.cervelo.com/forums/t/7632.aspx

Creatre

What kind of crank is that? I've never seen a SRAM looking like that. 2011 force or something, or is it the old Force crank maybe?

pdedes

so you can spend 3.2k on a bike but you can't fork over for a new cassette so you can have a spare set of wheels? come on.