900aero

Looking for a new bike (or frame) and these two Cervelo's are on my shortlist. Apart from the fact that the S5 is newer & sexier.......can anyone advise why I might buy one over the other? I'm leaning towards the S2 because I just don't think I need anything more - much as the S5 does grab my imagination. I also think the S2 looks slightly more likely to be compliant and not uber-stiff. By way of background, I ride ~200km on a good week, mostly by myself; do triathlons in summer and local road races in winter (mild winters here in Australia).

All constructive thoughts & advice appreciated.

Elvo

S5 will probably save you 10-20 seconds over a 40k assuming all else is equal.

patentcad

The S2 is cheaper, reasonably aero and light, and super comfy. Most importantly, it is not the Fugliest Bicycle in All Recored Velo History.

patentcad

All else is never equal.

DUHI4GOT

What size bike do you ride?

900aero

I ride a 58 (L/XL) or so, depending on manufacturer. Should also add that I'm 187cm/105kg (6"2"/235lbs) - although more like a footballer than complete tub of lard.

UC223

It would be worht noting.. I have had a hell of a time with the aero seatpost being a heavier cyclist... and you have 40+ lbs on me. You will notice everyone with a cervelo frame has a piece of tape on the seatpost because the damn thing slids down all of the time. After 5 years riding cervelo's, I am moving to something with a round seatpost and a better mechanical connection. They sure look nice tho (well.. except for the S5)

I <3 Robots

Honestly its going to be up to you. For 2012 the S2 is only coming in a Rival trim...so there is going to be a significant price difference. The base S5 comes in at 3800...1000 more than the S2.

Performance-wise...I don't think your going to gain much by going with the S5...buuuut...if the S5 is what you really want...and you can justify the price...get it.

The way the S5 post clamps is completely different than the S2/S3.

Jandro 

I can't speak for the seat post issue (if it is an issue on newer models), I'm 148#, but I love my S2. I, too, briefly debated on the S5 but, IMO, the S2 was more comfortable, looks a hell of a lot better, and the difference in price (read: lower) was not insignificant. You could take the $ savings and get yourself a nice set of 40mm+ carbon rims (I went with Reynolds DV3K).

They are both incredible bikes and I'm sure you'd be happy on either one (if you actually like the looks of the S5...).

trussdude

I test rode both bikes.

I was able to purchase a S2 with Red for the price of the S5 with Rival.

dayday82

I wish I was able to get that deal.

900aero

Thanks for the thoughts. Apologies also to the other thread on this topic - didn't see it when I posted.

I'm thinking I'm most likely to go for the S2 frameset and switch over my group (SRAM Red/Force mix) from my current ride. Much as I do love the look of the S5 (seems I'm in a minority there), I can't really see any benefits. No demo program in my area either which is a shame. While I appreciate the comment on the seatpost, I've had a Cervelo before and never encountered any issues with this. Will keep an eye on it though.

The saving would also go (part) of the way to a nice set of wheels - I'll use my current Dura-Ace day to day. Or perhaps an update to CrossMax 29'ers for my MTB.

rangerdavid

There's reason enough to get the S2. Its a damn great bike. For 98% of us, no real difference by the end of a metric century.