I rode the R3SL at Excel Sports in 2009 and 2010. Out of the Cervelo line, it was my favorite. But it was pricey. I bought a semi custom Paketa magnesium frame from my buddy JP instead. Soon after, I found a closeout 2009 R3SL at R&A Cycles in Brooklyn. Pre-ban, so the frame could still be shipped. I watched the 56 sit for two years.

In February 2013, I called R&A on a snowy day in New York. The first guy I spoke to told me to start a bake sale. Here’s the back story to the build. A sub-6kg bike without the WW compromises.

First some pics.