I've seen maybe 2-3 other Cervelos while I'm out riding. I guess you could call me guilty of buying a "faddish" cervelo. But my choice boiled down to pure performance. I went from 5 bikes to the R3 after research, opinions, and test rides. I wanted a pure race bike, and I got it. Hate all you want on Cervelos, at the end of the day, its still and awesome rig.