I can't compare it to the R800 as I've never ridden one. I got off a seldom ridden 23 year old steel frame Trek and have about 1700 miles on the R1000 since September. My long rides have been in the four hour range and I find it plenty comfortable. One caveat is that I tossed the Broom st-ik Poggio saddle after two rides. My bike shop happily traded it out.I'm 50, 5'9" 165 lbs and ride a 54cm frame.