Cervelo R3 vs. Carbon Soloist
01-03-07, 09:08 PM
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Originally Posted by CerveloNW
I tested both, and I can see how the R3 could be a little more forgiving, but keep in mind the geometry is exactly the same as the SLC and both are made of cabon fibre, so will both do a good job of absorbing road noise. I ultimately went with the Soloist Carbon, and I actually think it is very comortable and smooth. My other bikes are a Kestel Talon SL, which is less comfortable and forgiving, and a Specialized Roubaix, which is widely considered as one of the most comfortable carbon frames out there. Ride quality for the SLC is more similar to the Roubaix (perhaps because both are compact geometry), even though it is lighter, stiffer and probably even more aero than the Talon. I've only had the SLC for 1 week and 60 miles of riding, but so far I love it, and can't wait to get back on it this weekend!
01-03-07, 09:30 PM
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Hi,
I have a Lemond Zurich, which is considered a pretty decent road bike, perhaps even for racing. I also have an SLC. There is a noticeable difference between the two bikes when you step on the pedals with some considerable force on an uphill. You can feel the energy go directly into propelling the bike forward on the SLC, rather than having the bike "give" in any way. With the Zurich, there is some energy lost - you can just feel it. I am a big rider - 6'3" and 185 pounds and being able to have as much of my energy propel me forward on a hill means a lot to me - worth the extra $1500 considering that I spend some time on my bike, say 6000 miles a year.
If you are riding 1000 miles a year commuting downtown, it is not going to be worth the money. If you ride alot and want to know that the energy you expend is going to make a difference over the miles - the SLC is a TREMENDOUS buy.
There is a good review on Pez Cycing about the SLC and Cycling News. Anyone considering buying one should read these. They are accurate reviews.
I have a Lemond Zurich, which is considered a pretty decent road bike, perhaps even for racing. I also have an SLC. There is a noticeable difference between the two bikes when you step on the pedals with some considerable force on an uphill. You can feel the energy go directly into propelling the bike forward on the SLC, rather than having the bike "give" in any way. With the Zurich, there is some energy lost - you can just feel it. I am a big rider - 6'3" and 185 pounds and being able to have as much of my energy propel me forward on a hill means a lot to me - worth the extra $1500 considering that I spend some time on my bike, say 6000 miles a year.
If you are riding 1000 miles a year commuting downtown, it is not going to be worth the money. If you ride alot and want to know that the energy you expend is going to make a difference over the miles - the SLC is a TREMENDOUS buy.
There is a good review on Pez Cycing about the SLC and Cycling News. Anyone considering buying one should read these. They are accurate reviews.
01-04-07, 08:57 AM
#28
Making a kilometer blurry
Originally Posted by ZurichSeattle
Hi,
I have a Lemond Zurich, which is considered a pretty decent road bike, perhaps even for racing. I also have an SLC. There is a noticeable difference between the two bikes when you step on the pedals with some considerable force on an uphill. You can feel the energy go directly into propelling the bike forward on the SLC, rather than having the bike "give" in any way. With the Zurich, there is some energy lost - you can just feel it. I am a big rider - 6'3" and 185 pounds and being able to have as much of my energy propel me forward on a hill means a lot to me - worth the extra $1500 considering that I spend some time on my bike, say 6000 miles a year.
If you are riding 1000 miles a year commuting downtown, it is not going to be worth the money. If you ride alot and want to know that the energy you expend is going to make a difference over the miles - the SLC is a TREMENDOUS buy.
There is a good review on Pez Cycing about the SLC and Cycling News. Anyone considering buying one should read these. They are accurate reviews.
I have a Lemond Zurich, which is considered a pretty decent road bike, perhaps even for racing. I also have an SLC. There is a noticeable difference between the two bikes when you step on the pedals with some considerable force on an uphill. You can feel the energy go directly into propelling the bike forward on the SLC, rather than having the bike "give" in any way. With the Zurich, there is some energy lost - you can just feel it. I am a big rider - 6'3" and 185 pounds and being able to have as much of my energy propel me forward on a hill means a lot to me - worth the extra $1500 considering that I spend some time on my bike, say 6000 miles a year.
If you are riding 1000 miles a year commuting downtown, it is not going to be worth the money. If you ride alot and want to know that the energy you expend is going to make a difference over the miles - the SLC is a TREMENDOUS buy.
There is a good review on Pez Cycing about the SLC and Cycling News. Anyone considering buying one should read these. They are accurate reviews.
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=257679&page=3
01-04-07, 09:23 AM
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Originally Posted by ZurichSeattle
I am a big rider - 6'3" and 185 pounds and being able to have as much of my energy propel me forward on a hill means a lot to me - worth the extra $1500 considering that I spend some time on my bike, say 6000 miles a year.
If you are riding 1000 miles a year commuting downtown, it is not going to be worth the money. If you ride alot and want to know that the energy you expend is going to make a difference over the miles - the SLC is a TREMENDOUS buy.
There is a good review on Pez Cycing about the SLC and Cycling News. Anyone considering buying one should read these. They are accurate reviews.
If you are riding 1000 miles a year commuting downtown, it is not going to be worth the money. If you ride alot and want to know that the energy you expend is going to make a difference over the miles - the SLC is a TREMENDOUS buy.
There is a good review on Pez Cycing about the SLC and Cycling News. Anyone considering buying one should read these. They are accurate reviews.
01-04-07, 03:45 PM
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Originally Posted by DesFlurane
So, to those buying the SLC,
When's it going to arrive?
When's it going to arrive?
01-04-07, 04:58 PM
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Originally Posted by waterrockets
Noticeably faster than your 5200? Does it have a motor or something?
<disclaimer>troll here</disclaimer>
<disclaimer>troll here</disclaimer>
01-04-07, 06:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Silver Litz
I just put my MG Aeroheads back on my 5200 and did the same ride I did last week with the Aeroheads on my SLC. The wind conditions were very similar (15-20mph). Eventhough this week on the 5200 was about 5-10 degrees warmer (upper 50's vs. 50; I am faster in the warmer conditions), I was about 0.5mph slower on the 5200 than I was last time on the SLC.
01-04-07, 07:35 PM
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So far it's been great in all circumstances. I'm not in tip top cycling shape right now, so it's hard to evaluate in some ways, but I agree with all of the comments about fluid power transfer and propelling forward when stepping on the pedals. I felt the same way about the R3 when I test rode it. Both are great bikes.
I currently have Mavic Ksyrium ES wheels on it, which are a good match except for color. The red spoke is a different color red than the frame, but maybe I'll just get used to it. I think Rolf Prima Vigors with black spokes would look really cool on the bike, and I've read good things about them as well.
I currently have Mavic Ksyrium ES wheels on it, which are a good match except for color. The red spoke is a different color red than the frame, but maybe I'll just get used to it. I think Rolf Prima Vigors with black spokes would look really cool on the bike, and I've read good things about them as well.
01-04-07, 08:50 PM
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Originally Posted by CerveloNW
So far it's been great in all circumstances. I'm not in tip top cycling shape right now, so it's hard to evaluate in some ways, but I agree with all of the comments about fluid power transfer and propelling forward when stepping on the pedals. I felt the same way about the R3 when I test rode it. Both are great bikes.
I currently have Mavic Ksyrium ES wheels on it, which are a good match except for color. The red spoke is a different color red than the frame, but maybe I'll just get used to it. I think Rolf Prima Vigors with black spokes would look really cool on the bike, and I've read good things about them as well.
I currently have Mavic Ksyrium ES wheels on it, which are a good match except for color. The red spoke is a different color red than the frame, but maybe I'll just get used to it. I think Rolf Prima Vigors with black spokes would look really cool on the bike, and I've read good things about them as well.
01-04-07, 08:58 PM
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They, or their frame manufacturers, screwed up, so they replaced/upgraded everyone affected.
Lifetime warranty on the frame and they meant it.
Can't get better than that.
Lifetime warranty on the frame and they meant it.
Can't get better than that.
01-04-07, 09:01 PM
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Originally Posted by CerveloNW
I currently have Mavic Ksyrium ES wheels on it, which are a good match except for color. The red spoke is a different color red than the frame, but maybe I'll just get used to it. I think Rolf Prima Vigors with black spokes would look really cool on the bike, and I've read good things about them as well.
I miss my ES wheels, but worth it for the powertap.
01-04-07, 11:27 PM
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Originally Posted by DesFlurane
I used to have ES wheels, I sold them to raise funds for my Powertap. Got some AMC 420 instead. Just not stiff enough for me, they are all 'twangy' for want of a better word.
I miss my ES wheels, but worth it for the powertap.
I miss my ES wheels, but worth it for the powertap.
01-05-07, 12:57 AM
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Cervelo specs them out with a fairly uninspiring Easton wheelset. I have heard great things about the Zipp CSC edition (not the 303 or the 404 but the non-aero wheelset that Zipp sells for about a grand), but Cervelo and Zipp apparently don't have an OEM relationship - they are just connected through their association with Team CSC. The 303s and especially the 404s look great on the bike, but are expensive and they seem like overkill for the type of riding I do. Does anyone have any experience with Rolf Prima Vigors?
01-05-07, 06:58 AM
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Originally Posted by ZurichSeattle
OK everyone, pay attention. Aerodynamics make a difference. Ride into a headwind and maybe you can figure it out. Ever notice that the bikes used in TT are DIFFERENT than the bikes you ride everyday? They design those bikes that way because IT DOES make a difference having as many aerodynamic qualities in play as possible. If you ride a mountain bike with a floppy rain jacket on it will take much more energy to propel you at the same speed as someone wearing tight lycra riding an SLC. These guys spend big money on wind tunnels. THE SLC IS A -FASTER- BIKE.
Next time you are riding against a headwind, remember, Cervelo cares:
https://www.cervelo.com/content.aspx?...i=Aerodynamics
Riders on Cervelo TT bikes won 1st, 2nd and 4th in the Worlds Elite TT...
Next time you are riding against a headwind, remember, Cervelo cares:
https://www.cervelo.com/content.aspx?...i=Aerodynamics
Riders on Cervelo TT bikes won 1st, 2nd and 4th in the Worlds Elite TT...
01-05-07, 08:32 AM
#41
Making a kilometer blurry
Originally Posted by 53x12
Is there an ideal wheel setup for these bikes? Anything that Cervelo recommends? Or is it basically what ever you can afford? So if you can afford a Zipp deep dish that is the best setup?
Other than that, and axle width, a frame has jack-squat to do with what wheels you ride -- unless you're OCP.I guess riding an SLC indicates OCP anyway, so my point is moot. Carry on.
01-05-07, 10:08 AM
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Originally Posted by CerveloNW
...Does anyone have any experience with Rolf Prima Vigors?
Picture:
https://photos.imageevent.com/kster/bike/img_1828.jpg
01-05-07, 11:57 AM
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Originally Posted by pelotonracer
Soloist Carbon is for poseurs. R3 is for poseur poseurs.
I think to me the Soloist Carbon is the nicest looking bike on the market right now. The R3 is the smarter buy for me but who ever said I was smart
01-05-07, 12:18 PM
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Originally Posted by 53x12
Just curious if you are worried about the quality of the bike? I have heard good things about Cervelo, but after the whole 2.5 drama I am a little skeptical. It most likely isn't anything to worry about.
Last edited by TechJunkie; 01-05-07 at 12:24 PM.
01-05-07, 04:17 PM
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Originally Posted by fleetfoot
It clearly is easier to push the bike over 22 mph and up than my non-aero Trek. Below this and the added responsiveness is probably a function of weight rather than aero. The Trek remains a sweet bike for 18-22 mph rides with a group.
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01-05-07, 04:21 PM
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Originally Posted by kster
I'm been riding these wheels for about a year and a half now. Initially they were on my Trek 5200 and I've moved them to my newer R3. The Vigors have been great; the bike feels very responsive and the wheels have been nothing but reliable.
Picture:
https://photos.imageevent.com/kster/bike/img_1828.jpg
Picture:
https://photos.imageevent.com/kster/bike/img_1828.jpg
01-05-07, 04:33 PM
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Thanks; the decals are very easy to remove. I just heated them a bit with a hair dryer and they came right off.