Choices to make: Cervelo R3 or Tarmac SL S-Works
07-05-07, 11:53 AM
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I have a Tarmac Comp. Lust after the R3 for the hilly rough roads here in VT.
I'm a few years off trading up. Maybe by then the model will be the R3 Helium and not weight anything.
I'm a few years off trading up. Maybe by then the model will be the R3 Helium and not weight anything.
07-05-07, 12:31 PM
#27
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Originally Posted by 998
Old bike: 05 Tarmac Comp, Ultegra shifters, Ultegra rear der.,
Ummmm........The OP is comparing the S-Works Tarmac to the Cervelo. The only thing that your Comp and the S-Works have in common is geometry. They are two COMPLETELY different bikes.
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07-05-07, 12:45 PM
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Originally Posted by cheeseflavor
I'm looking at both of these bikes, and was wondering if anyone has experience with both that they'd be willing to share. Specifically, comparing the two, which would be better as an all-around bike that would be both fast and comfortable (for the occasional century as well as 40-50 mile rides).
Thanks!
Steve
Thanks!
Steve
have not been on either bike.
have one piece of advice: get the R3.
07-25-07, 03:20 PM
#29
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Thanks to everyone for your input. I ended up getting the Tarmac more for personal reasons than anything else. I like the Cervelo, but I've had great luck with Specialized and Erik's Bikeshop in particular. Plus, I got a price I couldn't refuse.
So, here it is, my '07 S-Works Tarmac SL.
Steve
So, here it is, my '07 S-Works Tarmac SL.
Steve
07-25-07, 03:33 PM
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A little late to the party (seeing as OP already bought the Tarmac) but FWIW I rode an S-Works Tarmac and was so freaked out by the weird "anatomic bend" (sic) handlebars that after 5 minutes I had to get off the bike. I do my best not to hold this one odd experience against the Tarmac, but man did it leave a bad taste in my mouth!
07-25-07, 03:44 PM
#31
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Here's my promised review. Picked up my new R3SL Monday evening and had the chance to do a 59 mile ride yesterday. Old bike: 05 Tarmac Comp, Ultegra shifters, Ultegra rear der., 105 brakes and front der. I took the Mavic Kysrium SLs I had put on my Tarmac onto the R3SL along with the saddle and pedals so that much is identical between the two bikes. The R3SL is Campy equiped. All the hype about the R3 seems to be true. The R3SL is superior in every way I can think of. It is most obvious is on bad roads. The R3 absorbs the bumps and imperfections in the road yet the rear wheel remains planted. At first it feels kind of strange. Get on the power even when going over a rough spot and the rear stays planted and you shot forward. This is even more noticeable when climbing on a road with rough spots, you don't feel the loss of power. Handles quicker than the Tarmac and holds a line better in corner and it is more responsive to mid corner line changes. R3 hands down.
Either bike is a great bike, and it comes down to your own test drive. For me, I bought the Tarmac S-works simply because a frameset on ebay goes for about a 1000 less then the R3
*edit, since I saw you picked it out
One question for the OP if you don't mind answering, How much did you pay for it?
07-25-07, 04:09 PM
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Bottom line, I'm pretty happy with the deal.
Take care,
Steve
07-25-07, 04:10 PM
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Awesome!
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07-25-07, 04:11 PM
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I work 
Seriously though, I put more miles on a bike than on my car. It keeps me fit at 52 years of age, keeps me sane, and out of trouble. Also, we sold our camper that was getting used maybe 6 or 7 times a year and cost $1000 a year to store, winterize and summerize. So, justification for it came easy.
Steve
Seriously though, I put more miles on a bike than on my car. It keeps me fit at 52 years of age, keeps me sane, and out of trouble. Also, we sold our camper that was getting used maybe 6 or 7 times a year and cost $1000 a year to store, winterize and summerize. So, justification for it came easy.
Steve
07-25-07, 04:30 PM
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07-25-07, 04:32 PM
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It's the S-Works Tarmac Dura-Ace version. Retail was $5500, and I got it for $4700. However, they gave me $1500 for my Roubaix in trade-in which saved me the hassle of selling it, so with tax, the check was around $3400. It didn't come with the Zipps, but rather Ksyrium ES Special Edition wheelset (not exactly junk either).
Bottom line, I'm pretty happy with the deal.
Take care,
Steve
Bottom line, I'm pretty happy with the deal.
Take care,
Steve
07-25-07, 06:00 PM
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Don't overlook the Cervelo Soloist Carbon. Its a faster frame and I find it comfortable as well.
If it is a tie between Cervelo and Specialized, check out with the dealers to see their opinions on how the manufactures handle customer's warranty issue. It sounds as if Cervelo is definitely inferior to Trek in this regard. I do not know how Specialized is with respect to this, but being a major manufacturer, I would expect they should have good service.
If it is a tie between Cervelo and Specialized, check out with the dealers to see their opinions on how the manufactures handle customer's warranty issue. It sounds as if Cervelo is definitely inferior to Trek in this regard. I do not know how Specialized is with respect to this, but being a major manufacturer, I would expect they should have good service.
12-09-07, 02:07 PM
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Nice bike Cheeseflavor,
Why did you get rid of the Roubaix? Was it just old or did it start having problems, maybe you needed something new. Do you have any regrets in owning the Roubaix and do you recommend it to someone just getting started in bicycling?
Thanks,
Robert
Why did you get rid of the Roubaix? Was it just old or did it start having problems, maybe you needed something new. Do you have any regrets in owning the Roubaix and do you recommend it to someone just getting started in bicycling?
Thanks,
Robert
