I'm in the process of getting a R3 frame and fork and am trying to figure out exactly how I want to spec it. I was originally planning to build it up with my current group off my 2010 RS, which is Ultegra 6700. Since it's taking a little while to get the frame I'm starting to try and figure out if that's the route I really want to take. I mean if I"m getting a new frame and fork shouldn't it have some new stuff hanging on it?

With this thinking I'm currently considering a couple of options. One would be SRAM Force, which to me is one of the best values and bang for the buck sets out there, plus my current wheels are compatible, Easton EA90 SLX. The other option wandering around in my head is to try Chorus 11 speed. This would obviously be a more expensive option but I've always like the looks of it. I'm planning to try and find a test ride on the new Campy, which will either help or hurt my confusion. I had Veloce on a bike several years ago and liked it but it wouldn't compare to the Chorus of today.

Any insight or opinions are appreciated. Thanks!

I know a few people with campy 11 sp who like their 10 sp better for various reasons, the most of which is that they feel the 11 sp is much more finicky. They also don't like the fact that they have to replace parts after 1 season (like the chain, and is $$) I personally find any shimano >=105 to be just fine. I also think any Campy >= Chorus is fine, I'm not a big SRAM fan.

SRAM Rival is technically a better value than Force, considering it works exactly the same in every way and costs a few hundred less. I think it looks better than Force too.

What year is the R3 frameset?

It's a 2012 frameset. I prefer the Force to Rival, at least look wise. I have also considered a a varied SRAM group as a way to get all the functions available without paying for the things I won't use. For example if I go SRAM, I'll continue to use a Shimano chain and cassette. I do prefer the SRAM hoods over the 6700 but other than that I have no complaints with 6700. The more I research Campy the more it kind of has me thinking it will come down SRAM or Shimano. From what I can gather the 11 speed is finicky and it seems to require more maintenance, and the replacements are more expensive. Thanks for the input!

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beware that your easton wheels may be splined for new shimano which is NOT compatible with SRAM cassettes. If you get a SRAM spline it will work with SRAM and Shimano

One issue to consider, if you DIY the work on your bike, is whether you'll need new tools to work with the SRAM stuff.

All of the groups you mentioned are great options, and you should go with whatever you like most or can get the best deal on.

That said, if you do go Campy, remember, you will need to buy new wheels too and they will not be compatible with your Shimano bike. This is the reason why I have yet to invest in Campy, as I already have four bikes in my garage with Sram or Shimano and five wheelsets that work between them.

topflightpro, that is one of the first drawbacks I considered with Campy, the other is that it seems it is more expensive to maintain in general. I have a few sets of wheels and everything is either Shimano or SRAM, which are interchangeable. My wife's bike is also Shimano, women's specific, which allows us to share wheels also. If I decide to upgrade my 6700, I'll probably switch it over to her bike, as it will be a upgrade over her current Shimano mix set. Thanks for the insights!

af2nr...where are you getting your r3 frameset?...ordering on line or thru your LBS? What size is your RS...you keeping it?

I too am considering a R3 build. All the top groupsets out there are great. I like Campy but would be fine with Force/Red and even Ultegra 6700. Personally I think 10s is all one needs but have never converted to 11s Campy. Campy Centaur 10s ordering thru the UK is a great value.

As an owner of a 08 R3 with SRAM Red/Force any of the top groupsets will make for a great build. If I were in your shoes I'd just go with the one that you like the ergonomics of and then move on with the build. An R3 is meant to be ridden and enjoyed.

Mine, even at 61cm and with ZIPP 404 Max Clinchers, weighs in at 15.2 lbs with computer, cages etc. They are great bikes.

I'm getting my R3 through my LBS/Cervleo, my RS is actually being "replaced" by the R3 as there are no RS frames available now. Both bikes are a size 56, although I feel better on the R3 I tested. Less upright is more comfortable for me, which seemed odd?

GDA I completely agree but until the frame comes in I can't ride it, which is why I'm pondering all this.

Are you warrantying the RS frame? I'm asking because I have a '10 RS and noticed some cracks showing up on the paint around the BB.

I upgraded my 2010 RS to a 2011 R3, and kept my Ultegra 6700 kit. Instead of upgrading in a new groupset when this one is very good (if slightly heavy) I'm putting the funds into wheels. You already have wheels you probably like, but...

Pug, that is what I am doing and the same place that I had problems. I was planning to sell the RS, either as a frame or complete bike, to get a R3 anyway but when getting it cleaned up for pictures noticed the cracks in the BB.

Seattle Forrest, that was my original plan, keeping the 6700 and getting some Zipps or something. But due to the waiting I've been thinking all kinds of thoughts. I can probably get a Force group and a set of Easton EC 90 38mm's for the same price as the Zipp 303 FC. Which would also allow me to either transfer the 6700 to the wife's bike, or selling it off and actually putting some money back in my pocket. Guess I could keep some money in my pocket by not upgrading the group in the first place?! Did you have any issue with crank compatibility, seems there are only a few BBright cranksets but you can use other cranks with adapters, just not sure if this defeats the BBright or not?

I'd personally run the BBright specific SRAM S900 crankset on it. I had an '11 R3 for a few months before deciding I didn't like it enough to keep it and I was running the factory Rival build with S900 cranks. The S900 cranks just look super cool on that bike. Plus they were built for BBright in the first place. I'd personally ditch the Shimano stuff and go Rival/S900. This will give you the most bang for your buck and keep the weight of the bike down to a very respectable number.

I'd run Rival w/ Red shifters. That's the SRAM bang for your buck that does everything right. I upgraded shifters on my road bike to Red from Force and was very pleasantly surprised. I swapped the Rival shifters on my cross bike w/ the Force shifters and there is no noticeable difference. I have Force-Apex derailleurs and use them interchangeably with all shifters and no difference there.

ilove...what did you replace your '11 R3 with? How do you like the new bike in comparison?
PS: Theme of this thread seems to be...don't buy a used Cervelo off ebay because the warranty may come in handy.

I've haven't warrantied a frame with Cervelo yet, but it seems you may be SOL if you're not the original owner.

Maybe the case with a lot of carbon frames...buy off ebay...SOL as you say.

What componentry does your wife have on her bike now, and what would you do with it if she inherited your 6700 kit? How much do you think you could get for a used group?

I'm running my R3 with my 6700 crankset. I like the cranks a lot; they're pretty light, stiff, and shift very well. The frameset comes with a BBright adapter - two aluminum cups - for Ultegra cranks. LBS said they've done several of them, and mine work out quite well. I'd prefer not to use an adapter, but, other than the weight, I really can't tell it's there. I thought about getting a BBright crankset and moving the one I have to my other bike, but I decided it just isn't a good use of my funds. ( LBS offered me a Rotor Ring standard for $250, collecting dust because they sold an R5 to someone who already had fancy cranks, but I decided I'd rather put it toward wheels. )

I borrowed a set of Zipp 303 tubulars this past weekend, pre-Firecrest. Put them on the R3 and climbed up to Steven's Pass. The wheels are great, and look pretty good on the bike. My opinion shouldn't mean much to you, but I'll share it anyway: you have a good group, and your money will almost certainly do more for you in wheels than in replacing good with very good.

Replaced it with a Look 595. I like it much more than the R3 for personal reasons. The R3 was a fine bike, but I like the geometry, integrated seatpost ride quality, and internal cable routing of the 595 more. I also love a French or Italian bicycle with lugged construction. Much sexier than your common made-in-Taiwan Cervelo. Again, nothing wrong with the Cervelo, but the geometry was off for me and I wanted something different.

Yes I would say that most bikes are only warrantied for the original owner, believe that there was quite a thread at one point about waterrockets "used" Trek that he couldn't get warrantied because he wasn't the original owner. I actually had found someone on the Cervelo boards that was looking for a used RS in the size I had. It was while cleaning it up to take pictures for him that I found the cracks. I recommended to him that he would be better off looking for a closeout or something that would at least provide warranty.

Seattle I agree that it would probably be in my best interest to wear out this group before worry about anything new group wise, but the waiting keeps me wondering "would I rather have a new frame and fork, or a completely new bike"? The LBS didn't help today as they are willing to give me good pricing on SRAM and Campy, and that Campy looks SO good... Plus the mechanic said he has done MANY more warranty returns on SRAM than Shimano and Campy combined, actually said he only recalled 2 warranty claims on Campy in the last 5 years?!

They're not making it easy for you. Dealers never do; I mentioned that LBS lent me some really nice carbon wheels and someone told me "the first hit is always free."

What does Campy have for cranksets for BBright, or would you run an adapter, too? How many bikes do they work on with Campy, though? That's probably why it's so few warranty issues.

In the end there's some amount of you need to just do what makes you happy, whether it really serves your interests or not. If a new frameset doesn't feel like a new bike, change the groupset, too. I wouldn't/didn't, but if your wife would enjoy wearing the 6700 stuff down, it's probably a very nice present with great front shifting.

Do you mostly ride around Denver, or do you go up into the Rockies?

They actually are a high end shop, just happens to be my closest Cervelo dealer, that have quite a few bikes with Campy in the shop. Most of them are SR or Record though, but today the mechanic actually had a cross bike on the work stand with Chorus 11 on it?! How's that for luck, good or bad could be debated! The Campy would require running an adaptor just like the Shimano, so that's pretty much a wash.

I am sure she would notice a difference as her bike is equipped with the Shimano "womens" groupset, which is a mixture of 105 and supposedly the old Ultegra levers although they aren't marked? Her bike also has a FSA Gossamer crank, which I think would be a nice upgrade to 6700. However she would probably just assume ride what she has and me ride what I have!

The other issue I have is I feel like I'd have to spend a lot of money on wheels to get a significant upgrade, at least weight wise. I could gain quite a bit of aero but the weight would either be the same or slightly heavier, unless I drop big bills?!

I do a lot of riding in the Denver area but also head to the hills whenever possible, although I'm still getting acclimated to the longer climbs and lack of oxygen!