Cervelo R3 vs. BMC SL01, not for racing
#1
enginerd
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Cervelo R3 vs. BMC SL01, not for racing
I'm looking at building a carbon bike (my first) and had my eye on these two frames. The R3 is a 2011 and the SL01 is a 2012. I'm a tall guy, 6'5" and ride a 62-63 in normal frames. The reach on the R3 is a little longer by the numbers but it's all within the realm of swapping stems. Either would be the biggest available size.
With the R3 being a couple hundred more, which is a good bet for fast club rides? My heart wants the R3, I must admit.
With the R3 being a couple hundred more, which is a good bet for fast club rides? My heart wants the R3, I must admit.
#4
Professional Fuss-Budget
Go with the one that fits better.
The advantages of one over the other is bigger in theory than on pavement, especially in a non-racing context.
And make sure you do some intervals after you purchase said bike.
The advantages of one over the other is bigger in theory than on pavement, especially in a non-racing context.
And make sure you do some intervals after you purchase said bike.
#5
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You really can't go wrong at the 'level' of bike you're talking about. They don't make sucky ones and then charge that much for them. Either one will be a fantastic ride, and you should be happy no matter what.
I love my R3. That isn't a good reason for you to get one, but I really love mine.
I love my R3. That isn't a good reason for you to get one, but I really love mine.
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I'll chime in since I have the SL01. It's very stiff. It's a solid bike. I just upgrade it to full Sram Red. If you go with Red, please get the 2012 version. Shifting is just wonderful on the new Sram Red. I have never ridden a R3 but it seems like a nice bike too. You really can't go wrong between those two. Another great thing about the BMC is that, there aren't many around at all. Where I live, I have seen 3 BMCs in the past couple of years. I love that there isn't many around.
#9
enginerd
Thread Starter
Ha. Yes, I meant BMC.
I want to use Red, I'm not familiar with 2011 vs. 2012 changes. It might take me a while to gather all these parts. It won't be cheap.
I'll try to ride each and see what fits best.
I want to use Red, I'm not familiar with 2011 vs. 2012 changes. It might take me a while to gather all these parts. It won't be cheap.
I'll try to ride each and see what fits best.
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I really don't think one frame will fit better than the other ... unless you get the wrong size. Get whichever one as close as possible, and then use whatever stem you need to get the bars where you want 'em, same with the saddle and seatpost.
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I'd say BMC, but I LOVE the way BMC's look. A LOT. YMMV
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If you already have your heart set on an R3, why are you trying to justify a BMC?
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Yep, pretty much. Unless you have some weird proportions, any frame can be had in a size that can be made to fit perfectly with appropriate adjustment and selection of components.
#15
enginerd
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