Thoughts on Cervelo Bikes
#52
or tarckeemoon, depending
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,017
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From: the pesto of cities
Bikes: Davidson Impulse, Merckx Titanium AX, Bruce Gordon Rock & Road, Cross Check custom build, On-One Il Pomino, Shawver Cycles cross, Zion 737, Mercian Vincitore, Brompton S1L, Charge Juicer
I think Cervelos are instantly dated looking. BMC is the other main offender.
If I were selling to triathletes I'd carry them.
Raleigh has come a long way in recent years. Cosmetics haven't quite caught up with the rest, but they're getting way better.
If I were selling to triathletes I'd carry them.
Raleigh has come a long way in recent years. Cosmetics haven't quite caught up with the rest, but they're getting way better.
#53
Administrator

Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 13,655
Likes: 2,707
From: Delaware shore
Bikes: Cervelo C5, Guru Photon, Waterford, Specialized CX
#54
or tarckeemoon, depending
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,017
Likes: 2
From: the pesto of cities
Bikes: Davidson Impulse, Merckx Titanium AX, Bruce Gordon Rock & Road, Cross Check custom build, On-One Il Pomino, Shawver Cycles cross, Zion 737, Mercian Vincitore, Brompton S1L, Charge Juicer
#57
Peloton Shelter Dog
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 90,508
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From: Chester, NY
Bikes: 2017 Scott Foil, 2016 Scott Addict SL, 2018 Santa Cruz Blur CC MTB
Please elaborate.
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#58
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,125
Likes: 111
From: Huntington Beach, CA
Bikes: Cervelo Prodigy
To some extent it IS a fad because it's currently riding a wave of popularity that just can't last. Waves of popularity NEVER last, consumers are too fickle, plus the younger generation always wants something different, sometimes just to be different. The impact of product quality often gets lost and disregarded by these factors that are arguably less important.
The question is: Where are we, at this moment, in the lifespan of this wave of Cervelo popularity? How much is left in the tank?
The question is: Where are we, at this moment, in the lifespan of this wave of Cervelo popularity? How much is left in the tank?
I look to the development to turn to the rider himself. How to handle racing issues that impact the rider's performance (not drugs), but rather things like what he wears and regulation of core temperatures. Ways to cool the rider, cheat the wind, etc.
#59
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,125
Likes: 111
From: Huntington Beach, CA
Bikes: Cervelo Prodigy
Pon Holdings has a substantial ownership in the Raleigh brand. And now Pon Holdings owns Cervelo. Gerard Vrooman is Dutch and Pon Holdings is Dutch.
#60
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,125
Likes: 111
From: Huntington Beach, CA
Bikes: Cervelo Prodigy
I'll chime in too, although I already agree with what a bunch of others have already posted.
From the consumer perspective, they are perceived as a serious/competitive cyclist brand. They don't have any beginner models with lower end components. So if you are trying to appeal to the casual cyclist demographic, it might not be the right choice. But aspiring serious cyclists covet the brand.
Also, I read online that some Cervelo dealers were pissed off by Cervelo's 2011 "Share The Ride" promotion where people could get $2,000 off for buying two bikes. Dealers were complaining that it was discounting a product that did not have any trouble selling at full price.
From the consumer perspective, they are perceived as a serious/competitive cyclist brand. They don't have any beginner models with lower end components. So if you are trying to appeal to the casual cyclist demographic, it might not be the right choice. But aspiring serious cyclists covet the brand.
Also, I read online that some Cervelo dealers were pissed off by Cervelo's 2011 "Share The Ride" promotion where people could get $2,000 off for buying two bikes. Dealers were complaining that it was discounting a product that did not have any trouble selling at full price.
#61
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 117
Likes: 1
From: Wichita, KS
Bikes: 1988 Trek 800, 200? Fuji Marseille [shimagnolo], 2010 Windsor The Hour
LBS I worked at for a short time carries them, Spec, and Cannondale. They're very very nice, of course. Didn't get to work on them myself, unfortunately. They seemed to sell quite well. I think they are a worthy addition to your lineup.
I rode a few and loved them. If I could afford one I would grab one quite immediately.
I rode a few and loved them. If I could afford one I would grab one quite immediately.
#63
total Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 279
Likes: 7
From: Toronto
Bikes: 2009 Look 566 Ultegra
I actually don't think Cervelo's and BMC's are dated looking at all. Actually, while i'm nowhere close to needing a new bike, if i had to go out and get one tomorrow (knock on wood i don't) it'd probably be a Cervelo or a BMC.
#64
Version 7.0


Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 13,844
Likes: 3,859
From: SoCa
Bikes: Road, Track, TT and Gravel
I own three Cervelos. R3, R5 VWD and P2C. My 2008 R3 developed a crack in the bottom bracket. Cervelo replaced the frame with a 2011 R3 including a new fork, seat post and crankset due to the BB right change at no charge. The longer head tube of the new R3 and R5 is okay with me. I used less spacers and if I want a greater seat to bar drop, then I will use a 17 degree stem. I think standardizing on a taller head tube favors lower inventory for shop owners.
IMO, adding Cervelo to the line is about the deal you can make with Cervelo and the amount of bikes that you think you can sell and your allotment.
IMO, adding Cervelo to the line is about the deal you can make with Cervelo and the amount of bikes that you think you can sell and your allotment.
#65
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 196
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From: Keene NH
Bikes: Tarmac/Sram Red/Zipps
I don't think that you can do accurate market research here.
What sort of deal is Cervelo offering you?
How much inventory do they expect you to carry?
Is the profit margin decent?
Do you have to modify/improve your in-store display area?
Will you be allowed to carry/adverise/sell competing brands?
How is their distribution network in your area?
How is their tech support/warranty service?
Do you like the sales rep that you will be dealing with?
These are all questions that you should be asking before you ask our opinion about the bikes themselves.
Cervelos are good bikes...from my observations, however, riders on Cervelos don't smile much. I have no idea what that means.
What sort of deal is Cervelo offering you?
How much inventory do they expect you to carry?
Is the profit margin decent?
Do you have to modify/improve your in-store display area?
Will you be allowed to carry/adverise/sell competing brands?
How is their distribution network in your area?
How is their tech support/warranty service?
Do you like the sales rep that you will be dealing with?
These are all questions that you should be asking before you ask our opinion about the bikes themselves.
Cervelos are good bikes...from my observations, however, riders on Cervelos don't smile much. I have no idea what that means.

#66
Love my R5 VWD Super Record.* A brief sampling I did of Cervelo owners all talked about the internal cable routing (seems like they've fixed that now) and the warranty. Warranty claims seemed to get worked out in the end without too many issues. Wish I could be more help but ...
*I'll admit that my opinion is highly biased based on the "new bike smell" and they fact that Cervelo and NBC Sports just gave it to me.
*I'll admit that my opinion is highly biased based on the "new bike smell" and they fact that Cervelo and NBC Sports just gave it to me.
#68
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
I own three Cervelos. R3, R5 VWD and P2C. My 2008 R3 developed a crack in the bottom bracket. Cervelo replaced the frame with a 2011 R3 including a new fork, seat post and crankset due to the BB right change at no charge. The longer head tube of the new R3 and R5 is okay with me. I used less spacers and if I want a greater seat to bar drop, then I will use a 17 degree stem. I think standardizing on a taller head tube favors lower inventory for shop owners.
IMO, adding Cervelo to the line is about the deal you can make with Cervelo and the amount of bikes that you think you can sell and your allotment.
IMO, adding Cervelo to the line is about the deal you can make with Cervelo and the amount of bikes that you think you can sell and your allotment.
.
#69
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 662
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
Bikes: '12 CAAD10 3, '88 Raleigh Talon
As a newbie to road riding itself (but having watched pro cycling for the past few years), I'll have to admit Cervelo has marketed enough that I feel they are a great bike. That is my feelings prior to any test ride. When I was looking at road bikes, I wanted to go for the S2. Although it is a great bike, I deem a lot of that drive as part of their marketing.
They make quality bikes, and market well. I still wouldn't mind having a Cervelo in a few years. Who knows, maybe I'll land on one for my TT/Tri rig.
They make quality bikes, and market well. I still wouldn't mind having a Cervelo in a few years. Who knows, maybe I'll land on one for my TT/Tri rig.
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