billyb0b115

All, if you could please help me decide... I currently have a 2011 model Cervelo S5 vwd which has been warrantied so they're replacing it with a 2013 vwd model ETA next week. This was my first carbon bike so I went all out with DA7900 components this thing FLIES and is pretty much the most aero bike out there.

Lately, I've been digging the new Pinarello f8 and am deciding whether to ask if I can swap frames.

Are there any advantages if I switched to the f8?! It's not as aero but it climbs well (watching YouTube and TdF). I've climbed cat2 hills on the s5 before and it was really hard but once I hit the flats I zoom past everyone. Will I lose any advantage?! Trying to wrap this around my head

gsa103

Aero order of importance:
1) Rider
2) Wheels
3) Helmet
4) Frame

I'm going to hazard a guess that you could stand to lose a few pounds. The reason I say that is that when climbing what matters is power to weight ratio. On the flats, raw power is typically more important. The reason you zoom past everyone you can generate more power than most riders, but don't have any exceptional power to weight. Unless you're consistently riding at 20+ on flats aero bikes aren't that important.

Dunbar

The S5 is one of the most aero road frames out there so I'd say it's more like:

1) Rider/Position
2) Frame
3) Wheels
4) Helmet

The F8 isn't really an aero road bike. They're just saying it's more aero than the outgoing Dogma.

Wirenut

I just purchased the F8, so far I'm loving it! I'm not the smallest guy out there, 6' 4" 245 pounds trying to get lower! It's really smooth over bumps and quick going uphill. Need more time on it to see how well it performs all around. Weather has prevented me from put time in on my new toy!

billyb0b115

I've done my research and haven't been able to find much on the f8. Maybe I'll just stick to the S5

post up some pics!

Wirenut

My LBS had a hard time getting the F8, there were only 3 of the size 62 frame in the country.

Wirenut

I just changed out my handle bars and shifters. Wanted something more aero and other options to change up my position. Went with Ultergra DI2. Pretty amazing how quick and smooth they shift.

StanSeven

This. If you want aero, you can't go wrong with the S5. It's been proven as the best.

Dunbar

Or the new S2/S3 which only give up 4 watts @ 25mph to the S5 and you gain a more compliant ride. I may be biased since I just bought an S2.

Campag4life

Dunbar...do you have pics of your new S2 and have you posted a review of it?
I am interested in your impressions of it relative to your SL4 Roubaix....in terms of speed, ride quality and handling.
Thanks

Campag4life

Wirenut, I know you are a big boy, but that is one seriously XXL frame. I see by your previous post it is a 62. Looks to be a good size for you.

I like your set up. I am considering building up a road bike with an aerobar but believe I will keep a convention drop bar on it. Can you tell us what handlebar that is and what kind of aerobar? Do they come as a kit?...as they look integrated. Can you rest your palms on the elbow pads and use the pads like the tops of a conventional drop bar?

Dunbar

No pics yet, bike looks wonky right now while I play with the fit. I asked the shop to put a 90mm on stem but they actually put a 80mm stem which looks really short. Need to go back next weekend and have that swapped out. I'll also have them install the new S5 seat post I just bought (it needs to be cut to size) which I'll run in the 0 offset position so I can drop the bars down.

My impression of the ride quality hasn't changed since the test ride. The CG-R post on the Roubaix does absorb medium to big hits better but I have not felt like I want off the S2 at the end of a 3 1/2 hour ride. I would say the difference is small enough that you notice it when switching back and forth but completely acclimate to the difference within 1 ride. I am pretty sensitive to ride quality and so far I am totally fine with the ride of the S2. I would say aero bikes in general don't feel quite as lively as a Roubaix or Tarmac but it's not a huge difference. I'm mostly a go fast in a straight line kind of a guy but do a high speed decent 3X a week so I get to test out the handling of my bikes. I get some toe overlap on the S2 which I don't get on the Roubaix which makes very low speed handling a bit tricky. The aero difference is going to take some time to decipher. Realistically we're talking about approximately 15-20 watts of savings at 25mph. I can tell you that it's not a big enough difference that you'll notice it the first time you take the bike out. I have a power meter and daily changes wind conditions will make more of a difference than that.

Wirenut

They are Visio Tech Trimax Carbon Si CSI Areobars. Couldn't find clip ons to fit my Most handlebars so I had to go with these. I never ride in the drops on the regular bars so I went with these. The pads are made of Carbon so the are a little flexible when I have my hands on them but not a problem steering.

v70cat

Why is you S5 being replacing it with a 2013 vwd model ETA next week

Campag4life

Thanks. I have considered buying a S3 full bike with Ultegra, keeping the Shimano wheel and 11s cassette and chain and stripping off Ultegra and building with Campy 11s. I would then mount an aerobar and a 0 offset post for high speed cruising. Perfect environment where I ride for such a bike.
I look forward to your pics and impressions once you get it dialed.
Now you have two very nice bikes.

Campag4life

Thanks Wirenut. A very sweet bike and congrats!

Dunbar

This thread was started before the new S5 was announced.

v70cat

Yes but my question is was the 2011 S5 VWD defective?

Dunbar

No idea but the vast majority of warranties on carbon fiber frames are for cracks.

StanSeven

A little bit off topic but Damon Rinard who is the lead engineer at Cervelo and had more than anyone with the new S5 is leaving. Just a guess but he probably put so much time and energy into it, he needs a change of scenery.

Dunbar

I hadn't heard that. Hope that doesn't mean innovation will suffer at Cervelo. Rinard seems like a laid back guy and I'm guessing that was a high stress job. Or maybe he just got offered more money to jump ship. What do I know?

StanSeven

He posted in another forum he didn't know what he planned on doing next. He will be a difficult person to replace.