Cervelo S3: First Ride review
The S3 clearly holds comfort in pretty low regard. It's a real racer's bike - a thoroughbred, but if you want to race like a scalded cat, it's a superb bike to do it on, and I suspect you'll love every minute, if that's your style.£3,499.99 (frame, fork, h/set, seatpost)
-
+
Incredibly stiff ride
-
+
Looks great
-
+
Fast!
-
-
Stiff ride may not suit everyone
You can trust Cycling Weekly.
Cervélo was one of the first bike manufacturers to really drive the ‘aero road' sector, with its Soloist models. S-Series is the blanket term for its current range of three drag-reducing performance road frames, of which the S3 is top of the shop.
>>> Cervelo Bikes: S-Series, R-Series, P-Series, T-Series and C-Series explained
Our test bike was decked out in Shimano Dura-Ace finery, with a finishing kit comprising PRO's Vibe 7S stem and Vibe Monocoque carbon bars. DT Swiss 66mm section RRC 725R and 625F carbon wheels with Continental Competition 22 tubulars provided the rolling stock.
An enviable spec then, and looking like the bee's knees, but I was immediately aware of something other than pleasing aesthetics.
On my hypothetical stiffness chart, I needed to invent a new category for the S3. The combination of an incredibly stiff frame and a spec that toed the same line, resulted in the stiffest ride feel I've ever experienced.
It's no wonder it's so popular with the ProTour riders like Thor Hushovd and Heinrich Haussler. You really get a sense of all your power delivery being converted into speed, plus the handling is tip-top with it - nothing seems willing to budge beneath you.
I'd challenge the statement that Cervélo's ‘Razor-thin' seatstays do a good job of aiding rider comfort.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
£500k worth of bikes, clothing and accessories up for auction after Leeds shop closure
Carbon road bikes and time trial frames among goods under the hammer after Lifecycles enters liquidation
By James Shrubsall Published
-
Rapha lays off employees, closes North American office
Citing 'strategic realignment and current market dynamics' Rapha North America is reportedly closing its current Bentonville, Arkansas, and has laid off six out of the office's eight employees.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Trek USCX will host 4 consecutive UCI cyclocross race weekends on US soil
Trek becomes American UCI Cyclocross series title sponsor, adding a fourth race to the series in October at its headquarters in Waterloo, Wisconsin.
By Kristin Jenny Published