Huh, I"ve found my System 6 to among the most stable bikes I've ridden - regardless of the road conditions or how tight the turn. And while it's stiff, I've not found it bone jarring. Maybe I just like that, which could be why every time I get on another bike, including an R3, I just fail to be impressed.

Very accurate statement. I can tolerate some road chatter, but the System Six absolutely shines once you put some power to the pedals and stomp it....a worthwhile trade-off! The only other bikes with that kind of stiffness....was a Parlee Z4/SRAM Red and Storck Fascenario 0.7/Super Record.

_________________
Due to the urging of all the ladies...I do NOT shave my legs!

You sure about that? Don't lay it on too thick.

I own both bikes and run the Rotor 3D crank on both. I can't tell the difference between the bottom brackets. I actually ride them...not just parking lot test rides or riding a buddy's bike for a quick spin around the block. The S2 just don't bite back when the roads get rough.

Don't get me wrong...I love my System...but its just not the wunder bike you make it out to be.

I mean the S2 worked pretty well for the Test Team in 09...just sayin.

_________________

The S2 isn't as stiff, but you guys are talking about differences of a couple of millimeters in deflection, aka, your tires are deflecting more than the frame is. To the poster who said his friend wasn't liking the S5's handling, everyone likes their bikes to handle a little bit differently depending on their technique. Most people like the fact that the S5 is stabler in terms of handling with greater stiffness. Maybe he likes a more aggressive turn in, maybe his fit isn't optimized? The R5 is a vastly stiffer bike than a Parlee Z4. And I still have not seen an Evo that weighs 695 grams in 56 cm that I can buy from the store. And that talk about an Evo being aero, please. Should we all go back to 1" steel tube bikes?? It's not even close to the same league.

The Canyon CF Evo is a great bike, but so is the Cervelo R5. I know you mentioned about the raised headtube, but I have no idea what your setup is now.

The R3 should feel more responsive as it is quite a bit stiffer, but in reality, it doesn't accelerate any faster than the S2. In addition, the aero is real, and the S2 should hold speed longer and easier.

Just like most things (including bike related), people have their own preferences. It could be that the 404 wheelset you have doesn't complement the S2 in the way it did with the R3 to your liking. It could be any variety of things.

This is my job if you have any question.....