Accidental N+1: Cervélo R3

[RichTheRoadie]

I didn't entirely set out for this to happen (I was originally searching for a Colnago C40, C50 or similar in the right size, but in the end I didn't like any paint scheme except 'PR00', and I couldn't face paying the asking prices for what are already quite old frames), but the more I looked the more I liked. After a string of coincidental events and good / lucky / bizarre timing, I now find myself in possession of this:



Cervélo R3 in the '105' colourway, size 56
Record mechs & levers
EE Brakes
Rotor 3DF cranks (52/36 non-Q rings)
Gigantex/Royce tubular wheels with Conti Comp tyres & Royce skewers
Jagwire cabling
Arundel Mandible cages
3T Arx Pro stem
Zipp CSL SSR bar
3T Ionic 0 Ltd post
Fizik K:1 saddle
DA7900 carbon pedals

Weight is 6.9kg with pedals as pictured (less Garmin & folded tub).

There's absolutely zero justification for this build other than to be a bit of a test mule - in part to see how comfortable I can get on a production frame with a 'normal' setup, which has recently begun to appear possible again after a few years of not being able to achieve a position that would allow it.

I'm running what I consider to be my upper limit in terms of an acceptable spacer stack, and even then that's only because I've been able to disguise the setup with a tall top cap!

It works though, and I like it. Quite a lot, actually...

[euan]

[eurperg]

I think it looks better than many other builds from you!

[locktopus]

I've always preferred the 105 colour way to the Ultegra scheme or the R5 schemes.

Looks great!

[HillRPete]

No fuss, looks great despite 0 setback and spacers.

[rheosibal]

This is the first 105 colorway that I've liked. Looks awesome dude!

[justkeepedaling]

Beautiful bike! Maybe you'll get an accidental N+2 and find yourself on a 2014 R5

[RichTheRoadie]

Nah, the R5 isn't worth the extra to me!

A Parlee Z5 ML Tall is tempting though - based on how this R3 fits the Z5 ML Tall would only need a 10mm top cap to achieve the same position. Can't afford to for a while though...

[uniQuk]

I've always preferred the 105 colour way to the Ultegra scheme or the R5 schemes.

Looks great!

This. Shame they only offer the Ultegra colourway as a frameset option.

Looks very nice.

[sawyer]

Best looking bike I've seen from you Tart. Nice!

- Need carbon rails on saddle
- Need matching bar and stem - I'd be onto that in a flash.

and then there's the cat's cradle spoke pattern on the front wheel either.

But all the same ... nice.

What about as RS ... that would be high enough at the front for you?

[coloclimber]

Fabulous. How is the front shifting?

[RichTheRoadie]

Interesting question - it's every bit as good as it should be. Why do you ask?

[RichTheRoadie]

Best looking bike I've seen from you Tart. Nice!

Thanks

- Need carbon rails on saddle

Being sorted today

- Need matching bar and stem - I'd be onto that in a flash.

I've never bothered matching my bar and stem - always stem and seatpost (the bike is most often seen side-on where you never see the bar logos, and the bar shape I like isn't available from 3T).

and then there's the cat's cradle spoke pattern on the front wheel either.

What's wrong with 2x lacing? These hubs aren't designed for radial, and 2x makes for a more comfortable build without losing stiffness. It's a 24h front wheel - from a weight perspective I'd have thought that would have been a bigger issue?!

What about as RS ... that would be high enough at the front for you?

It would, yes - but they haven't been produced for 3yrs now, and they have those ugly bent seat stays. There's also no BBRight or tapered HT on the RS. I'd rather run the R3 with the 25mm top cap.

[53x12]

No fuss, looks great despite 0 setback and spacers.

??? Not everybody needs setback.

[Tinea Pedis]

I like it Rich