I picked up a 2015 Cervelo S3 frame set 6 weeks ago and I thought I would post up my thoughts on it.
First, I got the frame as an upgrade to a 2009 S2. I thought that with the pencil thin seat stays that it might be a smoother ride in the rear end, and it is. I also got it because of the improved aerodynamics and stiffer bottom bracket. The front end however is super stiff with a lot of vibration. The head tube is big and beefy, but not any bigger than some of the new Treks and Giants. The fork blades however are BIG! I don't think Cervelo should have made the fork that stiff. I run an aluminum bar and stem (Ritchey WCS) and the S3 is way stiffer than the old S2. I now run 2 layers of LizardSkin tape (the thick one) and it helps cut down on the vibration. I will probably move to a carbon bar and stem in the future.
Second, I love how the S3 handles and accelerates. I also love the aerodynamics of the new frame. It's fast.
Third, I didn't want the component package that comes with the complete bike. I have always run Shimano components and I didn't want Rotor cranks. I like my Dura Ace 7900 cranks and wanted to keep them. They are super stiff and the Shimano chain rings are the best out there.
Lastly, Cervelo touts the S3 as a 700 x 25c compatible frame. I run 25c Continental 4000's and the new Ultegra 6800 low profile brakes. The brakes and the rear seat stay cutout are almost exactly the same size. On numerous occasions I have picked up a small rock with my tire and it got stuck in between the tire and the brake or between the tire and the frame. I may have to go back to 23c's as this has happened several times, especially on chip sealed roads in warm weather.
BDDBB
First, I got the frame as an upgrade to a 2009 S2. I thought that with the pencil thin seat stays that it might be a smoother ride in the rear end, and it is. I also got it because of the improved aerodynamics and stiffer bottom bracket. The front end however is super stiff with a lot of vibration. The head tube is big and beefy, but not any bigger than some of the new Treks and Giants. The fork blades however are BIG! I don't think Cervelo should have made the fork that stiff. I run an aluminum bar and stem (Ritchey WCS) and the S3 is way stiffer than the old S2. I now run 2 layers of LizardSkin tape (the thick one) and it helps cut down on the vibration. I will probably move to a carbon bar and stem in the future.
Second, I love how the S3 handles and accelerates. I also love the aerodynamics of the new frame. It's fast.
Third, I didn't want the component package that comes with the complete bike. I have always run Shimano components and I didn't want Rotor cranks. I like my Dura Ace 7900 cranks and wanted to keep them. They are super stiff and the Shimano chain rings are the best out there.
Lastly, Cervelo touts the S3 as a 700 x 25c compatible frame. I run 25c Continental 4000's and the new Ultegra 6800 low profile brakes. The brakes and the rear seat stay cutout are almost exactly the same size. On numerous occasions I have picked up a small rock with my tire and it got stuck in between the tire and the brake or between the tire and the frame. I may have to go back to 23c's as this has happened several times, especially on chip sealed roads in warm weather.
BDDBB