King of the PelotonIn distinction to the fanaticism over aerodynamics exemplified in the P2, P3, and Soloist range of frames, Cervelo instead concentrated on a hyper-light but supremely stiff frame when it tackled the development of the R3. The "R" family signifies a range of racing frames dedicated to an optimized strength-to-weight ratio for road racing events like the Spring and Fall Classics, and for key climbing stages of the Grand Tours. So, whereas the relatively increased mass of a truly aero frame is outweighed by gains made in the reduction of aerodynamic drag, the idea behind the R family is a less aerodynamic frame that provides gains in terms of drastically reduced mass.
The R3 is the inevitable result of Cervelo's creativeness when applied to the successful R2.5. The R2.5 was, in Cervelo's terms, a rather conventional bike. It was light and strong, but consisted of more-or-less standard diameter round tubes and a traditional assembly process. While the idea behind the R2.5 was great, Cervelo wanted to start with that idea as a canvass on which to paint a visionary new frame: the R3.
The R3 starts with the goal of being light--in fact, the lightest bike in the pro peloton--but it must also be stiff. The downside of lightweight bikes is a reduction in stiffness and hence loss of power transer to the rear wheel in sprints, climbs and accelerations, reduced stability at high speeds, poor descending capabilities, and a general lack of confidence for its rider. With the R3, the rider who wants optimal weight reduction and optimal rigidity for refined handling can, so to speak, have his cake and eat it too.
Cervelo's entire engineering efforts went into the R3's design and the results are fascinating: almost pencil thin seat stays and "Squoval" tubing. Round tubes are much more susceptible to lateral bending, but round tubes also provide exceptional torsional rigidity. Square tubes, on the other hand, are extremely resilient against lateral bending. Cervelo took this information and combined the best of both worlds and placed "squoval" tubing where it is needed most, in the chainstays, the down tube, and in the front and rear of the top tube where it transitions from an oval center region--this design counteracts that sections' massive torsional loads.
The end result of the R3 is a phenomenally lightweight frame (so light, in fact, it tipped the scales at the UCI minimum weight limit of 6.8 Kg even at Paris-Roubaix--an event where weight is usually the last consideration as riders opt for oversized rims, tires, bar tape, and cantilever brakes to tame the pave!). Despite its feathery quality, the R3 is no push-over. The fact that Fabian Cancellera did in fact go on to win the 2006 Paris-Roubaix is proof enough that the R3 is as tough as it is light. But that this feat was repeated at the 2007 Paris-Roubaix with the phenomenally talented Stuart O'Grady at the helm is further testament to this bike's outstanding toughness and rideability! |
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| Frame: |
High-modulus carbon fiber with "taper wall" construction for optimized weight reduction and torsional and lateral rigidity |
| Fork: |
1 1/8" Alpha Q/Wolf SL |
| Headset: |
Cane Creek IS-2 1-1/8" |
| Seatpost: |
32.4 (not included) |
| Sizes: |
48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 |
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