R3 For a Wider Array of Riders
Cervelo unveiled its newest frameset at the 2007 Interbike, the RS. The Cervelo RS follows nicely in the footsteps of the R line-up which represents Cervelo’s hardcore commitment to road racing.
In actuality, the Cervelo RS is a slightly modified version of the highly lauded R3. Where it differs from the R3 is in two significant places: greater head-tube height and, because of that, increased chainstay length. Eschewing what so many manufacturers and consumers suppose is a necessary component of a road racing bike, namely, a low profile head tube, Cervelo has realized the very real need to provide riders with a higher handlebar position without the need to add stack height (spacers) between the stem and summit of the top tube. Wisely, Cervelo has answered the call of knowledgeable bike fitters who have long recognized that there is no significant correlation between an aggressive looking position and superior performance.
Ever the engineering company with unswerving attention to biomechanics, Cervelo realized that increasing head tube height to accommodate less flexible and shorter torso riders would also require lengthening of the chainstays. When the head tube height is increased—resulting in higher handlebar placement—the rider’s position will naturally rotate towards the rear of the bike, thereby shifting the rider’s weight from the critical neutral position between the axles. By lengthening the chainstays, the rider’s weight can be more correctly positioned neutral, thereby ensuring a proper fit and the exceptional handling for which Cervelo’s racing bikes are known. Interestingly, Cervelo’s recognition of the need to lengthen chainstays should cause consumers of custom made frames some pause: many custom frame manufacturers will take stock geometries and simply add additional head-tube height to fit a wider array of riders!
With the RS there is more good news for more diminutive riders and for many women. The Cervelo RS will come in an XS size made for 650 wheels! This will enable superior performance with no toe overlap for riders who cannot be properly positioned on geometries accommodating 700 wheels.
Other than these changes, the RS will incorporate all other features for which the R3 is notorious, including its mind-boggling strength-to-weight ratio (STW), squoval tube shaping, Smartwall technology, and a limited lifetime warranty. And lest you think the RS is not as much of a performance machine as the R3 or SLC, take note that the RS will be found under many Team CSC riders in the 2008 season and will certainly be a key player in the 2008 edition of Paris-Roubaix!