Your experience with Cervelo S1, racing
11-20-12, 02:12 PM
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Your experience with Cervelo S1, racing
About to pick up a used S1 full Ultegra, I'll add my Boyd Vitesse wheels. Interested to hear your feedback on using the bike in general and/or racing, criteriums in particular.
11-20-12, 02:40 PM
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It's a nice bike. Lots of people used to race Soloists. (which is what the S1 used to be called)
It's not an improvement over your CAAD 10. Personally I'd keep my money in my pocket.
It's not an improvement over your CAAD 10. Personally I'd keep my money in my pocket.
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11-20-12, 03:27 PM
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Well, the problem is, the Caad is a little too big for me at 54cm. The S1 is 51cm, and should fit me much better. The question is, then, should I got the S1 or get a smaller CAAD10?
11-20-12, 03:36 PM
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Unless you've got a burning urge to go carbon, you'd be better served with a smaller CAAD10. Plus if you're racing it's a lot cheaper to replace 
11-20-12, 03:45 PM
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11-20-12, 03:49 PM
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11-20-12, 05:00 PM
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I was in the same boat as you a couple of years ago when I bought my CAAD9. Personally I'd go with a smaller size in the CAAD. The Soloist/S1 is a nice bike, it's definitely stiff enough for criteriums but to me it felt a bit harsh in terms of ride quality. However, the CAAD seems to have all the stiffness plus a bit more comfort. If this is going to be your one and only bike, I'd use the CAAD. You won't have any issues riding it on centuries or racing in crits.
11-20-12, 05:18 PM
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I was in the same boat as you a couple of years ago when I bought my CAAD9. Personally I'd go with a smaller size in the CAAD. The Soloist/S1 is a nice bike, it's definitely stiff enough for criteriums but to me it felt a bit harsh in terms of ride quality. However, the CAAD seems to have all the stiffness plus a bit more comfort. If this is going to be your one and only bike, I'd use the CAAD. You won't have any issues riding it on centuries or racing in crits.
I'm stuck man.
11-20-12, 06:13 PM
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The S1 is a phenomenal bike. Ever since I bought the R3 I don't ride the S1 as much. The power output is awesome in the S1. I've never ridden the Caad10 so I can't compare them. I'm actually thinking about selling the S1 next spring since I don't ride it as much now. I'm biased, I think you should get the S1.
11-20-12, 06:21 PM
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My race bike is an 08 Soloist. It is a phenomenal crit bike. Very stiff and very quick handling. I will admit though that it beats me up a bit on long road races, particularly with the craptastic roads that are the hallmark of Velopromo/NCNCA.
If you are considering it, look very carefully at the geometry. Mine is a 54 but feels like a 52 and I needed to go with a longer stem than typical.
If you are considering it, look very carefully at the geometry. Mine is a 54 but feels like a 52 and I needed to go with a longer stem than typical.
11-21-12, 11:06 AM
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Ask the seller to send you pics specifically where the seatpost collar slides onto the frame. The S1 had some issues where hairline cracks would develop right below the collar on the seat tube.
11-21-12, 11:12 AM
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I have a 54cm S1. It is not light. I feel the weight penalty much more so than the aero down tube benefit. Overall the bike is sluggish when accelerates. The unique seatpost design limits any light weight seatpost upgrade flexibility. I heard there were cracking issues with the seatclamp. Mine is fine. $1300 is a fair price, but not a "bargin". Go with the CAAD10.
11-21-12, 08:18 PM
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Seriously though, if you were aware of the racing heritage of the soloist/S1 frame, I think you'd realize that it is more than adequate for your cat 5 racing needs this spring.
11-21-12, 09:55 PM
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S1 is a great bike, but as others have said, it does tend to beat you up on rough roads. I've never ridden a CAAD though, so I'm not sure if their aluminum is any more forgiving.
11-22-12, 12:07 PM
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i think the game plan is to stick with the 54cm caad and spend the money on a fitting, or an initial consultation, before comitting to a new bike.
11-22-12, 03:35 PM
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I have an S1 Ultegra - over 15000kms on it. I've done road races, crits, ride it on my trainer.....
Love the bike. Its plenty stiff and very snappy handling. I've never had a problem with harshness, and I probably have the worse case scenario setup - 23c Gatorskins at 110psi....
Any concerns you may have about comfort can be mitigated by some quality 25c tires. I run Soul 3.0SL wheels - similar quality to your Boyds....a great combo!!
The seatpost crack shouldn't be an issue if the brass insert is there.
Love the bike. Its plenty stiff and very snappy handling. I've never had a problem with harshness, and I probably have the worse case scenario setup - 23c Gatorskins at 110psi....
Any concerns you may have about comfort can be mitigated by some quality 25c tires. I run Soul 3.0SL wheels - similar quality to your Boyds....a great combo!!
The seatpost crack shouldn't be an issue if the brass insert is there.
