Vlaam4ever

I test rode the Cervelo R3 and the Spe. Roubaix both with Ultegra. I loved the R3. The Roubaix was a bit too relaxed for me and felt a bit dead. I opted to go for a used Giant but only because I get an incredible deal. Never ridden a Pinnarelo, just a personal thing about the look.

I'm likely looking for a new ride next winter, R3 and Tarmac on still on the top of the list. I may look at the TCR again also.

coolmingli

I wouldn't buy the Pinarello, I have a Paris, the Geo is too aggressive, and paint cracks easily, can't comment on the Cervelo, never had one.
I like Specialized, very comfortable to ride with.

fstshrk

I have a Roubaix SL2. I hear SL4 is a lot better than the SL2. I would go with a Roubaix. I am thinking of upgrading to an S-works SL4.

900aero

Thanks again all. Rode an Sl2 Roubaix and a Giant defy on the weekend. Different that's for sure. Still thinking though.
On the Cervelos; a pretty nice but older R3SL has come up for sale- how does this stack up next to the current R3? It was more of a compliant ride as I recall but are there any other key points of difference? This one is about the same price as a new 2013 R3 ( albeit better specked) so it's a line ball financially.

FWIW; the best shop I've spoken with so far has been the Pinarello guy. Knowledgable, listens and happy to build a bike to a price point for me.

justkeepedaling

The R3 SL is lighter than the current R3 by 200 grams and has a different geometry (racier with lower headtube). New R3 is way stiffer though in headtube and bb (one of the weaknesses of the older R3).

Still a fantastic bike, but I would go for the newer R3.

sloar 

I have a pinarello fp team and love it. Yes it is heavier but I live in flat central Indiana. Carbon seatpost, stem handlebars and a new set of wheels have lightened it up.

darb85

The SL2 and SL4 are Dramaticly different bikes.

grolby

Anecdote, but in my experience and in the experience of mechanics at my shop, Cervelos have consistent quality issues. Good warranty and customer service is great and all, but it's better when a bike just doesn't break all the time.

Garfield Cat

Skip the R3 and just go to the R5

900aero

Ok, the short list is down to the Pinarello FPQuattro and Cervelo R3. The piña could readily be specced up with Eurus wheels and possibly Chorus gruppo as well. The R3 would come with SRAM Rival & probably Mavic Cosmic elites. They are quite different bikes and with those specs, the Piña is $400 more. Both sold by good shops although the Cervelo guys are closer to my house. WTF do I do?

starjag

I like how the Cervelo looks in your post above!

Campag4life

Doesn't matter...you picked the worse two out of the three.

Bikeisdusty

This past weekend I rode a SL4 Roubix Expert, Cervelo R3, followed by the Look 566. SL2 Roubix and a Domane 4.6 was enjoyed the previous weekend. The SL2 is really loose. Steering is nervous and does not give confidence. The SL4 is very solid, has zero flex in bottom bracket, but rides well. The bike felt fastest of all of them. The R3 rode well, but the Look 566 was even better. The 566 feel was a bit dead with no buzz, and it cornered very nicely. When the shop had it setup for me as a option, I did not really want to even give it a try. I was very surprised by how good the 566 felt. The R3 felt like a older frame comparison, a bit looser and more buzz. The Domane 4.6 felt really good as well and was very smooth ride. I plan to ride a Domane 5.2 before deciding. For now the choice is the Domane 4.6 or 5.2 or the SL4 Roubix.

For a flex test, I use the subjective method of going for the highest gear, go slow, then push as hard as I can. Most bikes give some or a lot of front derailer rub, as well of flexing feel and movement. However, the SL4 and 566 did not seem to budge, the energy just went into going forward. I was pleasantly surprised with the results with these two bikes.

vandalarchitect

+1

aramis

I've ridden some nice bikes. I even test rode an R5 for fun a while back and did a quick climb.. and maybe I'm not riding the right way... but I've never had a bike "leap forward" or any other such nonsense like "go like a rocket" or have it "propel up the hill effortlessly" or anything else. I notice the biggest difference switching tires than switching bikes FWIW and if I like the fit of the bike.

When climbing.. pretty much all my sub 20 lb road bikes feel the same to me. I mean I'm just trying to keep speed or whatever or keep with the group without blowing myself if I'm working hard.. but maybe I'm a crappy cyclist.

caloso

I am so over Cervelos now.