Cervelo: RS or R3

edinburghbiker
edinburghbiker Posts: 7
edited January 2011 in Road buying advice
Hi Guys,

I'm new to the forum and new to road cycling so thought this would be a good place to ask this question; I'm looking to start road cycling after ACL reconstruction of my knee this year but I'm struggling to decide out of the two following bikes to begin with:

1) Cervelo 2010 RS/RIval - £1600
2) Cervelo 2010 R3/SRAM Red - £2500

I know the RS seems like a sensible choice for a newbie like me, but with such a good deal on the R3 would it be worthwhile forking out for the extra spec on the R3?

Both with equally good deals so any advice would be much appreciated!

Cheers

Comments

  • Pokerface
    Pokerface Posts: 7,960
    Well, the R3 frameset retails for £700 more on it's own. Then you're also making the jump from Rival to Red which is a big jump.

    Option 2 will give you a kick ass bike all around. As a beginner it's more bike than you need, but may motivate you to ride more often!

    If I could afford it, I'd go number 2. :)
  • Matt the Tester
    Matt the Tester Posts: 1,261
    i would go for option 2! but if your a newbie why are you buying a bike so expensive?

    i remember when it was wiser to buy a cheap bike for your first bike and then upgrade to something of your Price range, it's going to be very expensive now if you wish to upgrade sooner rather then later i would of though?

    nice choice of bikes though :)
    Coveryourcar.co.uk RT Tester
    north west of england.
  • cookiemonster
    cookiemonster Posts: 668
    If you're not looking to race or take part in completive events then the RS may be a better bet - a little more comfort, and if you're new to cycling then the slightly longer head tube and slightly greater stability may be welcome.

    Id also +1 steady riders comment - if you're new to cycling then there's a very good chance that over the next year what you will want from a bike will be very different from what you're looking at now, just because you don't know what currently suits you best, so go cheap and be ready to swap the bike in a year for something more suitable.

    Jon
  • Muztard
    Muztard Posts: 160
    I too wold like the answer to this........that said I want a R3 but can't really afford a RS :?
  • cookiemonster
    cookiemonster Posts: 668
    well im toying with the idea of swapping my RS for an R3sl - just for a change really rather than any expected gain - so there could be a pretty mint 56cm RS frame&forks appearing in the classified in the near future :)
  • edinburghbiker
    edinburghbiker Posts: 7
    thanks for the replies!

    It is a bit of a no-brainer in terms of 'kit vs. finances available' but I was just tempted by the price drop on the R3, good marketing skills by the company in question I'd say!

    Anyway, I'm going for the RS (white/blue frame pretty cool) and the R3 can come another day!

    @ Pokerface - just noticed your blog there, pretty cool stuff I hope you make the Ireland team and I'll keep an eye out, good luck!
  • Pokerface
    Pokerface Posts: 7,960
    edinburghbiker wrote:
    @ Pokerface - just noticed your blog there, pretty cool stuff I hope you make the Ireland team and I'll keep an eye out, good luck!


    Thanks! (I'm already on the team - just trying to qualify for the Paralympics).

    And ride a Cervelo also!
  • MaxwellBygraves
    MaxwellBygraves Posts: 1,353
    edinburghbiker wrote:
    thanks for the replies!

    It is a bit of a no-brainer in terms of 'kit vs. finances available' but I was just tempted by the price drop on the R3, good marketing skills by the company in question I'd say!

    Anyway, I'm going for the RS (white/blue frame pretty cool) and the R3 can come another day!

    @ Pokerface - just noticed your blog there, pretty cool stuff I hope you make the Ireland team and I'll keep an eye out, good luck!
    Would be very grateful if you could let me know how you get on with the RS, am considering one myself!
    "That's it! You people have stood in my way long enough. I'm going to clown college! " - Homer
  • edinburghbiker
    edinburghbiker Posts: 7
    I've also come across a BMC Pro Machine (2010) for around £2000, can anyone advise on this deal compared to the RS? (Both with SRAM Force).

    Cheers!
  • Matt the Tester
    Matt the Tester Posts: 1,261
    still havent answered my question :) i would rather you say something rather then ignore it completely mate.

    why are you buying such an expensive bike as your first bike??
    Coveryourcar.co.uk RT Tester
    north west of england.
  • edinburghbiker
    edinburghbiker Posts: 7
    steady rider wrote:
    still havent answered my question :) i would rather you say something rather then ignore it completely mate.

    why are you buying such an expensive bike as your first bike??

    Just because I'm mainly looking for a good quality carbon frame; I know quite a bit about carbon materials for aero applications so I appreciate the tech side and associated cost, but not so much with bike frames though! :)
  • black20vt
    black20vt Posts: 39
    I would suggest you invest in a bike fitting session before you decide to spend that amount
    The geometry of the R3 and RS differ in reach and stack, and the BMC will be different too.
    Best advice would be to get the frame that fits you the best.
  • iams
    iams Posts: 1
    Hi Edinburgh biker - I'm also hunting down a R3 or RS. You live with the frame longer than anything else (crashes permitting!) so your money should focus there but get a bike fitting and test rides to decide which geometry suits. If the R3 suits you better, could you down grade the Sram Red to reduce the price? Those are awesome prices you've been offered - once you've had your pick, could you let me in on the secret where these are available?? I've tested a RS, my decision is pending stock of a R3 in my LBS (2010 model)

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