Help please, Specialized or Cervélo

golfer+1

I really need some help, have cycled for years but never at club/sportive level. I’m packing in golf after 33 years due to injury and cycling is the new drug. I holiday with my wife in Majorca every Easter and October and she is happy for me (would pay me) to cycle until at least 1pm each day so that is the plan. I will also aim to get out 3/4 times per week at home, will defo join a club and would like to complete 10 sportive events. I am inbetween 3 bikes at the moment and don’t have the expertise or experience to differentiate.

1) Specialized Tarmac SL5 expert with dura ace, Roval SLX 24 rims and DT Swiss 350 hubs.
2) Cervelo R3 Ultegra 8000, Mavic Aksium Elite
3) Cervelo C3 Ultegra 8020,Mavic Aksium All Road Disc CL

Thanks if you can help.

cougie

What are you riding now ?

golfer+1

I ride a Specialized hybrid to work 5 days a week, 24 mile round trip each day. I have rented a venge and a propel in Majorca and they were both nice. I enjoyed the di2 on the propel but i could take it or leave it on my own bike. Been a cycling fan for 30+ years, never missed a grand tour or monument and went to the tour last year. I’ve been waiting for a golf injury for years so I can start my real passion, it’s now or never.

clubsport

I have owned a few bikes and recently bought the R3. Having previously ridden a Tarmac, isn't the geometry more "racey"?

You need to ride or at least sit on the bikes.

If you have been playing Golf that long you may be of a similar age to me and look for a slightly more relaxed geo if you intend to ride a few longer sportives.

cougie

Unless you're living somewhere sunny I'd look at getting a winter bike first. Something that takes mudguards and will let you get out in the winter. It'll also give you a better feel for what you want in your best bike.

Get the miles in in winter and you'll be flying when you get your summer bike.

golfer+1

cougie wrote:

Unless you're living somewhere sunny I'd look at getting a winter bike first. Something that takes mudguards and will let you get out in the winter. It'll also give you a better feel for what you want in your best bike.

Get the miles in in winter and you'll be flying when you get your summer bike.

I take your point but my aim is to buy a bike that I won’t have to replace or upgrade any time soon. My hybrid Is good enough to go out in the winter and we have 3 watt bikes in my gym and I have and will continue to use these to get me fitter. I was able to do Sant Salvador monastery no problem 2 weeks ago as my fitness is good and will improve over the winter.

pblakeney

Pinarello, surely?
Sorry, but some stereotypes are hard to overcome.

Midlands Grimpeur

Spec wise, they are all reasonably similar although you obviously have a choice of rim or disc brakes. Can't comment on cervelo but the tarmac is an excellent bike, very stiff frame but still comfy if you get tire choice and pressure right for you. Handling is also excellent, very stable at high speeds on descents. Essentially though get the one that fits best and you like, as performance wise there won't be much in it IMO.

pippi_langsamer-2

Would you consider 2nd hand? What size are you? Got a made selling an SL5 with DA Di2 and all high end finishing kit. It's a 54cm

golfer+1

Pippi Langsamer wrote:

Would you consider 2nd hand? What size are you? Got a made selling an SL5 with DA Di2 and all high end finishing kit. It's a 54cm

I got fitted 3 weeks ago and I’m a 56, would prefer a new bike if I’m honest as there are huge discounts atm

pippi_langsamer-2

Golfer+1 wrote:

Pippi Langsamer wrote:

Would you consider 2nd hand? What size are you? Got a made selling an SL5 with DA Di2 and all high end finishing kit. It's a 54cm

I got fitted 3 weeks ago and I’m a 56, would prefer a new bike if I’m honest as there are huge discounts atm

No worries. 56's of course are of course, proportionally the best looking bikes.... 8)

DeVlaeminck

Isn't the C3 less racy than the other two, given you found a venge ok you would not find a Tarmac or R3 overly aggressive so I'd get one of those two.

stueys

I run an r5 and a c3, the c3 is my winter/do anything bike. Between the two the c3 has a higher front end, a lower bb and longer wheelbase. So it feels more stable than my r5. Its a more relaxed ride. You can also fit more guards on it so it’s pretty practical.

moonshine

i like my C3... i sold my S2 as i decided i wasn't going to use it as the C3 is so good.

ridgeway_swiss

After riding a few classic road bikes (R3, Spec Roubaix) i was very happy sitting on the C3. As mentioned above it's more of a comfort machine that can handle most things although it's no race machine. Very happy with mine but as everyone has said you need to try them.

vinnymarsden

You have set yourself some specific targets there... 3 or 4?times a week , joining a club.. 10 sportives , all sounds a bit regimented.
Just get the bike and go out on your own to get the feel of it all, I had same idea re a club when I came back to cycling from golf.. I think it’s having had the mates to play with at golf, but quite honestly I much prefer solo cycling and 7 yrs later still haven’t took the plunge re a club.