To some cycling fans the amazing success of the Cervelo R-series bikes seems contradictory to the aerodynamic focus of the company. While this is understandable, the engineers of Cervelo have never ignored aerodynamics with the R3, but the weighted emphasis of the design was all-day, Grand Tour level performance and comfort. As the square-oval (Squoval) tubeset has evolved, the aerodynamics have actually improved and the company can now apply over a decade of Squoval design to maximize the tube shapes and profiles to best enhance torsional stiffness (think round tubes), and resist bending (think square tubes) for the application. At just under 1000 grams for a 56cm frame (with collar and derailleur hanger- no games here), the R3 is still competitively light. Packaged here as a complete bicycle, with Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 (with an assist from the greater longevity of the Ultegra cassette and chain), as well as complementary components from FSA, Rotor, and Mavic, the R3 Dura-Ace 9000 Bicycle is a tremendous bike that any level of rider can thoroughly enjoy and exploit, hour after hour, day after day.

As both the market and current trends have evolved, the geometry of the R3 has changed, with a taller head tube than the original more race-oriented design. The sloping design still offers great clearance and balanced handling, but the frameset is accessible fit-wise to more cyclists without sacrificing performance. The Squoval tubeset is noticeable, especially around the head tube, which houses the tapered 1⅜" to 1⅛" carbon fork steerer, and the combination of the larger size headtube and the concurrent head and down tubes improved overall stiffness from the previous generation R3 by 24%. While the standard straight steerer and headtube rode quite well, the stiffer interface can be felt most when out cornering and descending at speed, with a solid steering feel resulting pure rider confidence. Carrying the shapes down to the 79mm wide offset BBright bottom bracket junction, the already stout unit improves by 8%, sending more power directly back to the rear axle and peppier acceleration. The shape of the seat and chainstays is much the same, but adapted slightly in size and fiber lay-up to the match the new front triangle, maintaining the impressively smooth ride quality inherent to the R3 legacy.

Cervelo developed their Future Proof cable management system and Reduced Friction Bottom Bracket Guide for ease of use with cable driven or electronic drivetrains. This gives you easy upgrade options with the Dura-Ace 9000 drivetrain to Di2, or perhaps your next set-up will be Campagnolo EPS. The R3 uses a 27.2mm diameter seatpost, which increases comfort and access to aftermarket options, while the braze-on front derailleur mount keeps assembly clean and easy. The BBright bottom bracket system requires specific PF30 bearings and a crankset that is designed for the asymmetrical design. Several aftermarket bottom brackets and/or adapters allow you to use various cranksets as you prefer. The headset parts required for the tapered headtube and fork are provided, with FSA's IS-2 model. As a true road bike, the R3 was designed for 700x25mm tires, but some manufacturer options up to 28mm may work with no problem. The frame and fork both feature quick release type full carbon dropouts, with the standard road 100mm fork and 130mm rear dropout spacing.

Shimano's 11-speed Dura-Ace 9000 drivetrains marked new standards for smooth, fast, and precise mechanical shifting. Engineering changes to the STI levers and front derailleur were welcome, increasing efficiency. The R3 Dura-Ace 9000 Bicycle carries the 9000 STI levers, front and rear derailleurs, and industry leading caliper brakeset. Due to the BBright system, and Cervelo's collaboration with Rotor, the PF30 bottom bracket bearings and 3D30 BBright 52-36 crankset come standard. The performance of Rotor's round chainrings and overall crank stiffness make the parts function seamless with the Dura-Ace 9000 system. Cervelo opted for a combination of value and durability by using the steadfast Ultegra 6800 11-25 cassette and chain. Taken as a whole the drivetrain is smooth and quiet, with impressive power delivery and ideal reliability. While some may have other favorite options, no product on the market exceeds the combination of power, modulation and overall performance of the 9000 brakeset.

For wheels, the Mavic Aksium S was selected as a durable training-level model. Equipped with Mavic's QRM bearings the 1735g Aksium S rolls true and smooth, mile after mile. Cervelo has long believed that most cyclists will upgrade their wheels, and that is true in our experience, as is the fact that most also hold onto the stock wheels for training, wet weather, or as a pure back-up. Mavic's 700x25 Aksion tires are provided as a system match for the wheels. The cockpit is built around FSA's SL-K components, with the aluminum stem, alloy compact Energy handlebar, and bonded setback carbon seatpost. Fizik's Antares saddle and Cervelo's handlebar tape finish the build off.

Ready? Make your way into our Boulder, CO showroom to see the Cervelo R3 Dura-Ace 9000 Bicycle, get sized, set-up and fit to your new everyday road bike. You can also call us at (800)627-6664 if you have any questions about one of our all-time favorite bike designs.