The Cervelo R3 has been one of the best examples of a serious enthusiast's bike for years; one that can be a weekend driver, or raced on the road all season long. With a late 2017 upgrade to the frameset, and the precise mechanical shifting and braking performance of Shimano's Dura-Ace R9100 groupset, this complete Cervelo R3 Dura-Ace R9100 Bicycle is perfectly equipped for performance and real joy on the road. To understand the R3 frameset you have to follow the development curve from the R5 frameset.

To distinguish the R3 from the R5, you need to consider three key points. One is that the the carbon fiber grades are different. Subtly so, but aimed at keeping the price lower. The second is that the R3 has a road race geometry, but not the more aggressive Pro geometry found on the 2017 release of the R5. Last, both frames feature the same Squoval.Max tubeset concept, but the R3 has a traditional seatpost and seattube, not the D-back type of the full Squoval.Max design of the R5. At the same time, you get the same lateral/torsional improvements at 21% at the headtube and 13% at the bottom bracket. There is room to run 700x28 tires, even on 25mm wide rims. You get superior comfort and vibration damping, plus a little more give in the round carbon seatpost, as well as standard stem design. The R3 features the new lower bottom bracket of the R5, plus a lower standover height, which as a function of the new geometry lowers the center of gravity for improved handling. The tapered Cervelo carbon fork was built like the frame, with enhancements to the lateral base stiffness, tire clearance and aerodynamics. The final product is a R3 frameset with improved acceleration, better handling, less overall drag, more capability, and a sublime ride quality that can be enhanced by the flexibility you have with tire selection.

Cervelo's aero integrated Future Proof cable routing that accommodates mechanical and electronic drivetrains carries over, along with the Reduced Friction Bottom Bracket Guide. The derailleur cables or wires run down into downtube. One of the engineers' tasks with the R3 was to develop it, and the disc brake version, to be a close as possible in fit, function, feel, and frame performance. While the disc brake model features thru-axle drop outs, the standard R3 features traditional road 100mm and 130mm quick release versions. Some cyclists will always prefer the feel and response of dual caliper brakes, so we are happy to see that Cervelo will be offering standard rim brake frame designs.

When Shimano released the Dura-Ace 9100 11-speed mechanical group, several key areas were newly engineered beyond the achievements of Dura-Ace 9000. The ergonomics of the STI levers were subtly but noticeably improved and gained a more positive lever response for additional shift reassurance, stiffness and aerodynamics of the world's best dual-pivot brake calipers increased power and feel with less drag, the front derailleur actuation lever and pivot were changed to be more compact, for better frame and tire clearance, and the new rear standard cage derailleur was updated to fly through shifts- even with a 11-30 cassette option. The R3 is coming equipped with a 52-36 R9100 crankset, with it's asymmetrical 4-arm crank spider that works with both compact and standard double chainrings. Now, no matter how your bike comes equipped, you can easily add more gearing range. Along with the smooth, powerful R9100 dual caliper brakeset, the drivetrain is nearly a full R9100 set-up, with a few exceptions. The cassette is an Ultegra R8000, while the chain is a silver KMC X11EL. The Cervelo BBright design mandates the adaptive BBB BottomFit BBO-72, PF24 threaded bottom bracket for the 24mm spindle Dura-Ace Hollowtech II crankset.

Cervelo opted for a wide-ranging 11-speed drivetrain with the 52-36 crankset and the 11-28 cassette. The wheels are supplied by Mavic, with the steel-spoked Aksium Elite, as are the tires; Yksion Elite Guard in a 700x25 size. The newer, wider Aksium Elite is a stable training or everyday wheel with excellent braking and a smooth ride. Cervelo supplies their round carbon SP19 seatpost in a 27.2mm x 350mm version, an FSA Energy Compact alloy handlebar, and Cervelo Ultra Light Alloy stem. Fizik's Antares R7 saddle and Cervelo's bar tape round out the build.

This Squoval.Max equipped R3 Dura-Ace 9100 Bicycle not only extends the tremendous legacy and reputation of the R3 design, but advances it. If you are moving from the previous generation R3, you will definitely feel increased lateral stiffness throughout, with zero loss of vertical compliance in ride quality. That is the genius of the R3. The frame's aerodynamics are improved, though that is not the purpose of the R3. Given how many of our R-series customers are repeat buyers, we have to believe these folks will embrace the new design. Feel free to visit us or give us a call at 800.627.6664 to discuss this tremendous Dura-Ace R9100 equipped bike from Cervelo.