Passion is a powerful driver of cycling's history and traditions. For many cyclists the rhythmic nature pedaling all day long is not only a tonic against the stress of daily life, but a connection with the riders of years past, who rode long distances and accomplished physical feats of endurance in the early days of the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia. For many pro's and enthusiasts alike rim brake bicycles are still the way to go, eschewing disc brakes. Of course some actually ride steel, but for the most part carbon is the material of choice,with the gearing equally modern, but there is something about a lightweight rim brake frameset that evokes joy and engages us with tradition. The 2019 Cervelo R3 Rim Frameset has been a best seller for Excel Sports and Cervelo since it's inception, and though the R3 has evolved, it is still one of the lighter weight designs, with simply the best ride quality for long days, high mileage, and the pure cycling experience that evokes tradition.

This version is 10% lighter, 4% stiffer at the headtube and bottom bracket junctions, with improved aerodynamics- all without sacrificing the famed compliant R3 ride. A 28mm tire on modern width rims works juts fine, thank you, only enhancing both the the ride feel and aerodynamic principles when used with wider rims. Never mind that we now know a larger tire can reduce rolling resistance while improving stability and control. The R3 has always been a capable race bike, with Classics and Tour stage wins, but the R5 is favored for it's more aggressive posture and stiffness. The R3 is the favorite of enthusiast who ride squeeze in a few weekday rides, but head out for 60-80 mile days on the weekends. A slightly taller stack position with more attainable reach means more cyclists can find an assertive yet comfortable fit.

To further 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 R3 price more attainable The second is that the R3 has a road race geometry, but not the more aggressive Pro geometry of the R5. Last, both frames feature the same Squoval.Max tubeset concept, but it varies in that R3 has a traditional round seatpost, and seattube, not the D-back type of the full Squoval.Max design. At the same time, you get the same relative lateral/torsional improvements headtube and at the bottom bracket. You get superior comfort and vibration damping, plus a little more give ifrom the round carbon seatpost, as well as standard stem design. This generation R3 features the 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 to each other. While the disc brake model features thru-axle drop outs, the standard R3 features traditional road 100mm and 130mm quick release versions. The traditionalists win out here.

If you have questions about the 2019 R3 Rim Frameset, or would like discuss your dream build, the Excel Sports staff is here to guide you through the component, wheel and kit choices that will allow you fully maximize the riding experience of your R3. We can be reached at 800.627.6664 during business hours and via sales@excelsports.com as well. Return to Top