The Cervelo R3 has been one of the best examples of a true race or serious enthusiast's bike for years. With a 2018 upgrade to the frameset, and the precise mechanical shifting and braking performance of Shimano's Ultegra R8000 groupset, this complete Cervelo R3 Ultegra R8000 Bicycle is perfectly equipped and priced to get even more cyclists on one of the sweetest riding frame systems ever made. To understand both the R3 frameset and the Ultegra R8000 components, you have to understand how they have been driven by the development of the R5 and Dura-Ace R9100.

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 2018 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 and all of these features are found in Ultegra R8000. 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 R8000 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 R8000 dual caliper brakeset, the drivetrain is nearly a full R8000 set-up, with the CN-HG701 chain, and 11-30 Ultegra cassette. The only alternative from Cervelo is their Connect 24x90 direct bottom bracket for the 24mm spindle Hollowtech II crankset.

Cervelo opted for a wide-ranging 11-speed drivetrain with the 52-36 crankset and the 11-30 cassette. The wheels are supplied by DT Swiss; the fast rolling P1800 alloy with a machined brake track. The clincher tires are the Continental Grand Prix in the 700x25 size. The DT Swiss P1800 is a sturdy build, ideal as a stable training/everyday wheel with excellent braking and a smooth ride. Cervelo supplies their round carbon SP19 seatpost in a 27.2mm x 350mm version, an AB07 Ultra Light Alloy handlebar, and the Ultra Light Alloy stem. A Prologo Zero II STN saddle and Cervelo's bar tape round out the build.