The Cervelo R3 design has been one of the best examples of a true race or serious enthusiasts bike for years. With a 2018 upgrade to the frameset, and the precise e-tube driven Di2 electronic shifting as well as the move to disc brake option featuring smooth, powerful hydraulic disc brake performance of Shimano's Ultegra R8070 groupset, this complete Cervelo R3 Ultegra R8070 Disc 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 Disc 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 series.

To distinguish the R3 Disc 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. This disc brake model features thru-axle drop outs and flat mount disc frame and fork. Some cyclists will always prefer the feel and response of dual caliper brakes, and that is still an option with the non-disc R3.

When Shimano released the Dura-Ace 9170 11-speed electronic/hydraulic disc group, several key areas were newly engineered and all of these features are found in Ultegra R8070. The ergonomics of the STI levers were subtly but noticeably improved and gained a more positive lever response for additional shift reassurance, 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 Disc 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 R8020 flat mount disc caliper set and SM-RT800 160mm rotors, the drivetrain is nearly a full R8070 set-up, with the CN-HG701 chain, and 11-30 Ultegra cassette. The only alternative from Cervelo is the adaptive BBB BottomFit BBO-72, PF30 threaded bottom bracket for the 24mm 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 Mavic, with the steel-spoked Ksyrium Disc CL, as are the tires; Yksion Elite Guard in a 700x25 size. The newer, wider wheel 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 Alloy handlebar, and Cervelo Ultra Light Alloy stem. Fizik's Antares R7 saddle and Cervelo's bar tape round out the build.

Excel Sports has a fully enjoyed our relationship with Cervelo bikes, and this Squoval.Max equipped R3 Ultegra R8070 Disc Bicycle further strengthens that bond. 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 give us a call at 800.627.6664 to discuss that tremendous bike from Cervelo, or visit us in out Boulder showroom.