“I have been blown away by the sheer paciness of the package”
Cervélo has given its S-series bikes an overhaul, redesigning both the S5 and the S3 models with a particular focus on frame stiffness and aerodynamics.
Unlike the new Cervélo S5, the latest S3 is available as both a rim brake and disc brake bike. The new disc-brake version uses Cervélo’s True Aero technology, which comprises a combination of specific tube shapes, sizes, and designs to improve the aerodynamic flow across the bike. At the front end, the bike has a new frame and fork shaping, and all the cables are tucked neatly inside the cockpit – made possible by a new upside-down modern take on the quill stem.
Cervélo claims these changes have saved 13 watts at 40kph over the outgoing frame.
The brand has tried to give the S3 a ride quality that’s distinct from the more aggressive S5. The S3’s stack is 16mm higher than the S5 and it has slightly skinnier seatstays and wider tire clearance, both to improve vibration dampening. In fact, the S3 has identical geometry to the Cervélo R3, a bike we rate for its ride position and performance.
Additional frame changes include a dropped down tube and rear stays that have had an aerodynamic makeover.
Cervélo has also stuck to its BBRight press-fit style bottom bracket. We have had mixed experiences with this system and have found that, like almost all press-fit bottom brackets, it develops a creak after a few months of testing. Options are available to improve this but it would have been good to see Cervélo reverting to a threaded bottom bracket.
This story is from the June 11, 2020 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 11, 2020 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Giant TCR Composite Gold
If this bike looks opulent, over the top and über-bling now, imagine the reaction of the bike-buying public 22 years ago when it was unveiled as a special limited edition made with real gold plate and costing the unthinkable sum of $10,000.
WATT WORKS FOR ME Kasia Niewiadoma
The Tour of Flanders runner-up talks lost bikes, altitude training and strength workouts
BREWING A BOOST
Coffee and cycling may be inextricably linked, but does the black stuff really improve our performance on the bike? Lexie Williamson investigates
Soto Helix Coffee Maker - £21.95
I really love the minimalism of this coffee brewer. It's a pour over stripped to its bare essentials: a conical spring that can hold a paper filter, and then compresses nearly flat when not in use.
Stanley Classic Perfect-Brew Pour Over
The Stanley Perfect-Brew Pour Over is the second simplest coffee maker on test, beaten only by the incredibly minimalist Soto Helix.
GSI Mini Espresso Set 1 Cup - £51.50
Starting off with the coffee makers that require a heat source, we have the GSI Outdoors Mini Espresso Set 1 Cup.
How do I up my coffee game?
How does the average Joe make the perfect mug of Joe? We sent Joe Baker to find out
THE HUB
All the news you might have missed from the last seven days
GOING FULL BEANS
Most cyclists enjoy a decent coffee, but some take it a step further. CW meets five self-declared obsessives who have pushed their twin passions, bikes and beans, to the nth degree
A love affair
Coffee connoisseur Adam Becket delves into the storied yet mysterious relationship between cycling and the original energy drink