Cervelo

S3 Disc Ultegra Di2 R8070 Road Bike

The influx of aero bikes in the pro peloton comes down to two reasons. First, the sport's governing body, the UCI, places a minimum weight limit that bikes must adhere to, and instead of mechanics adding dead weight to make a bike compliant, bike manufacturers are finding ways to add some functional weight to the bike with tangible benefits, so aero tubes that lower drag makes total sense. The other is because the speed of sprints, break always, and the chase to bring back those breakaways, are so high, the pros are looking for ways to make their jobs easier and science tells us that aero drag accounts for as much as 90 percent of a rider's overall resistance. Less drag equals more speed and the benefit happens at lower speeds than you might think as well as on single-digit gradients. So if you're looking for an advantage in a day-long breakaway, while sprinting, or want a do it all machine for the weekend omnium, we'd suggest looking at an aero rig if you are new bike shopping. And if you want to be up to speed on the newest tech such as electronic shifting and disc brakes, look no further than the S3 Disc Ultegra Di2 R8070 Complete Bike.

Cervelo honed the S3's aerodynamics after spending countless hours in the wind tunnel testing and refining designs. This particular disc model features full internal cable routing thanks to a new bar and stem that hides the brake and shift housing from the wind for improved aerodynamics. Additionally, the new frame profiles work together to reduce drag so you simply go faster. Cervelo calls this True Aero which combines these specific tube shapes, sizes, and design features to improve aerodynamic flow across the bike.

The most aero bike available is meaningless if it’s a wet noodle though, so thankfully Cervelo worked hard to increase the stiffness at the bottom bracket shell ensuring efficient power transfer and that every watt goes straight to the rear wheel. Just like every other Cervelo, the S3 uses its BBright shell which takes advantage of oversized frame tubes that are stiffer and lighter. With the BBright system, larger sized tubes are used at the seat tube, down tube, and non-driveside chainstay. The benefit is an increase in stiffness and pedaling efficiency while achieving a lighter weight frame that's compatible with all major bottom bracket standards. Stiffness doesn't just end there and Cervelo beefed up the head tube junction that conspires with its geometry for more confidence inspiring handling with impressive stability and precision when cornering and descending at speed.

Cervelo's mastery of carbon layups and construction techniques also allow it to reduce the frame's weight while making it stiffer. It uses advanced engineering software like Finite Element Analysis (FEA) that allows it to better understand exactly how each layer of carbon fiber is working and if it's being used properly. Its carbon expertise prescribes a specific frame layup by placing hundreds of individually cut plies of carbon in a mold in a certain order and orientation. By precisely cutting these plies, the frame is able to be made lighter while still achieving the desired strength and reliability.

And because different areas of the frame experience different loads while climbing, sprinting, and descending, to better cope with these forces, Cervelo creates different layups by placing the fibers at different angles in specific areas for the desired metrics. In addition to reducing weight, maximizing strength and stiffness, it's also instrumental in how comfortable the bike is to ride and it's backed up with extensive in-house testing and real-world experience.

A fast ride is a smooth one and it's important to keep vibrations at bay if you plan on going fast for long periods of time. Excessive road noise transmitted to the rider has proven responsible for premature fatigue and since Cervelo uses specific frame lay-ups and tube shapes that help soak up road vibrations, it helps reduce fatigue on those long days in the saddle.

Lastly, the S3 Disc is 102 grams or the equivalent of 13 Watts faster than the current rim version of the S3 completely dispelling the myth that disc brake bikes are less aero than rim versions, while also coming in 68 grams lighter, again smashing another disc brake rumor.

This particular version comes ready to race. Shimano Ultegra Di2 shifting is accurate and precise with every shift and its hydraulic disc brakes easily scrub speed whether it’s a four-corner crit or a high-speed mountain descent. Even the Novatec R5 Carbon 48mm Disc wheelset is optimized to give you an aerodynamic edge on fast group rides and races.