No doubt better and more versatile. My 2019 Trek Madone SLR makes for a surprisingly comfortable Randonneuring bike, especially if the aerobars are installed. Speaking of Randonneuring, perhaps take a look into that scene as I don't think it's been covered on GCN. LEJOG is next July. I bet Hank would be up for it.
i owner of 2015 BMC TMR01... this bike still very fast and comfy. not many bikes was on market without changes for that long period.. BMC TMR01 was on market more than 5 years
Those bikes where aero by themselves, but did not consider the whole system of rider, bottle and so on as do modern ones. So in that sense and objectively, they where worse.
People don't want to give GCN props because it's so mainstream and popular, but the content of late has been fantastic. Still bringing fresh material on an arguably limited topic of discussion.
Honestly I find that so impressive. There's only so much you can cover with the topic of cycling. I won't be surprised if they hire a bunch of people to dedicate time to think up video ideas.
I sold my 2016 S3 this spring, I had a bit to many bikes. That one was exactly 7kg and every time I rode it, I felt "shit this is such a fast bike" and it was an absolute joy to ride. Nice video!
I was a mechanic at a Cervelo dealer back when the Soloist and the S3 were big deals. I regret not buying either one. The Soloist was one of the fastest bikes I had ever ridden at the time. Even just taking them out for little spins after assembly or tuning up a customers bike.
Just goes to show that if all the "12% more efficient than previous model" and "saves 20 watts at 40kph" marketing claims were true, the newer bike should be practically riding itself with all those cumulative gains over the last 10 years.
The best video/project to make with such a 2010s super aero bike is to update it with modern components that make real performance improvements: 1) modern light, aero wheels of max rim width for the bike, with modern fast tires of matching (i.e., a little thinner) width with latex tubes or tubeless, 2) aero cockpit, 3) waxed chain (marginal performance gain but huge maintenance improvement, and you have Silca onboard!). Then, compare it against a modern super-bike taking into account performance (flat, climb, brake), comfort, maintenance, and price.
Simon, I'm just a little surprised that you didn't throw out a handful of zingers for Dan like... "So Dan, if you're bike was so ahead of its time and so very tricked out, then why don't you have any real big wins to brag about ?" The only reason I could see possible for not poking fun at Dan would be that you discussed it prior to the filming of this video and Dan said the only way he would loan his bike out was if you didn't bash him at all. All kidding aside, a great video Si ! You're upbeat attitude is absolutely infectious! 😎
why not sharing the data? "5 sec quicker", without any context, is a bit lackluster. How long was the flat section and the climb? how much time difference in those? At least give us the length of the runs to put those 5 seconds into perspective. Apart from that, great video. I still rock a 2006 R3 and love it; I don't feel that I am missing out on anything. Beautiful machine. cervélo was really in it's own class back then.
As an avowed Cervelo fanboy and owner of 2 of their bikes (2004 Super Prodigy, still a fun - and surprisingly light - bike to ride, and a 2022 Caledonia) I thank you for making this video. Super interesting comparison and it shows just how good even their 'older' bikes still are.
That s3 frame is an absolute beauty, so is the 10 speed sram red groupset. I still use a set of tdf edition of sram red 10 speed on my allez sprint and it’s just amazing
Really good video. I have a rim brake Spesh sl6 which I love riding and inspite of my mates banging on about disc brakes- I can’t justify spending £5-6k for not much gain? Also think it looks much better than modern bikes
The soloist in the CSC livery is still one of my favourite looking bikes. I had to get one when it came out and could only afford to run it single speed for years. It’s now sat on my turbo trainer and it still gets my heart racing when I look at it. I wish there was room for such new and innovative bikes now days.
Great throwback on start of the aero bikes. I still have my first Cervelo aero bike, the SLC-SL from 2005 I think. Riding is also about how the bike makes you feel and Cervelo aero bikes adds that extra something to make you ride those extra miles. Just love it.
I still ride my slc-sl which I got in 2009 on sale. I'm still as passionate about it as I was then. It's been subject to some upgrades, di2, aero handlebar etc. Great bike!
@@gcnI just got a mint condition soloist slc sl which I’m building up with dura ace 9100 rim brake mechanical group and Enve 4.5. Superior braking and I should be able to get 25-28 tyres to soften the ride.
Yep they are harder to service, but that’s what bike shops are for (support local 😁) Unless you are changing your handlebars based upon the shape of a cloud you spy that morning then it’s kinda a moot point. Shifting adjustment is easier, you can do it while riding with your shifters and doesn’t degrade with time. Both are set and forget components.
I bought a 2009 RS last year. It always felt special. Now I know why. Thanks for the video! ❤ It gets a complete rebuild right now and will be back on the road soon
What this video showed (to me) is that in the last decades marginal gains + aero makes you faster by very little. At 43 I'm all about ease of maintenance, comfort and when going uphill, I'll take my lightweight 2019 Trek Émonda SL5 rim brake any day over an aero bike. I'm not aiming to beat anyone but my own records 😅.
Still got my 2012 R5 VWD which I’ve owned since new and rides beautifully, and a fantastic 2009 RS which I picked up off eBay for 800 quid. The RS is so sublimely comfortable that it’s my go-to bike now, over my 2022 Giant TCR.
Also, interestingly (to me, anyway) is that aero appears more important than weight. Even though the Canyon is heavier/beefier, it's modern aero components are still faster than the lightweight Cervelo. Fun video. Especially loved the interview w/ Dan at the end. Thanks, guys!
I have and ride two road bikes, SL6 Tarmac and a 2009 S2 Cervelo. Both bikes are fitted with good carbon clincher wheels. I ride at the same cadence on both bikes, the S2 is always in a bigger gear than the Tarmac.
5 seconds up a climb is much more significant in road racing then how many seconds aero. Just think as a racer going 100 percent how many times you have gotten dropped by a few seconds up a climb and never recovered the front group. 5 seconds aero sitting in the draft is negligible because your only going 70 percent of effort. Only matters in solo breakaway or tt. From a practical standpoint lightweight still matters.
i'd like to see a 2018/2019 rim brake aero bike vs a 2023 model. Have bikes improved in aerodynamics enough in the las 4-5 years to offset the increased weight?
No improvement, Tour Mag aero tests prove it, but they are heavier and 2X-3X more expensive. A 2015 Canyon Aeroad rimbrake bike tests 206-207watts, 2022 SL7 210 watts, SL8 209 watts.
I ride a 2018 Canyon Aeroad it weighs 7.3kg ready to ride and its only ultegra. It is mind blowing the amount of money you would have to pay to get an aero bike at that weight in 2023 @@Gianniz27
Thank you for a good video. I think it illustrates the marginal gains that have been made. New, aero bike are slightly faster, but I still like my older bikes.
Built mine with the first SRAM Red mechanical, DuraAce C24 wheels and other light components. Crazy light bike and super comfortable. Still ride mine all the time all these years later. No creeks it is still a great bike. Just about manages 25mm tyres…
Currently on a 2016 Cervelo S5 with the HED jet 6 wheels and DA Di2 and have ridden it in comparison to some newer bikes and it hits an incredible sweet spot between this earlier S3 and the newer disc brake bikes. Would LOVE to see an aero test between the earlier S5, the gen 2 S5 and a modern disc brake aero bike!
I still ride my old aluminium Cervelo Soloist. Wasn’t surprised it gave the Canyon a run for its money. Those old Cervelos are rapid. Makes me wonder how fast the S3 is compared to the S5🤔
I had the Soloist, the Soloist Carbon and the S3. All unbelievably quick and ahead of the game. The SC, however, was unridable over 40 miles, for me. The S3, was much friendlier to the budding amateur. However, i achieved most of my success on the R3-SL.
I still ride my 2009 S1 with a lot of the original components (some are getting switched out this year as things have worn out) but I am still the fastest on descents. It rides beautifully, and why would one change out perfection. Sure if I had 13k to drop, I would snag a brand new, top Cervelo, but then again, I am happy!
If you are the original owner and still have proof of purchase or registered the bike back then... Go check your seatpost for cracks under the collar. If it is cracked, you can get a new bike/frame from Cervelo ;). I got a choice of an S2 frame, S2 full bike or S3 frame for 600e back in 2016. I regard this as the optimal year for a road bike as it was just before all the cables went in to the tubes and handlebars along with disc brake wheels. It rides totally different to all of the first generation S1/2/2!
I don't understand why you couldn't get a 2023 S5 to compare. Guess that would void your current sponsorship. Turns out it made canyon look worse lol. Where where the hard data numbers on those three runs with power? Cervelo must have been faster. Outside of that great video. I bought a new S5 in 2019 and its a great bike.
I have this bike set up with aero brakes and other aero goodies. Custom one piece carbon saddle/post and the whole bike comes in at under 6000g. I was Aero and Light is Right decades ago.
That was fun! Legend Thor Hushovd of course also took the rainbow jersey on one of these babies back in 2010… I have the privilege of owning a Cervelo S3 from 2015, and now also a 2023 Scott Foil RC…The Scott is better at everything I would say, except speed… Crazy how fast that S3 is, even by today's standards…
I own both the Cervelo S3 and the RS. Between the two of them, I was convinced that I could never buy a faster ,more comfortable bike. This attitude kept me on these bikes right up to 2022. That year I spent a few months in Girona, Spain and experienced my first "modern" bike (a Basso Astra with Sram Force Etap). I rode the Basso from town to Rocacorba and back. Despite the increased weight of the Basso, I rode a bit faster and far more comfortably than on the Cervelos. Like your experience, Si, it wasn't significantly faster but it still was faster.....and at least a kilo heavier. What!!!!! So now, I ride all three and appreciate each for it's strengths. The Cervelos still feel fast, stable and light but the Basso remains the faster (but heavier) choice. I still ride the Cervelo when climbing and it's never let me down.
Love that Lloydy was so humble about how his bike helped him. He's a very decent rider by any standards. But it is true that modern bikes are better. Sort of at least. Blooming interesting video. TY:)
So what happened to the tour being faster and faster said to be because of equipment? I think a few upgrades on that old s3 and could be even lighter and faster.
I think its a lot of things. Pros are faster now since they don't take off the winter and gain 20 lbs. Instead they train (and race) year round. Plus your marginal bike gains plus the gains in aero clothing and overall nutrition. It all adds up. But just one isn't going to change everything. I'm a big fan of the last decade bikes. I love my 2010 aero bike from Wilier. Light and fast. Nice aero jersey or a speedsuit and it is rapid. Our engines are always the limiting factor, but I will say my upgrade from my 1997 steel Bianchi to the carbon Wilier was a big upgrade. I don't see anything after that era being a big upgrade anymore. Living in marginal (and marketing) gains era for sure over the last decade.
I sill own a P2SL aluminum Cervelo. With 23 mm tires and the aluminum frame. It's a beauty but its definitely not about comfort. I had to loosen the rear brake because the frame would flex and rub when pushing up a hill. Since then, I had bought a carbon endurance bike, such a joy to ride. As for the Cervelo it's on the trainer.
At 13:50 I was reminded how happy I am that Si didn't chuck on some of Lloydy's old white shorts for this test... would love to see a series of different changes being made to this bike to modernise it and see what makes the biggest differences & whether its possible to close the gap between modern and retro (first step, lose the tubs!)
Back then if you didn't have Mavic Kyseriums you WERE weird! LOL. Of course, back in 2008 my 1980s Campy spec'ed Colnago steel Master with handbuilt wheels was even weirder.
@@ralphc1405 I bet that Colnago was a beauty. My first race bike was a steel Bianchi rebranded as poghilagi, black and pink with dura ace nine speed. I’ve also been rocking blue Mavic reflex tubulars that I hand built on a set of 7800 hubs.
I still ride my S2. Added Sran ETAP and Cane Creek Brakes. It's still one of the lightest aero bikes. I also have a Pinarello Dogma and the Cervelo is lighter
if i ever buy a Cervélo the first thing i’m doing is taking a full-color professional photograph of it and asking Daniel Lloyd and Dr. Emma Pooley and Oscar Pujol (all of which were bicycle-riders of the Cervélo Test Team) to sign it. (Why not “sign the bike itself”? Because the-bike-needs-to-be-washed-eventually right? Their signatures will eventually wipe-off if i have them sign the-bike-itself).
I rode the S3 for years! If didn’t crash it, I’d still be riding it. I loved it! I ride the F12 now and I feel it shares a lot, it was easier to overcome the loss.
Great video. Result is very surprising given the S3 doesn’t have aero cockpit, hidden cables, or low rolling resistance tires. Is it possible S3 forced Si in to a more aero position on the bike?
I have a R3 SL. I’ll never forget the first rides. It just kept getting better. Smoothest I’ve ever been on. Like Simon in the video, it was hard to believe. That year SRAM Force was top of the SRAM road line, but have upgraded to Red, ZIPP 303s. Still ride it. Newer bikes aren’t that much better. How about a climbing bike video? I’d love to see the comparison. Pretty sure the bike in the background in the video portion of GV was a R3 SL.
I can absolutely tell the difference between my not-aero-at-all ‘15 Trek Emonda (rim brake mechanical 11s Ultegra), my “nodding in the direction of Aero” ‘22 Emonda (hydraulic disc 11s Ultegra), and my ‘23 Emonda (disc 12s Di2 Ultegra). The cleaner cockpit and newer frame/fork shapes-not to mention the superior wheelsets-not only feel faster, but my Strava segments seem to confirm it, particularly when I’m pretty sure I’m not in as good a shape as I was 3 years ago when the ‘15 was my primary ride. Aero gains are great gains!
I’m still riding my SLC-SL! I love it. I also have the gun metal grey aluminum soloist team - this bike def feels a little harsh, but still certainly nice to ride with lower tire pressure. AND I have a now retired Cervelo Eyre road frame from I think 1997? I believe it was their first road frame with the iconic aero downtube
I owned a 2012 S5 for many years and loved it but it was brutal in a crosswind. Had to sell it and have had a 2017 Cervelo R5 for years that is bulletproof! Love it and its super stable with a pair of Enve SES 5.6 wheels. If you haven't read the book about Vroomen and White and the Cervelo history I highly recommend it!
The best all-around bike Cervelo ever made was the R3 SL. It could climb and descend with the best of them and was compliant on rough roads - in particular the cobbels of Flanders and Roubaix. Bike mechanics marvel at how light my 2007 Team CSC edition R3 SL is anytime I bring it in for service, as it can be lifted by one's pinkie finger. Because all the cables are externallly routed and has rim brakes, it can be easily worked on and maintained by your average aspiring home mechancic. I still love riding it and see no reason to spend an outrageous fortune on a new bike that isn't built to the same specs and standards as the Vroomen - White year Cervelo's. That was a great era for carbon road bikes and Cervelo was at the forefront of it.
It's amazing how much has changed in a bit over a decade. Tubulars to tubeless. Rim brake to disc brake. 23mm tires at 100# to 28mm at 65#. Seperate bar/stem with exposed cables to fully integrated cockpits with completely hidden cables. Mechanical 10 speed to electronic 12 speed. Shallow carbon or alloy wheels to wide deep section carbon wheels. Even non-aero bikes have some sort of aero tube shapes.
I have a same era white S2 as the one you’re riding!! I’m currently just a couple parts away from slapping on sram red etap 12 speed and some 38mm carbon rims! Still a killer fast bike
I had a Cervelo aero frame and a Specialized Tarmac S Works. The Cervelo was noticeably faster on flats. My first impression was how I could feel the bike cut through the wind. The narrow head tube and the aero downtube were so different from the Tarmac, which had a wide head tube and thick downtube. I specd both bikes with identical parts and the Tarmac was just 1 lb. lighter. The S Works climbed better and felt more comfy as you could imagine.
I would be curious to see how the results--especially the Cervelo--change without bottle cages. Because as you pointed out, that bottle really sticks out on the airfoil downtube!
To be frank, I don't enjoy all of these comparisons because of the pseudo-science but this one was a lot of fun. I especially liked the historical context. Very nice.
I have a Cervelo S2, with Carbon rims and a modern Shimano R7000/R8000 groupset. It's quick enough to keep up with just about any newer bike I been on a ride with. My idea your next video is, try equipping the S3 with a modern R7000/R8000 groupset, carbon rims and do the race again👍. I bet the 5 sec gap will be closed
Do you think aero bikes are better or worse than they used to be? 🚲🤔
No doubt better and more versatile. My 2019 Trek Madone SLR makes for a surprisingly comfortable Randonneuring bike, especially if the aerobars are installed. Speaking of Randonneuring, perhaps take a look into that scene as I don't think it's been covered on GCN. LEJOG is next July. I bet Hank would be up for it.
Worse, I wrench my own stuff, and for all of the nonsense involved to swap a bearing now, just to go a small bit faster, forget it.
Better for sure. All hidden cables, cleaner cock pits, Wheels meant for wider tires etc.
i owner of 2015 BMC TMR01... this bike still very fast and comfy. not many bikes was on market without changes for that long period.. BMC TMR01 was on market more than 5 years
Those bikes where aero by themselves, but did not consider the whole system of rider, bottle and so on as do modern ones. So in that sense and objectively, they where worse.
People don't want to give GCN props because it's so mainstream and popular, but the content of late has been fantastic. Still bringing fresh material on an arguably limited topic of discussion.
Honestly I find that so impressive. There's only so much you can cover with the topic of cycling. I won't be surprised if they hire a bunch of people to dedicate time to think up video ideas.
My 2013 Cervelo S2 is a dream to ride. Thanks for doing this video!!
back in 2013 I managed to score a great deal on this specific frameset, and I've been riding it ever since. It's a fantastic bike!
They are superb!
Nice to see them compliment the rim brake for a change 😊
Hahaha we're not that mean really 😉
I sold my 2016 S3 this spring, I had a bit to many bikes. That one was exactly 7kg and every time I rode it, I felt "shit this is such a fast bike" and it was an absolute joy to ride. Nice video!
I was a mechanic at a Cervelo dealer back when the Soloist and the S3 were big deals. I regret not buying either one. The Soloist was one of the fastest bikes I had ever ridden at the time. Even just taking them out for little spins after assembly or tuning up a customers bike.
The Soloist is still sweet.
@@gk5891 if I can find an AL framed one, I would buy it.
Just goes to show that if all the "12% more efficient than previous model" and "saves 20 watts at 40kph" marketing claims were true, the newer bike should be practically riding itself with all those cumulative gains over the last 10 years.
It'd be about 95 to 115 watts faster. Lol.
I been saying the exact same thing for quite some time 😭😂
its like the ad for laundry detergent, washing whiter than white, nowadays the clothes disappear in the washing machine
I recently got a almost new 2012 s5 VWD for $2000. And I love it
Proud pre-sale Cervelo owner here. I still love, and occasionally ride my RS! Still beautifully comfortable even at 15 years old.
The best video/project to make with such a 2010s super aero bike is to update it with modern components that make real performance improvements: 1) modern light, aero wheels of max rim width for the bike, with modern fast tires of matching (i.e., a little thinner) width with latex tubes or tubeless, 2) aero cockpit, 3) waxed chain (marginal performance gain but huge maintenance improvement, and you have Silca onboard!). Then, compare it against a modern super-bike taking into account performance (flat, climb, brake), comfort, maintenance, and price.
That, no ancient, Cervélo Test Team video series was instrumental in my continued fascination and stoke with road cycling... thank you Dan!!!!!!
Me too! Beyond the peleton was very well done.
Simon, I'm just a little surprised that you didn't throw out a handful of zingers for Dan like...
"So Dan, if you're bike was so ahead of its time and so very tricked out, then why don't you have any real big wins to brag about ?"
The only reason I could see possible for not poking fun at Dan would be that you discussed it prior to the filming of this video and Dan said the only way he would loan his bike out was if you didn't bash him at all. All kidding aside, a great video Si ! You're upbeat attitude is absolutely infectious! 😎
why not sharing the data? "5 sec quicker", without any context, is a bit lackluster. How long was the flat section and the climb? how much time difference in those? At least give us the length of the runs to put those 5 seconds into perspective.
Apart from that, great video. I still rock a 2006 R3 and love it; I don't feel that I am missing out on anything. Beautiful machine. cervélo was really in it's own class back then.
I agree with you colonel, I would have loved to see the actual numbers to give it all some perspective. Great video all the same.
As an avowed Cervelo fanboy and owner of 2 of their bikes (2004 Super Prodigy, still a fun - and surprisingly light - bike to ride, and a 2022 Caledonia) I thank you for making this video. Super interesting comparison and it shows just how good even their 'older' bikes still are.
The S3 has a more classic geometry which makes the bike much more beautiful. It's a wonderful bike to look at. ❤
That s3 frame is an absolute beauty, so is the 10 speed sram red groupset. I still use a set of tdf edition of sram red 10 speed on my allez sprint and it’s just amazing
Really good video. I have a rim brake Spesh sl6 which I love riding and inspite of my mates banging on about disc brakes- I can’t justify spending £5-6k for not much gain?
Also think it looks much better than modern bikes
That's awesome! Don't listen to your buddies, they are just jealous of the bond you have with you bike 😉
Dan's bike looks almost identical to my S5. ~2010 era road bikes are such classics.
The soloist in the CSC livery is still one of my favourite looking bikes. I had to get one when it came out and could only afford to run it single speed for years. It’s now sat on my turbo trainer and it still gets my heart racing when I look at it. I wish there was room for such new and innovative bikes now days.
I own a 06 Soloist carbon , with 105 and aluminum wheels , 7.4kg , and the bike is amazing
Great throwback on start of the aero bikes. I still have my first Cervelo aero bike, the SLC-SL from 2005 I think. Riding is also about how the bike makes you feel and Cervelo aero bikes adds that extra something to make you ride those extra miles. Just love it.
Wow! Do you still ride the SLC-SL?
@@gcn I got an S5 about 10 years back but stll have my SLC-SL. Just couldnt let it go.
I still ride my slc-sl which I got in 2009 on sale. I'm still as passionate about it as I was then. It's been subject to some upgrades, di2, aero handlebar etc. Great bike!
@@gcnI just got a mint condition soloist slc sl which I’m building up with dura ace 9100 rim brake mechanical group and Enve 4.5. Superior braking and I should be able to get 25-28 tyres to soften the ride.
Here's an idea for a test, see how long it takes to change the handlebars on each of them - or to tune the drivetrain without an app.
The second half is like asking someone to change the cables on a mechanical bike without any tools.
It's just pointless.
The differences in the time the drivetrain will shift will greatly exceed the time of changing bars out
Yep they are harder to service, but that’s what bike shops are for (support local 😁) Unless you are changing your handlebars based upon the shape of a cloud you spy that morning then it’s kinda a moot point. Shifting adjustment is easier, you can do it while riding with your shifters and doesn’t degrade with time. Both are set and forget components.
This is some real old man yells at clouds energy.
Good one 😂😂
I bought a 2009 RS last year. It always felt special. Now I know why. Thanks for the video! ❤
It gets a complete rebuild right now and will be back on the road soon
Just like in car racing, you can have the best car and still lose to a better driver. Sweet ride Dan.
What this video showed (to me) is that in the last decades marginal gains + aero makes you faster by very little.
At 43 I'm all about ease of maintenance, comfort and when going uphill, I'll take my lightweight 2019 Trek Émonda SL5 rim brake any day over an aero bike.
I'm not aiming to beat anyone but my own records 😅.
Still got my 2012 R5 VWD which I’ve owned since new and rides beautifully, and a fantastic 2009 RS which I picked up off eBay for 800 quid. The RS is so sublimely comfortable that it’s my go-to bike now, over my 2022 Giant TCR.
Also, interestingly (to me, anyway) is that aero appears more important than weight. Even though the Canyon is heavier/beefier, it's modern aero components are still faster than the lightweight Cervelo. Fun video. Especially loved the interview w/ Dan at the end. Thanks, guys!
My carbon soloist with Sram red mechanical and Zipp 404 tubulars is still bloody fast. And looks duper cool!
I have and ride two road bikes, SL6 Tarmac and a 2009 S2 Cervelo. Both bikes are fitted with good carbon clincher wheels. I ride at the same cadence on both bikes, the S2 is always in a bigger gear than the Tarmac.
5 seconds up a climb is much more significant in road racing then how many seconds aero. Just think as a racer going 100 percent how many times you have gotten dropped by a few seconds up a climb and never recovered the front group. 5 seconds aero sitting in the draft is negligible because your only going 70 percent of effort. Only matters in solo breakaway or tt. From a practical standpoint lightweight still matters.
i'd like to see a 2018/2019 rim brake aero bike vs a 2023 model. Have bikes improved in aerodynamics enough in the las 4-5 years to offset the increased weight?
No improvement, Tour Mag aero tests prove it, but they are heavier and 2X-3X more expensive. A 2015 Canyon Aeroad rimbrake bike tests 206-207watts, 2022 SL7 210 watts, SL8 209 watts.
I ride a 2018 Canyon Aeroad it weighs 7.3kg ready to ride and its only ultegra. It is mind blowing the amount of money you would have to pay to get an aero bike at that weight in 2023 @@Gianniz27
Thank you for a good video. I think it illustrates the marginal gains that have been made. New, aero bike are slightly faster, but I still like my older bikes.
That's the most important thing! What bike do you like the most 🙌 Ride the bike that makes you happy!
Built mine with the first SRAM Red mechanical, DuraAce C24 wheels and other light components. Crazy light bike and super comfortable. Still ride mine all the time all these years later. No creeks it is still a great bike. Just about manages 25mm tyres…
I LOVE my 2010 Cervelo S3. Its light, it’s Aero and still looks great.
I think that yes older bikes definitely hold there place, BUT new bike technology is just so dang cool😍
2012 S5 owner, this video will give me mental strength now while riding😂
Currently on a 2016 Cervelo S5 with the HED jet 6 wheels and DA Di2 and have ridden it in comparison to some newer bikes and it hits an incredible sweet spot between this earlier S3 and the newer disc brake bikes. Would LOVE to see an aero test between the earlier S5, the gen 2 S5 and a modern disc brake aero bike!
Correction between the earlier S3 and the other bikes
Exactly, the rimbrake aero bikes around 2015-2018 were peak road bike, same speed as the latest modells recently, but lighter and cheaper.
I still ride my old aluminium Cervelo Soloist. Wasn’t surprised it gave the Canyon a run for its money. Those old Cervelos are rapid. Makes me wonder how fast the S3 is compared to the S5🤔
Ditto. It’s my commuter work bike, these things are built like tanks! I’ve also done an Ironman on it
I had the Soloist, the Soloist Carbon and the S3. All unbelievably quick and ahead of the game. The SC, however, was unridable over 40 miles, for me. The S3, was much friendlier to the budding amateur. However, i achieved most of my success on the R3-SL.
If there is a remake of this rim Cervélo S3, i would Buy it!
I would certainly love to see that!
There's plenty of used ones
Love cervelo but it’s all about the R series for me. Those thin chain stays make for a great comfortable and fast bike.
Love the insights. I just bought a 2nd hand 2017 R5 rim break frame. Cervelo dream coming true… :D
I still ride my 2009 S1 with a lot of the original components (some are getting switched out this year as things have worn out) but I am still the fastest on descents. It rides beautifully, and why would one change out perfection. Sure if I had 13k to drop, I would snag a brand new, top Cervelo, but then again, I am happy!
If you are the original owner and still have proof of purchase or registered the bike back then... Go check your seatpost for cracks under the collar. If it is cracked, you can get a new bike/frame from Cervelo ;). I got a choice of an S2 frame, S2 full bike or S3 frame for 600e back in 2016.
I regard this as the optimal year for a road bike as it was just before all the cables went in to the tubes and handlebars along with disc brake wheels.
It rides totally different to all of the first generation S1/2/2!
The „freewheeling away“ is exactly the feeling I have in sportives when there are people on older round tube bikes with shallow wheels.
I still have this bike! Don’t ride it as much as my disc di2 canyon anymore but it’s still beautiful to look at and take out every now and then
Was the power meter adjusted for the different crank lengths? Also, were they oval chain rings?
Fascinating idea for a comparison and great video. Would have been interested to see the exact times of each run, average speed etc…
Time travel 101, Si’s inflatable man dance with the fish blooping sounds. 10/10!
This was a good one Simon, especially being on Dan's Bike . Let's do your bike next👍🏼
I have around the same year S2 in white. Love it.
I don't understand why you couldn't get a 2023 S5 to compare. Guess that would void your current sponsorship.
Turns out it made canyon look worse lol. Where where the hard data numbers on those three runs with power? Cervelo must have been faster.
Outside of that great video. I bought a new S5 in 2019 and its a great bike.
I have this bike set up with aero brakes and other aero goodies. Custom one piece carbon saddle/post and the whole bike comes in at under 6000g. I was Aero and Light is Right decades ago.
That was fun! Legend Thor Hushovd of course also took the rainbow jersey on one of these babies back in 2010… I have the privilege of owning a Cervelo S3 from 2015, and now also a 2023 Scott Foil RC…The Scott is better at everything I would say, except speed… Crazy how fast that S3 is, even by today's standards…
Seeing that first Cervello TT bike, UCI thank you, many many Thanks!!!!
Ive just bought a new 2024 propel .... and can't help but look over to my 2009 tcr advanced and think of how much lighter it is
I bought a S3 disc back in 2018. Love it!
I own both the Cervelo S3 and the RS. Between the two of them, I was convinced that I could never buy a faster ,more comfortable bike. This attitude kept me on these bikes right up to 2022. That year I spent a few months in Girona, Spain and experienced my first "modern" bike (a Basso Astra with Sram Force Etap). I rode the Basso from town to Rocacorba and back. Despite the increased weight of the Basso, I rode a bit faster and far more comfortably than on the Cervelos. Like your experience, Si, it wasn't significantly faster but it still was faster.....and at least a kilo heavier. What!!!!!
So now, I ride all three and appreciate each for it's strengths. The Cervelos still feel fast, stable and light but the Basso remains the faster (but heavier) choice. I still ride the Cervelo when climbing and it's never let me down.
Great video. But I can't help wonder if the results were affected by the fact that canyon sponsor GCN. Did the s3 win the first round?
I wonder where's the results.
I would like to see the segments sections.
@y.a.p8951 It would just be nice to know what the overall time/ distance was. Without that it is effectively meaningless.
Nice video, still own and ride my aluminium soloist and it’s still a nice and fast ride…..only drawback is the limited choice of tire width…
Love that Lloydy was so humble about how his bike helped him. He's a very decent rider by any standards. But it is true that modern bikes are better. Sort of at least. Blooming interesting video. TY:)
Good wheel choice there,Si. I have the same exact set on my 2012 R5 VWD. So nice and light for sure.
So what happened to the tour being faster and faster said to be because of equipment? I think a few upgrades on that old s3 and could be even lighter and faster.
I think its a lot of things. Pros are faster now since they don't take off the winter and gain 20 lbs. Instead they train (and race) year round. Plus your marginal bike gains plus the gains in aero clothing and overall nutrition. It all adds up. But just one isn't going to change everything. I'm a big fan of the last decade bikes. I love my 2010 aero bike from Wilier. Light and fast. Nice aero jersey or a speedsuit and it is rapid. Our engines are always the limiting factor, but I will say my upgrade from my 1997 steel Bianchi to the carbon Wilier was a big upgrade. I don't see anything after that era being a big upgrade anymore. Living in marginal (and marketing) gains era for sure over the last decade.
I still have my cervelo s2. Still love it in 2023
Loved this history of Cervelo feature
Thanks!
Imagining Lloydy watching this video slightly teary eyed. Mainly about the size of Si's glasses!
I would have to see Si AND Dan riding these bikes together. Lovely video though. 😊
I sill own a P2SL aluminum Cervelo. With 23 mm tires and the aluminum frame. It's a beauty but its definitely not about comfort. I had to loosen the rear brake because the frame would flex and rub when pushing up a hill. Since then, I had bought a carbon endurance bike, such a joy to ride.
As for the Cervelo it's on the trainer.
At 13:50 I was reminded how happy I am that Si didn't chuck on some of Lloydy's old white shorts for this test...
would love to see a series of different changes being made to this bike to modernise it and see what makes the biggest differences & whether its possible to close the gap between modern and retro (first step, lose the tubs!)
Brilliant film Si and such a good link to why we all Dan fans
I still love being out on my 2005 soloist, with black anodized finish. Especially now I have managed to squeeze 25c tyres into it.
Way back in 2008 I had a Cervelo Soloist carbon, and ran Vittoria Roubaix 27c tires. Everyone thought my set up was weird… how times have changed.
Back then if you didn't have Mavic Kyseriums you WERE weird! LOL. Of course, back in 2008 my 1980s Campy spec'ed Colnago steel Master with handbuilt wheels was even weirder.
@@ralphc1405 I bet that Colnago was a beauty. My first race bike was a steel Bianchi rebranded as poghilagi, black and pink with dura ace nine speed. I’ve also been rocking blue Mavic reflex tubulars that I hand built on a set of 7800 hubs.
I still ride my S2. Added Sran ETAP and Cane Creek Brakes. It's still one of the lightest aero bikes. I also have a Pinarello Dogma and the Cervelo is lighter
Yet another win for weight in the aero vs weight for climbing.
Like to see Ollie take Dan's bike up some climbs
if i ever buy a Cervélo the first thing i’m doing is taking a full-color professional photograph of it and asking Daniel Lloyd and Dr. Emma Pooley and Oscar Pujol (all of which were bicycle-riders of the Cervélo Test Team) to sign it. (Why not “sign the bike itself”? Because the-bike-needs-to-be-washed-eventually right? Their signatures will eventually wipe-off if i have them sign the-bike-itself).
Don't forget the kit!!
I rode the S3 for years! If didn’t crash it, I’d still be riding it. I loved it! I ride the F12 now and I feel it shares a lot, it was easier to overcome the loss.
Great video. Result is very surprising given the S3 doesn’t have aero cockpit, hidden cables, or low rolling resistance tires. Is it possible S3 forced Si in to a more aero position on the bike?
I sold mine around 10 years ago feeling the need to upgrade to the new S5. I regretted that decision ever since
This was an interesting history lesson!
I have a R3 SL. I’ll never forget the first rides. It just kept getting better. Smoothest I’ve ever been on. Like Simon in the video, it was hard to believe. That year SRAM Force was top of the SRAM road line, but have upgraded to Red, ZIPP 303s. Still ride it. Newer bikes aren’t that much better. How about a climbing bike video? I’d love to see the comparison. Pretty sure the bike in the background in the video portion of GV was a R3 SL.
I’m a steel & friction shifters dork, but this just made me aero-curious.
I can absolutely tell the difference between my not-aero-at-all ‘15 Trek Emonda (rim brake mechanical 11s Ultegra), my “nodding in the direction of Aero” ‘22 Emonda (hydraulic disc 11s Ultegra), and my ‘23 Emonda (disc 12s Di2 Ultegra). The cleaner cockpit and newer frame/fork shapes-not to mention the superior wheelsets-not only feel faster, but my Strava segments seem to confirm it, particularly when I’m pretty sure I’m not in as good a shape as I was 3 years ago when the ‘15 was my primary ride.
Aero gains are great gains!
I'm riding still a rimbrake Cervelo s3 and is incredible fast and comfortable
I’m still riding my SLC-SL! I love it. I also have the gun metal grey aluminum soloist team - this bike def feels a little harsh, but still certainly nice to ride with lower tire pressure. AND I have a now retired Cervelo Eyre road frame from I think 1997? I believe it was their first road frame with the iconic aero downtube
Me too every week. Loads of upgrades over the years and lovingly maintained. Got me round a few Ironman courses and still turns heads.
The Old Sram Red groupset was VERY light (and more ergonomic).
oh my days what a throwback to early gcn days. Lloydy's old bike!!!
Edit: did he also mention he was part of the cervelo test team??!
I owned a 2012 S5 for many years and loved it but it was brutal in a crosswind. Had to sell it and have had a 2017 Cervelo R5 for years that is bulletproof! Love it and its super stable with a pair of Enve SES 5.6 wheels. If you haven't read the book about Vroomen and White and the Cervelo history I highly recommend it!
The best all-around bike Cervelo ever made was the R3 SL. It could climb and descend with the best of them and was compliant on rough roads - in particular the cobbels of Flanders and Roubaix. Bike mechanics marvel at how light my 2007 Team CSC edition R3 SL is anytime I bring it in for service, as it can be lifted by one's pinkie finger. Because all the cables are externallly routed and has rim brakes, it can be easily worked on and maintained by your average aspiring home mechancic. I still love riding it and see no reason to spend an outrageous fortune on a new bike that isn't built to the same specs and standards as the Vroomen - White year Cervelo's. That was a great era for carbon road bikes and Cervelo was at the forefront of it.
It's amazing how much has changed in a bit over a decade. Tubulars to tubeless. Rim brake to disc brake. 23mm tires at 100# to 28mm at 65#. Seperate bar/stem with exposed cables to fully integrated cockpits with completely hidden cables. Mechanical 10 speed to electronic 12 speed. Shallow carbon or alloy wheels to wide deep section carbon wheels. Even non-aero bikes have some sort of aero tube shapes.
So much in just over a decade! Makes us think about what will change in the next decade!
I have a same era white S2 as the one you’re riding!! I’m currently just a couple parts away from slapping on sram red etap 12 speed and some 38mm carbon rims! Still a killer fast bike
I love my S3 (2015 version), still get great comments on it from the public and in sportives.
Yes: a descending test with no pedalling. Also, how about the same test with a Colnago Master Olympic (or something similar)?
I had a Cervelo aero frame and a Specialized Tarmac S Works. The Cervelo was noticeably faster on flats. My first impression was how I could feel the bike cut through the wind. The narrow head tube and the aero downtube were so different from the Tarmac, which had a wide head tube and thick downtube. I specd both bikes with identical parts and the Tarmac was just 1 lb. lighter. The S Works climbed better and felt more comfy as you could imagine.
I would be curious to see how the results--especially the Cervelo--change without bottle cages. Because as you pointed out, that bottle really sticks out on the airfoil downtube!
Yeah, the fastest setup is to have the bottle on the seat tube ;) Would probably get that 5s back already!
To be frank, I don't enjoy all of these comparisons because of the pseudo-science but this one was a lot of fun. I especially liked the historical context. Very nice.
I had a chance to ride back-to-back that S3 and whichever R version there was in 2007 or 08. Couldn’t believe how fast I could go on the S bike.
Good comparison; however, I think the results would be even more interesting if the same tires and comparable wheelsets were mounted to the bikes.
whoever thought of putting that montage on Simon's huge glasses deserves a pay rise :)
I have a Cervelo S2, with Carbon rims and a modern Shimano R7000/R8000 groupset. It's quick enough to keep up with just about any newer bike I been on a ride with. My idea your next video is, try equipping the S3 with a modern R7000/R8000 groupset, carbon rims and do the race again👍. I bet the 5 sec gap will be closed
Any video for future: Sworks SL4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 Comparisons?