Cervelo unveiled its first disc brake equipped aero road bike over the weekend, the all new Cervelo S3 Disc features enhanced aerodynamics as well as a lighter frame with increased stiffness.
The current Cervelo S3 model was almost three years old so was due for a major upgrade, surprisingly the newly announced Cervelo S3 will only be available in disc brake only models, there’s no rim brake version. The old S3 will continue to be sold in rim brake variants.
The new Cervelo S3 Disc will be available in two models, the higher spec is equipped with Ultegra 6870 Di2, Enve disc wheels and aero handlebar, the lower spec model has Ultegra 6800, Hed wheels and FSA handlebars.
Cervelo has redesigned the S3 frame with more robust airfoil sections, a rear triangle similar to the Rca road frame as well as other improvements that make the S3 Disc 2 watts faster and 9 percent stiffer than the previous S3 model.
Cervelo S3 Disc Features
A new S3 Disc fork that is 2 watts faster than the previous S3 fork.
Re-engineered seatstays and chainstays as well as a stiffer bottom bracket provide a stiffer frame than the previous S3, and the overall frame weight has been reduced by 40 grams and there’s clearance for up to 25mm tyres.
Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 9)12mm thru-axles combined with Shimano BR-RS805 hydraulic disc calipers and Shimano RT81 160mm brake rotors.
A redesigned cable routing system with left side entry only and an internal battery mounting borrowed from the Cervelo S5.
The S3 retains the BBright bottom bracket standard.
Geometry is the same as the previous S3 model including having only 405 mm chainstays, that’s under Shimano’s recommended length and an FSA crankset is used to reduce some of the cross chaining issues.
The new Cervelo S3 Disc will be available in two colourways, a white / fluoro and a more traditional Cervelo colour of Red / Blue
Thoughts on the Cervelo S3 Disc
It’s an interesting move from Cervelo releasing a brand new S3 but in disc brake only versions while the three year old models will continue to be sold with rim brakes. That’s got to be a little bit annoying for loyal S3 riders looking to upgrade but only want rim brakes.
The specification of the top end model looks fantastic with Enve SES 3.4 wheels, aero cockpit and Ultegra Di2.
The new colours look great, especially the White / Fluoro.
All images via Cervelo.com
