Cervelo R3SL or Scott Addict R2?
Tom has been looking at some real smart frames and he has narrowed his choice down to two, either the R3SL form Cervelo or the Scott Addict R2. This is one of the most difficult choices we have ever been given because both of these bikes I would buy tomorrow and would be pleased and proud to own and ride
Question:
I have narrowed by choice of new bike to either a Cervelo R3SL or a Scott Addict R2. I am about 5’6″, 150lbs and 48 years old. I ride about 100-150 miles/week. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Hi Tom,
This is so difficult, both these frames are top quality and so stylish and then there is the weight, these frames weigh nothing. They both handle like a dream too, but then you probably already know that. Quite often you need to look at the frame dimensions, the tube length and the angles, the frame has to fit, and the fit is the most important thing to look for in a frame, after that you can look at colors and the other little things that matter. There is no point in spending money on a frame that looks nice but is uncomfortable and the lightest frame isn’t always the best! Here is what we have discovered and what we think of these great frames.
Cervelo R3 SL
The R3 SL frame is strong, stiff and light, the three things that we are looking for in a top quality road frame. The Cervelo R3 SL has the ultra stiff Squoval down tube and an oversized bottom bracket. Cervelo use a system they call System they call “Smallwall” optimization, this adds carbon where it is needed and pairs it away where it isn’t to save weight. Talking of weight the Cervelo R3 SL tips the scales at 800 grams; it has no paint and has a super light seat pin, that’s what makes it so light! The R3 SL comes with a Wolf Super light carbon fiber fork an FSA Orbit IS integrated headset, and a Syntace P6 27.2mm carbon fiber seat post. It comes in 6 sizes from 48cm to a 61cm and the most obvious thing I have noticed is that the frame angles are nice and shallow, laid back for comfort, this is designed like a Tour de France rider would have it. Handling in any road conditions will be precise, this fame has it all. It looks good too.
Cervelo R3 SL
Scott Addict R2
The Scott Addict R2 is lighter than the Cervelo, but not by much, it is 790 grams of the top class HMX carbon, unlike the Cervelo it has a built in seat post for weight saving and stiffness. There is also an integrated bottom bracket which takes Shimano cranks, the drop outs are also carbon and the front gar hanger is alloy for strength. The forks are stylish, but maybe look a bit bulky. During Scott’s Integrated Molding Process (IMP), the top/head/down-tube section is produced in a single step, which ensures the lightest weight by removing all unnecessary material. The front end is then joined to the rear triangle creating a frame that’s incredibly light and efficient. It comes in 6 sizes from 49cm to 61cm, the angles will be lively as they are quite upright, this will give you a very sporty frame and maybe a little twitchy, the tight angles could make the ride uncomfortable on a long ride.
Scott Addict R2
So Decision Time
OK we have looked at them both and the choice has not got any easier, the Scott is lighter, but it has a few draw backs, the fork ends are carbon, but can they be repaired if they are damaged? The integrated bottom bracket is great if you want to fit Shimano, but what if you don’t want Shimano? Although the extended seat post look great and saves weight, but what if you want to sell the frame later will it fit? Apart from these points which may suit you, I would go for the Cervelo based on its geometry, it has a laid back design which is perfect for long rides or rough roads, its made for the Pro’s, this is the frame design that Pro riders want, it will still feel sharp, but yet comfortable.
At your size I guess you would be buying the smallest frame, the angles are very different between the two, and the Scott is very up-right. Take a look at the geometries of both frames and compare them, they are different and you need to decide which is closer to your needs and your size and body dimensions. The style of both frames is cool and they both are cutting edge carbon technology, they both have so much going for them, but for me I would go for the Cervelo R3 SL.
