Cervelo R3 or Specialized Tarmac Pro SL?

Dan Ford has a very difficult question to answer, which bike should he buy? His choice is between the Cervelo R3 and the Specialized Tarmac Pro SL, two of the best bikes available….a tough choice!

Question:
I am looking to buy a new bike next spring. Which is a better buy the Cervelo R3 with Ultegra SL or the Specialized Tarmac Pro SL with SRAM/Forte? I’m a fairly big guy 6 ft and 200 lbs and do some local racing.

Thanks for your help.

Dan.

Answer:

Hi Dan.
Very tricky choice as both are very good bikes, its like choosing between apples and oranges! Here is our decision:

The Cervelo

The Cervelo frame must be one of the best carbon frames on the market, the Squoval down tube and chainstays make for highest possible stiffness to weight ratio, the thin seatstays are both strong and exceptionally light. The frame is strong, light and performs as a Tour winning bike should.

The Shimano Ultegra group set can not be topped for the price; we all know how good Shimano works and its dependability.

The Specialized

Also a beautiful piece of carbon frame work, light and very strong, another race winning monocoque carbon frame. Top workmanship and very well designs, the dimensions of both frames are built for action.

SRAM equipment is every bit as good as Shimano, there is a mix of SRAM Force and Red along with Specialized’ own brand FACT kit, a nice mix, but in the end it is a mix that does work well together.

Our Choice?

In the end I would have to go for the Cervelo, why? Well all the equipment on both bikes is very good; you could only beat them by having Shimano Dura-Ace or a full SRAM Red group set. The frames are great, well built, well designed and exceptionally light; the only difference I can see that tips the scales to the Cervelo is the angles of the frame.

If you look at the geometry of both frames you will see that the seat tube angle of the Cervelo (depending on frame size) is slightly more laid back than the Specialized. The Specialized may feel a little more “lively” but comfort is much more important, especially on a long ride, the bike that Tour riders use is usually nearer 73º than 75º giving a much more relaxed feel to the ride. If you are planning a century ride those degrees could mean the difference between finishing freshly.

So it’s the Cervelo for us, let us know what you think?