If you are looking for a Di2 equipped every day road bike that wouldn't be out of place in a fondo or crit, come in and see us. We have been able to purchase a number of 2016 R3 Ultegra Di2 6870 Bikes at a great price and can pass them along to you. At just under 1000 grams for a 56cm frame (with collar and derailleur hanger- no games here), the R3 is still competitively light. Packaged here as a complete bicycle, with Shimano Ultegra 6800/6870, as well as complementary components from FSA, Rotor, and Mavic, the 2016 R3 Ultegra Di2 6870 is a smooth riding performance set-up that cyclists at any level can thoroughly enjoy and exploit, hour after hour, day after day.

As both the market and current trends have evolved, the geometry of the R3 has changed, with a taller head tube than the original more race-oriented design. The sloping design still offers great clearance and balanced handling, but the frameset is accessible fit-wise to more cyclists without sacrificing performance. The Squoval tubeset is noticeable, especially around the head tube, which houses the tapered 1⅜" to 1⅛" carbon fork steerer, and the combination of the larger size headtube and the concurrent head and down tubes improved overall stiffness from the previous generation R3 by 24%. While the standard straight steerer and headtube rode quite well, the stiffer interface can be felt most when out cornering and descending at speed, with a solid steering feel resulting pure rider confidence. Carrying the shapes down to the 79mm wide offset BBright bottom bracket junction, the already stout unit improves by 8%, sending more power directly back to the rear axle and peppier acceleration. The shape of the seat and chainstays is much the same, but adapted slightly in size and fiber lay-up to the match the new front triangle, maintaining the impressively smooth ride quality inherent to the R3 legacy.

Cervelo developed their Future Proof cable management system and Reduced Friction Bottom Bracket Guide for ease of use with cable driven or electronic drivetrains. This means the set-up for E-Tube Di2 wiring was a snap. And if you decide to move your 6870 Di2 to another frame, the Future Proof system handles regular cables and housing just fine. The R3 uses a 27.2mm diameter seatpost, which increases comfort and access to aftermarket options, while the braze-on front derailleur mount keeps assembly clean and easy. The BBright bottom bracket system requires specific PF30 bearings and a crankset that is designed for the asymmetrical design. The headset parts required for the tapered headtube and carbon fork are provided, with FSA's IS-2 model. As a true road bike, the R3 was designed for 700x25mm tires, but some manufacturer options up to 28mm may work with no problem. The frame and fork both feature quick release type full carbon dropouts, with the standard road 100mm fork and 130mm rear dropout spacing.

Shimano's 11-speed Ultegra 6800/6870 Di2 drivetrain is known for supreme precision, crisp shifting, and the type of reliability you expect from Shimano. E-Tube makes your life easier for wiring integration, and the smart battery system is a game changes. Engineering changes to the 6870 STI levers and front derailleur were welcome, even increasing Di2's efficiency. This package carries the 6870 dual control STI levers, front and rear derailleurs, and excellent 6800 dual pivot caliper brakeset. Due to the BBright system, and Cervelo's collaboration with Rotor, the PF30 bottom bracket bearings and 3D30 BBright 52-36 crankset come standard and can handle the power of the Di2 front derailleur. The performance of Rotor's round chainrings and overall crank stiffness make the parts function seamless with the Ultegra system. Cervelo opted for a combination of value and durability by using the steadfast 6800 11-25 cassette and chain, with the 6870 Di2 rear derailleur capable of handling an 11-28 down the road.

For wheels, the Mavic Aksium S was selected as a durable training-level model. Equipped with Mavic's QRM bearings the 1735g Aksium S rolls true and smooth, mile after mile. Cervelo has long believed that most cyclists will upgrade their wheels, and that is true in our experience, as is the fact that most also hold onto the stock wheels for training, wet weather, or as a pure back-up. Mavic's 700x25 Aksion tires are provided as a system match for the wheels. The cockpit is built around FSA's SL-K components, with the aluminum stem, alloy compact Energy handlebar, and bonded setback carbon seatpost. Fizik's Antares saddle and Cervelo's handlebar tape finish the build off.

The pricing on this performance road bike makes Di2 on such a great frameset accessible to more cyclists. You can also call us at (800)627-6664 if you have any questions about one of our all-time favorite bike designs and the impeccable electronic shifting Shimano delivers.