Looking for a new road frameset that not only delivers the handling and performance you live for, but is also among the most aerodynamically efficient designs on the market? Look no further as the redesigned Cervelo S3 delivers across the board, and features a beautifully integrated, multi-piece head tube, steerer, stem and handlebar design. As popular and respected as the R-series bikes are both within and outside Cervelo, the S-series truly represents the core engineering and aerodynamic values of the Canadian company. The current TrueAero tube and overall frame design represent the evolution of NACA-derived aero shapes and the application of flatback, or Kamm-tail design.

Perhaps the best way to think of this is consider the NACA shapes as variations of elliptical or oval airfoils, as commonly seen on airplanes. The Kamm-tail is essentially a foil with a squared-off back side. This is much more effective at speeds that bicycles attain, with the overall oval widening slightly as from the front to back. This increases the time the frontal or angled onrushing air stays cleanly on the tube and releases cleanly off the back, while providing a push, from what is known as the laminar boundary layer.

The aerodynamic advantages of this are clear, but the focus of the engineering is on how to bring each tube shape and junction together to create a complete aero package. Yet that is only a portion of the S3, or any other frameset story. The assembly needs to be a performance bike that offers torsional headtube and bottom bracket stiffness- which is augmented by the flatback design, along with proper geometry, an appropriate level of vertical compliance. Overall safety is, of course, paramount. So the sleek lines and optimal integration you see from the outside houses a lay-up of various carbon fiber types that deliver safety, strength, power transfer, control and a connection to the road that inspires. Of course some of the engineering can be seen as well, with the Asymmetric BBright system and chainstays the most obvious. The aero fork, frame interface is both visually impressive and aerodynamically sound, while the partial seattube cutout carries the air that clings to the frame and guides it as cleanly as possible beyond the rear wheel.... Read More