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 Direct Mount rim brake aero fork and 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.

The Direct Mount rim brake design of the full carbon S3 fork and frame has allowed the the designers to improve tire clearance (up to 28mm) and overall dropout stiffness, while improving the aero principles of the fork and rear stays while making them stiffer. Cable/housing routing for the frameset is internal for both electronic and mechanical drivetrains, with the S3 employing the full Aero Cable Management system. A unique aspect of this is the AB09 aero handlebar and the ST29 Stem combination, that appear as standard equipment but are designed to work together to bring the housing and wires underneath the bar to pass into the stem and down the headtube to the frame. Yes, this requires a new headset bearing tension system and some deft assembly, but with either standard cables or eTube Di2 wires and hydraulic hose set-up this is practical, and once assembled once becomes much easier to manage. The end result is a super clean bar and stem set-up that features your levers and tape. Nothing else- unless you add satellite shift buttons at some point. It is impressive, and improves aero efficiency to the tune of 6.9 Watts over the previous version of the S3.

If you are interested in discussing geometry or a complete bike build based on this S3 Frameset, please call us at 800.627.6664 or email us at sales@excelsports.com. We highly recommend you allow Excel Sports or an authorized Cervelo dealer to assemble your new S3 Limited Edition Frameset.