Why an S3 Ultegra 6800 Disc Bicycle? Isn't UCI-level disc use still up in the air? Do you really gain anything? The engineers from Cervelo have studied the concept and believe the answer to the second question is a resounding YES. The battle within the pro peleton regarding the value of disc brakes versus rider safety is a heated affair and yet to be worked through, but disc use feels inevitable. While the crash safety aspect should never be minimized, the positive safety effects such as vastly better braking performance in all conditions and massive reduction of heat within the rim under heavy braking must be factored in. Building a stiffer, lighter, stronger, and more aerodynamic frame and fork with thru-axles and disc brakes can create significant advantage. For those of you who race domestically, disc brakes will be a norm sooner than later, and if you ride alone or with small groups of friends, the overall performance level of aero disc road bikes easily exceeds rim brake versions. Short course triathletes who favor aero road bikes can embrace and take advantage the overall benefits of disc frame designs and improved braking as well.

The recently updated S3 frame design was not just adapted for disc brakes. Cervelo, as Cervelo does, re-engineered the entire bike to best utilize requirements on the frame and fork structure impacted by disc. Hub-based braking forces change the frame and fork requirements for stiffness, from front to back. By moving the front brake from the fork crown to the lower fork leg, not only did the blade design, change, but so did the crown- which no longer has to support the central bolt of the front caliper brake. Following along, the rear triangle and dropout had be re-designed, but the upper brake bridge isn't necessary, creating new opportunities to add clearance, reduce weight, improve ride quality and overall stiffness.

The new disc fork is much cleaner looking, with the crown area integrating better with the frame, and allowing the fork blades to be wider, with a new aerodynamic foil blade shape that shrouds flat mount disc caliper. A 2 watt reduction from the standard S3 fork may not sound like much, but that fork was already incredibly aero, especially with the Dropped Downtube, which carries over to the disc version, and the flattened trailing edge that carries the air cleanly along the frame and water bottles from the tapered headtube and past the Partial Seattube Cutout. The work done from the headtube through the bottom bracket and rear triangle adds 9% overall torsional stiffness to the S3 Disc over the standard S3, while reducing weight by 40 grams. The engineers even took the time to make adjustments to the left side cable stop of the Future Proof Cable Management system for better placement and interaction with the hydraulic rear brake brake hose.

The slender, slightly flattened seatstays borrowed from the Rca frame have greatly improved the ride quality of this aero design, and with the elimination of the brake bridge, the stays cleanly integrate into the seattube. With no brake caliper sticking out, there is no need to shield that area from airflow. The chainstays were built to manage power transfer and braking power of the flat mount rear caliper. The full carbon, 12/142mm thru-axle dropouts greatly improve overall rear triangle stiffness in conjunction with the stouter rear disc hub that the 12mm axle affords. Cervelo uses their proven offset BBright bottom bracket shell standard and oversized left side chainstay to counter the asymmetrical forces of a right side drivetrain. This system is incredibly stiff under the most powerful pedaling loads, efficiently maximizing your output, which what all riders desire, along with flawless mechanical efficiency.

Shimano's Ultegra 6800 11-speed components are hailed for their value, but the performance, durability, and reliability are what set them apart- ultimately creating that value. Due to Cervelo's BBright bottom bracket design the crankset and bottom bracket there are exceptions to Ultegra on this complete bike. FSA supplies their SL-K BBright crankset, with a 52-36 compact combination, as well as the PF-30 BBright bottom bracket bearings. KMC chains are highly regarded and the X11L works perfectly with the other components, and is lighter than an Ultegra chain. All of the other components are Ultegra 6800 or equivalent: The RS685 Hydraulic Disc brake STI mechanical levers were designed for both Ultegra 6800 and Dura-Ace 9000, as were the BR805 hydraulic calipers. The braze-on front derailleur, SS rear derailleur and 11-28 cassette are all 6800 series. Shimano's mineral oil hydraulic system is simple, safe, and easy to bleed/service. The 160mm RT-81 rotors employ IceTech technology to manage heat build-up. Braking feel and power, and shifting are excellent.

The bar and stem are from FSA. You get the alloy 31.8mm Energy Compact Handlebar and the alloy 31.8 SL-K stem for the cockpit. Cervelo supplies the standard rail mount SP17 aero carbon seatpost with a Fizik Antares. HED's Ardennes Plus GP Center Lock Disc Wheels make great training and rough surface wheels, and the Continental Grand Sport Race 700x23mm match those requirements.

Is an aero disc road bike right for you? Only you can know that, but if you love all-around performance, quality, and value, the Cervelo S3 Ultegra 6800 Disc Bicycle is the place to start. Lighter, faster, stiffer. We all want that. If you have any questions about the S3 Disc, please give us a call at (800)627-6664 and our expert staff can assist you, and help you get on this great bike.